Suspension and check
The decision as to whether the passenger is to be attached to a longer or shorter loop of the T-Bar
(if present) must be made taking into account the passenger’s height and any difference in weight.
If the passenger is smaller than the pilot, it must be attached to the lower suspension loop. This pre
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vents the co-pilot from being lifted off the ground too early and also keeps the pilot’s visibility clear.
After attaching the pilot to the T-Bar with risers and fastening the carabiners, he asks the passenger
to stand in front of him in order to be able to attach him correctly. He is prompted to follow the pro
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cess visually. Don’t forget: the carabiners of the passenger are also to be secured (except Twistlock).
The passenger is located in front of or beside the pilot during all phases of the flight. For safety
reasons, suspensions that allow the co-pilot to be positioned behind the pilot are not permitted!
Launching the paraglider
The paraglider is lifted by the pilot as described in the chapter “Flight Practice/The Start”.
It is important that the pilot carefully checks whether the glider is filled correctly. In the event of
problems, the start will be terminated immediately, otherwise, if the glider is properly filled and the
lines are free, the decision to start will be made and communicated to the passenger with the com
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mand “Run”. After the “Run” command, rapid acceleration to the take-off point takes place. If the
passenger runs too timidly, the command “Run” must be repeated loudly and the passenger must
be encouraged to run faster if necessary by pressure from the pilot.
Flight
After take-off, the passenger is asked to look up to see the open canopy. This builds confidence
in the glider (and calms the nerves). It is also important to ask the passenger whether he or she is
comfortable in the harness and not just sitting on the front edge of the seat board. If the passen
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ger’s knees are clearly lowered, he or she is not yet in the correct position, but if his or her knees
point upwards, the pilot recognizes that his or her passenger has already slipped into the harness.
If necessary, it will help the passenger to slide into the harness properly after a sufficient ground
distance. Only then does he or she adjust his or her own harness to avoid too much unrest.
Always keep in mind that a tandem glider has a larger turning radius and reacts slower than your
solo glider. But also in the tandem the handling can be decisively improved by shifting the weight.
Overfilled thermals are taboo for tandem pilots!
The sitting position in a row means that you cannot look into the passenger’s eyes. Therefore, it is
important to constantly exchange encouraging and inspiring words during the flight, in order to
counteract a possibly arising fear of heights or even just an unease, or to recognize this already in
the beginning. A good piece of advice in such a case is to target the horizon and not look down.
Generally speaking, the more relaxed the pilot is towards the passenger and the more tranquillity he
or she radiates, the more trust the passenger will gain and the more he or she will enjoy the flight.
