EN & LTF paraglider certification explained (A, B, C, D)
Almost every modern paraglider carries a certification class. In Europe this is defined by the EN 926-2 standard (and the equivalent German LTF classification). The class tells you how a wing reacts to deliberate in-flight tests such as asymmetric collapses and spins, and how easily it recovers.
The classes
| Class | Description | Typical pilot |
|---|---|---|
| A | Very high passive safety, forgiving, minimal pilot input to recover | Students and low-airtime pilots |
| B | Good passive safety with moderate performance gains | Pilots progressing from school gliders |
| C | Higher performance, more demanding reactions | Experienced, current pilots with active-flying skills |
| D | Highest performance, strong reactions to turbulence | Expert pilots with extensive practice |
Some newer standards also include categories for tandem and for sport-oriented wings, but A–D remains the common language for solo gliders.
How testing works
Test pilots deliberately induce collapses, spins and other manoeuvres and score how the wing reacts and how quickly it recovers on its own. The class reflects the worst result across the test set, not an average.
Choosing the right class
- A certification class is not a guarantee. Turbulence, wing loading and pilot reactions all matter.
- Being a current pilot (flying regularly) is as important as total hours.
- Avoid stepping up quickly just for performance. A wing one class too advanced is a common factor in accidents.
- Check the weight range on the label. Flying near the bottom of the range is more dynamic; near the top is faster and more stable.
Where to look
Official test reports are published by the certifying bodies and by databases such as Air Turquoise and the DHV. Always verify the model, size and weight range.