Paragliding glossary

The control lines and handles acting on the wing’s trailing edge.

A connector commonly used to attach the paraglider’s risers to the harness.

An instrument platform or holder positioned in front of the pilot.

The equipment that supports the pilot beneath the wing.

Protective equipment worn on the pilot’s head.

The cords connecting the canopy to the risers, with suspension lines carrying the load.

A separate emergency parachute carried for use during flight.

The straps between the paraglider’s lines and the harness attachment points.

A foot-operated system that changes the wing’s suspension geometry to increase airspeed.

The lifting part of a paraglider, connected to the pilot by lines and risers.

The lower boundary of a cloud.

A heap-shaped convective cloud with distinct edges.

The side of a slope or obstacle sheltered from the incoming wind.

Rising air that can help a glider maintain or gain height.

Rising air produced when wind is deflected upwards by a slope.

A region of rotating airflow that can form on the lee side of terrain.

Air moving downwards.

A rising current driven by differences in air temperature and density.

Irregular, swirling airflow with changes in speed and direction.

The side of a slope or obstacle facing the incoming wind.

The speed of the glider relative to the surrounding air.

A deformation in which part of the inflated canopy folds or loses its flying shape.

A flight along a route beyond the immediate area of the launch site.

Horizontal distance travelled per unit of height lost in a glide.

Practising control of the wing while staying on the ground.

The speed at which the pilot moves over the ground.

The final part of a flight in which the pilot returns to the ground.

Soaring in air that wind pushes upwards along a slope.

Using rising air to maintain or gain height without engine power.

A state in which excessive angle of attack separates the airflow and disrupts the wing’s normal lift.

The transition from the ground into flight.

An instrument or function showing height relative to a reference.

A short-range wireless connection between devices.

A radio network for exchanging data between compatible free-flight devices.

Technology for electronic conspicuity and collision warnings between compatibly equipped aircraft.

A satellite system providing positioning, navigation and timing.

In flight logging, usually a text file with the .igc extension.

Sharing position updates with remote viewers during a flight.

A time-ordered series of positions recorded during a flight.

An instrument indicating the pilot’s rate of climb or descent.

A stored location with coordinates used for navigation.