Paragliding Manufacturers’ Association members have voted to ask the world governing body of hang gliding and paragliding, the FAI, to redefine the Class 3 paraglider and create a new class of paraglider, Class 6.
If the PMA’s request is implemented it means that the Ozone BBHPP paraglider that brought the Anglo-French manufacturer a 1-2 victory at the Paragliding World Cup Superfinal in September would be excluded as it uses carbon rod reinforcing technology and only two sets of lines.
Ozone are reportedly upset by the decision as the now well-established plastic wire reinforcements seen on many gliders will be included in the PMA proposed Class 3, while their carbon rods of almost equal diameter will see the BBHPP pushed into the proposed new Class 6.
In response Swiss manufacturer Advance said it would restrict its comp gliders to its own test pilots and factory team because of the “uncertain” way competition is developing.
Advance said it was restricting its comp gliders to members of its own competition team, and its own test pilots, because, “not enough is known about the risks and extreme flight behaviour of paragliders with rigid primary structures”.
Read the full story with comment from the major players in the industry in the forthcoming issue of Cross Country magazine.
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