Speed Flying

Speed ​​Flying, Speed ​​Riding, or speed riding is a form of paragliding, which is operated mainly in winter. Be used to Paragliders with very small area and correspondingly greater speed. The screens have an area 8 to 14 square meters and can reach 60 to 120 km / h Speed ​​Flying is regarded as a sport with very high risk.

Area of ​​application

Flown this is depending on the preference of the pilot in small hops until the next shallower section of terrain or on steep terrain with a correspondingly low ground clearance. For the former variation, a corresponding " chassis " for the rapid movement on the ground is essential. Ideal for ski are, which is why this variant is exercised, especially in winter. With a correspondingly stronger winds (about 60 km / h) can thus be operated Soaring.

Due to the screen types whose flight performance and the mountain or hillside near used one can understand speedflying as a resurgence of mountain flying in the 1980s in a modern form.

Meanwhile, the screens are also used for foot launch. This is, however, due to the high starting speed dangerous, he is therefore reserved to the professionals. Meanwhile, the market has adjusted to the changing situation, so some manufacturers produce special screens that are only meant for foot launch.

Training

Although it is not the speed flying at first glance is an air sport, the mastery of the Speed ​​screen is necessary. The legal situation in Germany is still totally unregulated. In Austria, a glider license is required for legal practice. In Switzerland, the glider 's Certificate plus a Speedflying extension on legal exercise is necessary since 1 January 2008. For the Speedflying extension additional training and examination must be completed at a speed flying instructor. Since March 2009, Suva ( Swiss Accident Insurance Fund ) speedflying than absolute risk classifies, that is, that the cash benefit in an accident are reduced by 50%.