Fly2Base Blog

Why is the length of paragliding lines changing?

Posted by Martin Havel on Sep 06, 2018

Over time the length of the paragliding lines will change depending on the environment, style of flying and type of materials used for the lines. Paragliding manufacturers use two types of materials for the lines.

Aramid. The advantage of this material is being light while offering a good resistance to shocks, abrasion and heat. This material has a remarkable tensile and mechanical properties. On the other hand, aramid lines are sensitive to UV rays and moisture.

Dyneema. A disadvantage of this material is shortening with age. An advantage of this material is being very resistant to traction (low elasticity) and is not as sensitive to ultraviolet and moisture.

Regular SIV or ACRO Paragliding where to start?

Posted by Martin Havel on Aug 26, 2018

Many of the experienced ACRO Paragliding pilots have started on an easy to fly basic glider with high passive safety before moving on to the Freestyle or Acro glider. The first manoeuvres shall be practised safely until they are fully mastered. The right glider will help you to start safely and progress fast while feeling confident and safe when learning all the basic manoeuvres from Wing Over, Stalls, Tail-Slides, Deep Stalls, SATs, Spins to some more technical manoeuvres like the Helico, Misty Flip and so on.

SPOT versus Garmin InReach prices and annual plans

Posted by Martin Havel on Jul 17, 2018

The prices for the SPOT annual subscription on AU SPOT web site are in USD. SPOT Basic Plan $300 AUD plus the Network Maintenance Fee $38 AUD. Total per year $338 AUD. InReach Freedom Plan is $240 per year plus $0.15 AUD ea for each tracking point. So to get to the cost of the annual plan of SPOT you have 22 hours of tracking with 10 minutes interval to match the price difference of $98 between the InReach Freedom Plan and SPOT annual plan. The recreational plan with unlimited tracking will cost $480 so you will pay extra $142 per year for two way communications, better and more reliable satellite coverage and unlimited tracking.

What is EN 926 and what are the EN 926.1 requirements?

Posted by Martin Havel on Jun 22, 2018

The EN 926 certification consists of two parts: EN 926-1 details paraglider structural strength requirements and EN 926-2 details paraglider flight tests requirements. Paragliders that have been tested and found to be compliant with both EN 926-1 and EN 926-2 are therefore compliant with the EN 926 series.

Should I get the Garmin inReach Explorer+ or SE+

Posted by Martin Havel on Jun 04, 2018

There are two products in this category to look in to.

They are identical products offering exactly the same functionalities. The inside electronic components are exactly the same, the only difference is that Explorer+ offers Topological Mapping and SE+ doesn't have the Topological Mapping. If you need the topological maps then Explorer + is a better option. If you don't need a topological map then SE+ will do all that you need for your paragliding satellite communicator tracker.