Figure 8 Landing Approaches (Preview)

A Figure 8 approach is the most common approach pattern for paraglider pilots.  The figure 8s are done to remain in the proper zone, just downwind of the target landing area until achieving the correct height for a final approach.  Flying in this pattern will  keep you downwind of the planned landing area until the desired height is reached. The expression “figure 8s” depicts the gliders pattern relative to the ground. The presence or lack of wind will affect the size of the reversing loop turns and the ground speed while holding the figure 8 pattern.   Groundspeed is reduced by the wind, this will affect the groundspeed both during the lateral passes as well as the groundspeed during the reversing turns.

The goal of staying downwind of the landing area means that during each pass between the turns need to angle slightly downwind  from perpendicular to the spot.   If a pilot does not angle slightly downwind on these passes, then they are not doing the pattern correctly and will instead be doing wide S turns and beging to get closer to the spot.   This will usually result in being too close to the spot for the final approach and this is ……

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