Flying tandem introduces extra responsibilities: you're not only looking after your own safety but also the passenger's. A meticulous pre‑flight inspection is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of a malfunction in the air. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that covers every critical element of a two‑person (tandem) paraglider inspection, from the canopy to the harnesses and the ground crew.
Choose the Right Spot
- Flat, unobstructed terrain -- Ideally a level field with at least 15 m of clear space on all sides.
- Calm wind -- No stronger than 2--3 Bft for a thorough inspection; stronger gusts can hide problems.
- Adequate lighting -- Sunlight from behind can make fabric tears hard to see; use a flashlight or headlamp if needed.
Tip: If you're on a beach or a hillside, walk the inspection area first to make sure you won't be pushed into obstacles during launch.
Visual Check of the Canopy
| Item | What to Look For | Action if Defective |
|---|---|---|
| Overall fabric | No holes, tears, or burnt patches. Look especially at the leading edge and ribs. | Patch or replace the canopy; never fly with damaged fabric. |
| Lines & Trim | Clean, untangled, no abrasions, corrosion, or slick spots. Trim should be fully extended with no stiff folds. | Cut away damaged sections; re‑trim or replace the affected lines. |
| Seams & Reinforcements | Stitching should be even, tight, and free of broken threads. Reinforcement patches must be secure. | Repair with appropriate paragliding thread or send to a certified repair shop. |
| Pressure cells | Uniform shape, no bulges or collapsed sections when the wing is laid out. | Identify the location; collapse often indicates a torn cell or a compromised line. |
| Port (front opening) | Opens fully, slides smoothly, and latches securely. | Clean debris, lubricate the latch (if manufacturer‑approved), or replace the port. |
Procedure:
- Spread the wing fully on the ground, aligning the leading edge with the wind direction for a natural "inflate" shape.
- Walk the entire perimeter, looking from different angles. Use a hand‑lens or magnifying glass for fine inspection of seams.
Pull each line gently to confirm full length and absence of hidden knots.
Line Inspection
3.1 Main (A‑, B‑, C‑, D‑) Lines
- Length check -- Use a calibrated measuring tape. Compare each line to the manufacturer's specification.
- Knot integrity -- All knots (usually double‑overhand) must be clean and snug.
- Wear spots -- Look for fraying, delamination, or loss of coating.
3.2 Safety (Reserve) Lines
- Reserve‑wing line -- Is it correctly attached to the reserve parachute?
- Release mechanism -- Operates smoothly without excessive force.
3.3 Suspension Lines (Connect to Harness)
- Verify that the two‑person harness has a single set of "lead‑in" lines per pilot that are the correct length for the chosen tandem configuration (pilot‑front, passenger‑rear).
Safety Note: Never substitute a line from a solo harness for a tandem harness. The load distribution is different.
Harnesses & Connectors
| Component | Inspection Points | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot harness | Seat pad, buckles, shoulder straps, leg loops. Look for cracks, frayed stitching, and wear on the webbing. | All buckles latch securely; webbing shows no cuts or excessive abrasion. |
| Passenger harness | Same as pilot, but also check the rear‑seat lock‑out mechanism that prevents forward sliding. | Lock‑out engages and releases easily; no broken parts. |
| Tandem carabiners / quick‑release | Pin integrity, proper shape (e.g., "M"‑shaped for tandem), no deformation. | Pins close fully; spring tension is firm but not overly stiff. |
| Reserve‑parachute container | Seal intact, container not dented, ripcord accessible. | Container opens with a single, clean pull; no corrosion on metal pieces. |
- Sit in each harness, fasten all buckles, and perform a "wiggle test." No excessive movement should be felt in the seam areas.
- Pull each carabiner's gate open and closed three times to ensure smooth operation.
Verify the weight range of the combined pilot + passenger falls within the wing's certified limits.
Instrumentation & Electronics
- Variometer & GPS -- Verify battery charge, screen readability, and correct sensor orientation.
- Radio / communication device -- Test transmit/receive, ensure antenna is secure.
- Altitude limit or "flight‑termination" system (if equipped) -- Perform a functional check per the manufacturer's manual.
Quick Test: Power on the equipment, walk the runway, and observe that altitude and descent‑rate readings change as expected.
Ground Crew & Launch Preparation
- Brief the Passenger -- Explain the launch position, hand signals, and what to do if they feel uneasy.
- Line Management -- Assign a ground assistant to hold the A‑lines while the pilot finishes the final harness checks.
- Wind Assessment -- Confirm that the wind direction is within the wing's acceptable sector (usually ±30° of the nose).
Final "Go/No‑Go" Checklist
| Item | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
|---|---|---|
| Canopy fully inspected, no damage | ||
| All lines correct length, no frays | ||
| Harnesses secure, buckles lock | ||
| Reserve parachute accessible, container sealed | ||
| Instruments powered and functional | ||
| Weight‑and‑balance within limits | ||
| Weather within operational limits (wind, clouds, visibility) | ||
| Ground crew ready, clear launch area |
If any "No" remains, resolve the issue before proceeding.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Skipping the reverse‑order line check -- Always start from the A‑lines (front) and work backward; missing a damaged B‑line is easy if you start at the rear.
- Over‑tightening harness buckles -- This can create pressure points and reduce comfort; it also masks potential webbing wear.
- Launching in gusty conditions -- Tandem wings have a larger surface area and are more susceptible to collapse in turbulence.
- Using a solo reserve parachute -- Tandem reserves are larger and have different deployment characteristics; never substitute.
After‑Flight Quick Inspection
A short post‑flight scan helps you catch problems before they become serious:
- Rinse lines with fresh water (especially after salt‑water flights).
- Check for new scratches or abrasion from the ground.
- Verify that all buckles and carabiners still close fully.
Storing the wing in a cool, dry place and keeping the lines loosely coiled will extend the life of your tandem setup.
Conclusion
A tandem paraglider doubles the joy of flight but also doubles the responsibility. By following a systematic pre‑flight inspection---covering canopy condition, line integrity, harness security, equipment functionality, and launch preparation---you create a safety net that protects both pilot and passenger. Treat each inspection as a ritual, never cut corners, and remember that a safe take‑off is the foundation of an unforgettable airborne experience.
Happy flying, and keep the skies safe!