How to Use a Variometer While Paragliding

Paragliding is another in the variety of sports that allows you to fly without so much mechanical control as that provided in airplanes. Because of this, you are subject to the air currents around you much more so than when in a private airplane. The variometer is a useful instrument for telling you how fast you are rising and falling, information that will help you fly with precision and control.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Recognize that while much of paragliding is based on feel, you cannot tell everything that is happening based on feel alone. It is not only okay, but highly advisable to use and instrument such as the variometer to help you keep things in perspective while you enjoy the freedom of flying above the ground and day-to-day traffic.
2. Watch the variometer carefully, especially once you gain a relatively constant (and, therefore, seemingly motionless) rate of climb. The variometer will help you determine the small increments in your rate of climb.
3. Work toward the middle of the thermals (warmer air that causes rising currents) by using your variometer to closely monitor your rate of climb and descent. By watching the rate, you can determine where the outer edges of the thermal might be and work your way in from there, to help you gain the most from every thermal you find.
4. Determine which kind of variometer you would like to use: you can choose from an audio indicator, which beeps more loudly the greater your rate of climb; or a digital or analog indicator on its face, whic
   h acts in a traditional sense with needles which tend to show you instantly your rate of climb or descent. In the end, choose whichever works best for you, according to your way of thinking.

Tips & Warnings

• There are very simple-to-operate variometers, and then there are the very complex. Unless you are a professional paraglider, it may be best to stay with the simplest unit available.