Classification

Find out through flying device classes which flying device suits my skills perfectly

How are flying devices classified?

The classification provides an indication of the demands placed on the pilots' skills. It is determined through flight tests as part of the type test procedure. These tests only make statements about the flight characteristics, not the flight performance. The overall classification results from the highest (= most demanding) rating that a device receives in a single rating category (flight manoeuvre).

 

When reading the test reports, the following applies: The flying of test manoeuvres and their assessment is carried out according to a strictly defined scheme. This is the only way to ensure the reproducibility of the results and to compare them with specified limit values. The statements thus enable an objective comparison of the flight characteristics of the flying devices with each other, but of course they only apply in their absolute terms under the specified test conditions. Any anomalies that are not reflected in the assessment scheme may be listed in the “Additions to flight safety” field.

Classification of paragliders

The latest airworthiness requirements (LTF) apply to the classification of flight characteristics and the requirements for pilots. When classified according to LTF, the pattern is divided into one of the following classes according to the highest rating letter determined during the test flights. The class is intended to give pilots guidance as to whether a paraglider is suitable for them.

Flight characteristics: Paragliders with good passive safety and forgiving flying characteristics. Gliders with some resistance to departures from normal flight.

Required skills: Designed for all pilots including pilots under all levels of training.

Flight characteristics: Paraglider with good passive safety and forgiving flight characteristics. Gliders with some resistance to departures from normal flight.

Required skills: Designed for all pilots and may be suitable for pilots under training if recommended by the manufacturer.

Flight characteristics: Paragliders with moderate passive safety and with potentially dynamic reactions to turbulence and pilot errors. Recovery to normal flight may require precise pilot input.

Required skills: Designed for pilots familiar with recovery techniques, who fly “actively” and regularly, and understand the implications of flying a glider with reduced passive safety.

Flight characteristics: Paragliders with demanding flying characteristics and potentially violent reactions to turbulence and pilot errors. Recovery to normal flight requires precise pilot input.

Required skills: Designed for pilots well practised in recovery techniques, who fly very actively, have significant experience of flying in turbulent conditions, and who accept the implications of flying such a wing.

Classification of hang gliders

Klassifizierung HG

For pilots who are interested in simple flight behavior, for example because they rarely fly.

For pilots who have a restricted pilot's license (A license) and prefer enjoyable flying

For pilots who have an unrestricted pilot's license (B license) and fly regularly and at short intervals

Special instruction required. e.g. because of unusual controls