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FIRST EVER Base Jump With Velocity Edge 28m Paraglider!

admin — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 14:59:59 +0000

FIRST EVER Base Jump With Velocity Edge 28m Paraglider!

A Velocity Paragliders USA FIRST!

FIRST EVER “hand-held Cliff Base Jump” with a Velocity Edge 28m Paraglider! This amazing stunt was performed by Spencer “Biz McTangles” Bisley in Moab Utah. For more information on Velocity Paragliders, please visit http://blackhawkparamotor.com/paragliders/

Spencer is an experienced Base Jumper and Paragliding Pilot, who recently got into the sport of Powered Paragliding. He purchased a BlackHawk AirMax 220 Paramotor and a 28m Velocity Edge Paraglider. Spencer has spent the last 5 years “combining the sports of Base Jumping and Paragliding.” His first attempt at Base Jumping with a 28m Paraglider was five years ago from the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls Idaho. Footage of this jump is included in this video. After multiple jumps with many different gliders, Spencer was finally ready to attempt the cliff jump in Utah.

“The only problem was the wings I was using at the bridge were either too heavy or too high-performance. I recently got into Paramotoring and I got a BlackHawk AirMax 220, along with a Velocity Edge Wing. I realized that the wing would be perfect for the cliff jump. It has mellow handling characteristics, well-built, very lightweight, and I practiced from the bridge with it a few times. I was very happy with the performance, so I was ready to move to the cliff.”

This carefully-planned “stunt” took much practice, experience, and preparation. That being said, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! Velocity Paragliders are not designed or intended to be used for “acro” or stunts. This video was submitted by an experienced customer and is not sponsored or endorsed by Velocity Paragliders USA – a division of BlackHawk Paramotors USA Inc.

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How are Paragliders Certified Through EN Testing?

admin — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 14:26:49 +0000

What is “EN Testing” and “EN Paraglider Certification?

(Click Image to learn more about Paraglider Certification)

EN Paraglider Certification, or “European Norm” regulations, were originally developed to assess the flight characteristics of Paragliders. A group of experts from several European countries had the goal of creating a four-level glider certification system (A, B, C, &D). This was to help consumers and manufacturers determine which glider is appropriate for a pilot’s given skill level. (A) being the safest “beginner-friendly” gliders, and (D) being reserved for highly-skilled pilots. The founding members of the group wanted even the lowest level of safety (D gliders), to be “safer” than previous certifying organization’s top-levels, and with the most stable level (A gliders) being “safer” than any gliders in production. To ensure the consistency of certifications, a simple description of each class was developed early on. Countless tests are performed to determine the paraglider’s behavior in specific maneuvers. These tests are conducted at both the minimum and maximum weight limits of the glider. After a 10-year period of expert testing, writing, refining, and validating, the EN Certification Standards have become internationally recognized as one of the most trusted ratings in the industry.

Which EN Paraglider Certification is best for YOU?

The European Norm (or EN Paraglider Certification) focused on pilots with the least experience, guaranteeing the MAXIMUM LEVEL OF SAFETY. The various EN Classes are very strict. In fact, even the slightest deviation from the strict EN standards can disqualify the glider. Additionally, ratings not only take the pilot’s skill-level into consideration, but also the “flight characteristics” or responsiveness of the glider. “Flight Characteristics” is basically a term which describes the glider’s tendency to lose control, and the likelihood or speed of it’s recovery.

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EN-A Certified Paragliders:

FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS:

Paragliders with a maximum level of passive-safety. EN-A Certified Paragliders are extremely forgiving and show exceptional resistance to deviation from normal flight.

PILOT SKILLS REQUIRED:

EN-A Certified Paragliders are designed for ALL PILOTS, and suitable for any level of training. These are great for pilots with less than 1 year of flight experience, or for those who fly less than twice a month (25 hours a year).

EN-B Certified Paragliders:

FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS:

EN-B Certified Paragliders display good passive-safety and forgiving flight characteristics. The glider must have some resistance to deviation from normal flight.

PILOT SKILLS REQUIRED:

EN-B Certified Paragliders are designed for ALL PILOTS, and suitable for any level of training. There are a broad range of paragliders on the market fitting this category. Some are closer to “EN-A” gliders than others. NOTE: Pilots should have experienced AT LEAST 30 hours of flight-time in various flight conditions. At least 10 of those hours being in thermic conditions. EN-B Certified Paragliders are commonly flown by pilots with “ratings” or “certifications,” and for those who fly no less than 50 hours per year (3-4 times per month).

EN-C Certified Paragliders:

FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS:

EN-C Certified Paragliders possess a moderate level of passive safety. These gliders can potentially display dynamic reactions to turbulence or pilot errors. Precise “active piloting” or input may be required for recovery.

