In 2019, after extensive formalization work resulting from the collaborative effort of APPI experts and paraglider designers, APPI introduced the APPI Check & Repair training for maintenance workshops.

While some paraglider manufacturers offer training programs, they are generally limited to inspection and trim adjustment of their own products. With the Check & Repair program, APPI offers a unique comprehensive multi-brand training. It covers not only thorough inspection but also a large variety of repair techniques, even complex ones.

This allows APPI trained technicians to perform a complete inspection and maintenance on paragliders from different manufacturers. This structured approach addresses a real market need, because many workshops operate based on self-taught learning, which can sometimes lead to non-standardized and potentially risky practices - as unfortunately demonstrated by some incidents related to inadequate maintenance operations.

A distinctive element of the program is the use of the ACT (APPI Control Tool), which guides participants through each step of the control process. This tool represents an ecosystem that standardizes inspection and reporting protocols.

The APPI platform allows for building a collective library of these standardized control files, shared by APPI expert technicians worldwide.

Non-Destructive Line Strength Testing

Always seeking to improve testing procedures, APPI has also developed and validated a non-destructive line strength testing protocol. This procedure represents significant progress both for workshop operations and pilot safety.

Course Duration & Format

7-8 days, 10-12 hours per day
Ratio max: 4 students / instructor
3 days extra training optional

Prerequisites

• Familiar with the use of a sewing machine (practice before the course if needed)
• LibreOffice installed on computer, basic use of Calc spreadsheets
• Laser bluetooth connected with computer (recommended Leica Disto D2 for Windows, X3 for iOS)

Workshop Requirements

• Area: 150 m² total
• 3 sewing machines: 2 straight, one zigzag
• 3 trim check installations (one with rail)
• 1 line strength measurement machine
• 1 light system for cloth inspection
• Classroom with minimum 2m x 1.2m whiteboard, video projector or big TV, seats and tables

Day-by-Day Chronogram

DAY 1

• Introduction (30 min): Course organization, APPI presentation, students and instructors introduction
• Theory (6h): Generalities, Cloth, Lines
• Practice demonstration (2h): Global paraglider inspection with ACT except trim measurement

DAY 2

• Theory (1h): Cloth repair techniques - Material to use, sewing machine adjustments, workplace setup, safety, evaluation and diagnostic, budget options, methodology of work organization
• Practice demonstration (8h): Cloth repair, Lines trim check and adjustment, ACT production

DAY 3 to 4

• Practice (12h/day): Divide group: Canopy repair practice & lines production // Inspection & trim practice. Switch groups every day.

DAY 5

• Theory (3h): Reserves, Harnesses, connectors & accessories
• Practice (6h): Reserve & Harness inspection, Reserve repack & integration practice
• Theory (1h): Types of service offered (inc. flight test), Document access and management in the APPI system, Workshop equipment and organization, Attitude

DAY 6 to 7

• Practice (12h/day): Divide group: Canopy repair practice & lines production // Inspection & trim practice. Switch groups every day.

DAY 8

• Practice (8h): Final practice session and feedback

EXTRA DAYS (optional)

Personalized practice program

Tasks Performed During the Course

ACT Operations

• Reception & diagnostic (canopy inspection // lines inspection)
• Same half wing trim measurement with 3 methods (differential, laser handheld, laser on rail) and comparison
• Full airworthiness inspection with checklists & client report
• Produce an ACT from scratch

Dispersion Measurement

3 measuring methods: laser handheld, laser on rail, differential method

• Perform 10 measures for each method
• Two scenarios: consistent posture vs. real-world conditions

Trim Analysis

• Analyze ACT of 3 measured gliders
• Propose corrections

Lines Production

Produce 6 spliced lines and 6 sheathed sewn lines, loop on both ends:

• One aramid, one HM polyethylene (Dyneema)
• Of each strength: ~100 daN, ~200 daN, ~400 daN
• Lines will be broken, sewing must keep integrity
• Breaking value compared with line sewn resistance data

Reserve Check and Repack (minimum one of each)

• Round reserve
• Not round not steerable
• Steerable reserve

Canopy Repair: 6 repairs

• 1x minor repair (ripstop patch, sewing resumption...)
• 2x mid level repair (full panel replacement, tear along rib junction...)
• 2x high level repair (attachment point replacement, partial panel replacement, inner strap or diagonal replacement...)
• 1 reserve parachute repair

Harness Check

• Complete check of a harness

Build experience: Ideally, this experience will be gained as a trainee in an APPI approved workshop. If not possible, the staff will check each operation.

T1: Reserve Repack

• Provide report of 15 reserves inspected, repacked, and integrated in container
• At least 5 different models or brands in total
• At least 3 reserves should be steerable

T2: Glider Inspection

• Complete thorough inspections of at least 25 gliders and report
• Provide documentation for 10 line samples of varying diameters (6 sewn and 4 spliced)
• Test and document their breaking strength with photographic evidence

T3: Canopy Repair

Document at least 3 different repairs, selecting from the following categories:

• Torn attachment point repair
• Fabric tear requiring panel-to-rib connection disassembly
• Complete or partial panel replacement
• Inner strap, diagonal, or rib repair necessitating panel-to-rib connection disassembly

Additional: One reserve repair

T4: Harness

• Provide detailed report of 5 harnesses you have checked

Your Workshop Documentation

Submit a PDF document including:

• Workshop description (location, dimensions, photographs)
• Comprehensive inventory and detailed description of measurement and repair tools (with photographs)
• Measurement tools: variation assessment, calibration procedures, maintenance schedule, and documentation
• Available repair materials (inventory with photographs) including cloth, lines, ribbons, thread, etc.

The international community of APPI maintenance operators, which includes members involved with various manufacturers, maintains constant contact in a discussion group, fully dedicated to knowledge sharing and excellence in paraglider maintenance.

The APPI training, currently supported by manufacturers, enables the development of an international network of qualified experts, whose technical rigor is essential to the safety of our sport.