GEAR EXPERT
Learn how to choose the right paraglider,
set your instruments, and pack your reserve
Start the course
You trust this thing with your life, so isn't it time you learned how to keep it in perfect condition? I'll show you the simple checks you can do right now.
Greg Hamerton, Chief Instructor
Why do you need this?
Because developing your expertise in equipment helps you to spot potential problems, and correct them! By the end of the training course you’ll be able to adjust a pod harness for optimum performance, service a wing including replacing lines and testing porosity, and pack your own reserve. You'll know how to read between the lines in any gear review and you'll understand the range of paragliding equipment on offer.
Learn the SETUP
and get the best out of your harness
Learn SERVICING
Know what to check for on your own
Select THE RIGHT GEAR
Find the perfect match, for you
Lessons Plan
How to set up a POD
Your harness is your connection with the air. The right balance will give you more confidence, performance and safety.
(23:08)
Flying in a POD
What things do you need to adapt to, when coming from a standard harness? How do you get the best out it?
(14:09)
How to INSTALL your reserve
See how to get it right and avoid the dangerous mistakes!
(16:32)
PACK your reserve at home
Learn how to pack a modern rescue system in this detailed tutorial that shares solutions to common problems.
(20:29)
Do you need a STEERABLE?
Advance your knowledge with a Beamer discussion and packing demonstration.
(9:09)
Vario SETUP for XC
How to set up a flight instrument. You’ll learn to set up your vario average properly and display the key information.
(10:20)
Choose the right VARIO
Which flight instrument is the best? What features do you really need? Let's take our test to the air!
What's the best HELMET?
What you should really be looking for when choosing your paragliding helmet.
(07:21)
How to use SOFT LINKS
A useful alternative for reserve parachute connections.
(04:03)
The G-FORCE BRAKE
Sometimes you need to get out of the sky fast. Let me show you how the drogue chute works.
(05:32)
How to do an INSPECTION
Learn what to look for and how to keep your paraglider in perfect condition.
(22:23)
Test your POROSITY
I bought an old paraglider. How can you check if it's safe? Will this aerofoil keep working, even in bad air? Let's find out!
(20:21)
Are your LINES strong?
Keep your equipment in good condition and avoid the dangers of damaged lines. Learn about paraglider line construction, repairs, knots, splices and strength surprises.
(17:27)
How to do a TRIM CHECK
Deepen your technical knowledge by learning to adjust the trim of an old wing to ensure optimal performance.
(24:01)
How to do a WING REPAIR
Learn how to use tape to repair a wing in the field.
(3:10)
Can you WASH your wing?
A short guide to paraglider care to help you extend the life of the fabric.
(5:23)
Are you ready to UPGRADE?
In this video we'll discuss the necessary preparation and airtime demands of various paragliders.
(12:10)
Buy the BEST WING
Learn the technical aspects you should know, the tests you can do on a demo day, and what questions you should ask.
(20:12)
Going ULTRALIGHT
How ultralight paragliding gear really performs in the mountains.
(31:02)
Flying 2-LINERS
What are 2-liners, and how do you fly them? Prepare for the upgrade to a modern high-performance wing.
(11:53)
Paragliding GEAR
Finding the best high B, understanding wing weight ranges, analysing wing specs, fitting a second reserve, 2.5 liner technology, 2 liners and using harness hangers.
(1:07:24)
Flying EQUIPMENT
An informative hour of Q&A about paragliding equipment. We talk about wings, harnesses, instruments and reserves.
(1:15:00)
Flight INSTRUMENTS
A livestream session all about VARIOS. How to set them, what to look for and what you need to get you high!
(1:13:43)
Paraglider REPAIRS
Equipment maintenance, field repairs, glider checks and repairs and how to get rid of those pesky Brummel Hooks!
(1:10:26)
When to UPGRADE
How do you know it's the right time to move up a class of wing? Why do you want to upgrade? In this podcast I discuss all the aspects to consider when buying a paraglider.
(23:49)
Second Hand wings
Thinking of buying a used paraglider? Here are some things you might want to consider!
(17:44)
Know your stuff?
Watch all the videos, work on the practical tasks and get over 80% in the GEAR EXPERT test, to earn your FLIGHT LEVEL 10 certificate!
Become a GEAR EXPERT
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Who is it for?
You'll develop a broad range of equipment expertise in this course. It's a standalone module but it's best to complete Level 1 first so you have a foundation of basic knowledge about harness setup and brake control.
How does the course work?
This is designed as a two-week course. but you can take as long as you want. Every day, try to work through some new video lessons, but don't rush! Take the time to absorb each key skill. You can return to any lesson at any time thereafter.
What is included in the course?
Over 10 hours of technical training in gear servicing, selection and setup. There’s also a task sheet for you to develop your skills, and a test at the end of the course to see if you can apply the concepts to common problems. If you get more than 80% you can earn your FLIGHT LEVEL 10 certificate!
How to begin the training videos?
GEAR EXPERT is available as part of a Flight Academy subscription. Enrich your learning experience with livestreams, chatroom, discounts and a large catalogue of more advanced topics.
Get your lessons anywhere
Accessible on all devices including iOS, Android, MACs and PCs. You can even Cast to your TV!
Most of the lessons are subtitled in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian.
Structured learning
Continue your journey upwards through the Flight Levels system. GEAR EXPERT gets you ready for the more advanced levels and will ensure you have many years of safe flying!
Level UP!
Get in-depth video training that will develop your knowledge, so you can fly with confidence, knowing your gear is right for you, and in perfect condition.
Know your EQUIPMENT
Take what I've learned from hundreds of gear reviews