PILOT SKILLS REQUIRED:

EN-C Certified Paragliders are designed for intermediate pilots who possess good “active piloting” skills, and are quite familiar with recovery techniques. The pilot must fully understand the implications of flying a glider with reduced passive safety. Pilots should possess an advanced rating or certification, and have logged HUNDREDS of flight hours in ALL conditions (especially thermic). An “SIV” or “Advanced Maneuvers” Clinic should be completed by pilots flying EN-C Paragliders. Recommended for those who fly at least 10 hours per month (2 times per week), and for those who are comfortable handling large asymmetric collapses.

EN-D Certified Paragliders:

FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS:

EN-D Certified Paragliders have demanding flight characteristics. They can have potentially violent reactions to turbulence or pilot error. Precise pilot input will be required for recovery to normal flight.

PILOT SKILLS REQUIRED:

EN-D Certified Paragliders are for the most advanced pilots who are very well-versed in recovery techniques. Pilots should fly very actively, possess much experience flying in turbulence, and fully accept the implications of flying such a glider. Pilots should fly for many years before considering an EN-D Certified Paraglider. Various advanced maneuvers or “SIV skills” must be MASTERED to fly such a glider, and pilots should fly no less than 200 hours a year (often in strong conditions).

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Velocity Elektra Paraglider Now EN-B CERTIFIED!

admin — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 14:13:32 +0000

Velocity Elektra Paraglider Now EN-B CERTIFIED!

We are excited to announce that the 26m Velocity Elektra Paraglider has been officially certified as an EN-B class glider! The “EN Paraglider Standards” were formulated by industry experts from several countries in Europe. Their goal was to create four-levels of glider certifications which reflect the overall stability and safety of Paragliders. Thorough testing is performed to determine if a glider meets specific standards for these classes.

This includes everything from stability in various extreme conditions, takeoff & landing characteristics, load testing, responsiveness, resistance to collapsing or stalling, and so much more. After weeks of anxiously awaiting the results, we were informed that the glider not only “passed” the certification standards, but did so with “flying colors.” EN-B certified Paragliders provide a great “passive safety level and forgiving flying characteristics.” This means that all pilots, of all skill levels, can enjoy flying the Velocity Elektra Paraglider with confidence.

Where Are Velocity Paragliders Made & What Materials Are Used?

Velocity Paragliders are manufactured in Korea to exacting standards. Each glider is sewn to perfection, by industry professionals with decades of experience. The Velocity Elektra is carefully constructed from the finest, most durable, and most modern materials available. Dominico 2RS is utilized, providing excellent UV protection and unmatched strength. Delron Battens in the leading & trailing edges add to the rigidity of the glider. All Stainless Steel ball-bearing pulleys are made by Harken for flawless performance.

Vibrant colors enhance pilot visibility, and if stored correctly, will remain brilliant throughout the lifespan of the glider. The Velocity Elektra integrates many features to help make it “beginner-friendly.” Swivels on the brake toggles help prevent tangling. Centering graphics are easy to spot and aid in achieving that perfect launch. Rare earth magnets are sewn into the A-risers for easy brake-attachment, and help prevent the collection of debris. Risers are clearly marked, and the Elektra features split A’s for executing “big ears.” Inflation is fast & easy, and landings are extremely gentle.

Boasting an incredible 9.4:1 glide ratio, the Velocity Elektra is the most efficient glider in the sport. If you are looking for an affordable, performance-packed, EN-B Certified Paraglider, you won’t find anything better.

Velocity’s Elektra Paraglider “Makes Flying Exciting, All Over Again.”

The Velocity Elektra Paraglider made its debut in 2013 at a large Powered Paragliding gathering in Southern California. Since then, the Elektra has gained international recognition as “One of the most versitile, efficient, and affordable gliders in the world.” Pilots of all skill-levels were lining up to test-fly Velocity’s new “crossover creation.” In addition to being one of the most responsive Powered Paragliding Wings in the industry, the Elektra functions as a World-Class Free-Flight glider as well.

Velocity’s Team Pilot Christoph Beucker stated “I’m a huge fan of XC (cross-country) flight… The Elektra is so efficient, it’s easy to forget I have a motor on my back.” BlackHawk’s Head Flight Instructor Joe Cruz commented that “The Elektra allows our more athletic students to progress faster towards an intermediate-level of training… As a student’s skill-level progresses, it won’t be a glider they will feel like they’ve grown out of.”

From a Pilot’s View…

The Elektra is dubbed “beginner friendly,” but it doesn’t just capture the attention of beginner pilots. Steve Johnson, a Velocity Elektra owner commented:

“I’m a US native living in Nepal. I’ve been Paragliding for over a decade and fly all over the world. My friends call me a “glider connoisseur” due to my discriminating taste for the best. I normally stick with C-Class Paragliders, but I had the opportunity to fly an Elektra while in South America. Upon my next visit to the States, I purchased one. In Nepal, we obviously fly in the mountains, and at times, the winds can be very unpredictable. The Elektra however IS predictable. I find myself flying it more and more – especially in places where I haven’t flown before. I wouldn’t be surprised if in the near future, I fly the Elektra exclusively.”

Steve Johnson – US Native Living in Nepal

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