Tree Landing Self-rescue for Paragliders

Filed under: Paragliding

Often circumstances happen that will hinder a pilots ability to make a safe landing on flat grounds. Every paragliding pilot must expect this to happen at some point in their paragliding experience and therefore be prepared to take appropriate action when faced with the situation. Violent weather and other unforeseen events can leave a pilot with no choice but to land on undesirable areas such as on a tree.

Getting the kit ready

A tree self-rescue kit weighs approximately 2 lbs. and contains the following: 120 feet of 5mm Perlon (can be substituted by a 9/16 tubular webbing), this acts as the climbers static rope; a 9 feet long webbing tied into a 4 foot loop, this acts as the long climbers sling; two short climbers sling either tied or sewn (1-foot loops); two locking carabiners; pocket knife, pliers or wrench, and a stuff bag.

Tie one end of the rope to the drawstring of the stuff bag, fashion it in a manner that will minimize risks for tangling. Then, using an overhand or figure-eight knot tie a 1-foot loop at the opposite end of the rope. Using a carabiner, clip the loop to the drawstring of the bag. Clip the long and short slings to the other carabiner and stuff them inside the bag. Tie the rest of the tools using a lanyard, clip it to one of the carabiners and place them inside the bag. Close the bag and put it in a harness pocket that is within easy reach.

Securing yourself to the tree

In the event of a tree landing, the first thing a pilot must do is to secure himself self to the tree. Open the bag where the self-rescue kit is kept. Girth hitch the long sling around a stout branch or the trunk if it is narrow enough. Now, unclip the harness carabiners from the glider and clip them to the short slings that you previously clipped with a locking carabiner to the long sling.

Make sure all the carabiners are locked. You are now detached from your glider. Once securely attached to the tree you can then consider retrieving the canopy with the use of your pliers and wrench. Do not risk your own safety in retrieving your glider. If you can retrieve the glider safely roll it into a ball and drop it onto the ground, if not leave it for later.

Rappelling to the ground

Rappelling is the most dangerous part of the self-rescue. Start practicing in smaller steps first before trying to rappel in higher places.

After dealing with your glider, pass the free end of your rescue rope over your stout branch then pass your stuff bag through the loop you previously created in the end of the rope. This will produce a girth hitch which you should tighten around the branch. Then you should drop the bag onto the ground. Ensure a safe drop, if the bag falls into another branch you will not be able to rappel down to the ground.

Wrap the rescue rope around the straight side of your second carabiner opposite the gate, do this five times. Make sure that the tree end of the rope is directed upwards and the ground end emerging at the bottom. Now snug up the rope and test your break friction. Hold the ground end of the rappel rope (do not let go), pull in more of the rope until you feel a slackening on the safety sling. If you do not have enough friction wrap some more rope, if you have too much friction lessen your wraps.

If you are confident with your break friction, unclip from the safety sling but remember not to let go of your hold over the rappel line. Once you have done this, lower yourself slowly, descending no greater than 1 foot per second, to prevent damaging your rope. Once you are on the ground, unclip yourself from the rappel.