Note: The English translation was done with DeepL. I have not tested ChatGPT in English.

How does ChatGPT work?

This is exactly what I asked ChatGPT myself and got the following answer:

ChatGPT is an AI model based on the so-called Transformer architecture developed by OpenAI. It was trained with a large amount of text data from the internet to understand and react to human speech. When writing, the model analyses the previous course of the conversation and calculates the likely next words on this basis. No real knowledge is retrieved, but statistical correlations are used to generate meaningful and context-appropriate answers. ChatGPT can thus communicate in natural language, answer questions, write texts or assist with creative tasks.

ChatGPT Questions

How should I formulate questions to ChatGPT so that I get the most meaningful answers possible? I asked ChatGPT this and received the following answer (abridged):

Define a clear objective. Think about it first:

• What exactly do you want? (e.g. ideas, finished texts, research, outlines)
• Who is the blog for? (Target group: laypeople, experts, young people, etc.)
• In which style? (relaxed, factual, humorous, SEO-optimised)

Provide context. The more context, the better. Say for example:

• Which platform you use (e.g. WordPress, Medium)
• Whether you need a specific CTA (call to action)
• Whether you want to consider SEO (keywords!)

Work iteratively. Don’t ask once and then be dissatisfied – use ChatGPT like a co-author. You can say:

• “Make it shorter.”
• “Please write it more loosely.”
• “Complete 3 bullet points with specific tips.”

Category Flight Technology

Question to ChatGPT

How can I best centre the thermal as a paraglider pilot? Divided into mountain thermals, lowland thermals, weak thermals and strong thermals. The article is for a blog and is aimed at experts. The style should be factual.

Reply from ChatGPT

In paragliding, the precise centring of thermals determines the success of a cross-country flight – especially in complex or marginal conditions. In this article, the different strategies for centring thermals are systematically presented: differentiated according to terrain (mountains vs. flatland) and thermal strength (weak vs. strong). The aim is to provide pilots with advanced experience with a basis for efficient climbing in any situation.

1. thermals in the mountains

1.1 Weak thermals in the mountains

Precise flying and good instincts are required in weak mountain thermals. The thermals are often small-scale, irregular and strongly influenced by the terrain.

• Slow, clean cranking: tight, flat circles with a minimal sink rate. Low bank angle, without excessive steering impulses.
• Sensitive re-centring: Constant correction for the smallest variations in climb. The strongest impulse is sought by slightly shifting the circles.
• Close to the windward slope: Close to the slope, weak bubbles rise preferentially on the sunny side.
• Combination with slope wind: Light thermals can overlap with orographic updrafts – this results in flatter but usable updrafts.

1.2 Strong thermals in the mountains

• Aggressive turning at the first impulse: The updrafts are usually narrow, turbulent and impulsive. Immediate turning in with a high lateral position.
• Core shifting in a circle: Actively shift circles – do not crank statically.
• Read the thermal structure: Dust devils, bird behaviour and cloud development provide information on the location and strength.
• Observe pressure conditions: Turbulence is often an indicator of core proximity.

2. thermals in the lowlands

2.1 Weak thermals in the lowlands

• Large, flat circles: Low climb values require large circles without slipping out.
• Area centring: No clear core – aim for constant average climb values.
• Compensate for wind influence: Drifting thermal bubbles – align course against the drift.
• Use visual indicators: Dust, smoke, field structures, bird flight.

2.2 Strong thermals in the lowlands

• Screw in quickly: Turn in immediately at the strongest impulse with increased lateral position.
• Circle shift with drift: thermals follow the wind direction – adjust circles.
• “Banana” flight: Asymmetrical circular shape for core displacement.
• Pay attention to safety: Active control for hard edges.

3. general notes on centring

• Combine vario and popometer: Interpreting acoustics, body feeling and wing behaviour together.
• Symmetrical circling technique: error-free, deliberate cranking prevents breaking out of the thermal.
• Practise centring technique: use training days specifically for refinement.

Conclusion

Thermal centring is not a rigid scheme, but dynamic work with wind, terrain and updrafts. If you adapt your technique to the respective conditions – mountains vs. flatland, weak vs. strong – you will fly more efficiently, higher and safer. It is worth regularly analysing your own behaviour in different scenarios and consciously refining it.

My evaluation

Quote ChatGPT	Evaluation
Tight, flat circles with minimum sink rate	How can a circle be narrow and flat at the same time? Flat circles are automatically larger.
The strongest impulse is sought by moving the circles slightly.	Thermals should be as constant as possible, impulsive thermals are not desirable.
Close to the windward slope …	I have never heard this term before. It probably means “close to the windward slope”
Aggressive turning in at the first impulse	Normally you have to wait a few seconds before turning in to catch a really usable thermal
Read thermal structure: Dust Devils	Dust Devils should be avoided in any case, a dangerous hint from my point of view
Pay attention to safety: Active control for hard edges	I don’t understand what hard edges are supposed to be

Some of the answers are truisms, some are banal and some are even dangerous (Dust Devils). Only very few tips are really useful.

Category Meteorology

Question to ChatGPT

In which weather conditions is safe flying with a paraglider possible? The article should cover the topics of wind strength, foehn, thunderstorms, clouds and large-scale weather conditions. The weather conditions for the lowlands and mountains should be described. The article is for a blog and is aimed at experts. The style should be factual.

Reply from ChatGPT

The weather is one of the decisive factors for safe and enjoyable paragliding. If you want to conquer the skies with a paraglider, you need to understand atmospheric processes, interpret them reliably and recognise risks at an early stage. In particular, wind strengths, foehn conditions, thunderstorm developments, cloud types and the large-scale weather situation are crucial. The conditions in the lowlands differ significantly from those in the mountains.

1. wind forces – friend and foe at the same time

The wind is the central element of the flight. Light to moderate winds (approx. 5-20 km/h) are generally considered safe and flyable, provided they are laminar and constant. Turbulent or gusty conditions increase the risk considerably.

Lowlands: Steady wind conditions are more common here. Wind speeds of around 10-15 km/h are ideal. However, the gust index and thermal forecasts should be taken into account, as strong gusts can also occur in the lowlands due to thermal activity.

Mountains: Terrain can cause the wind to accelerate or break away. Slope and valley winds and localised jet effects are typical dangers. Wind speeds above 20-25 km/h (at the launch site or at altitude) are usually considered critical.

2. foehn – the invisible killer in the mountains

The Föhn is one of the most dangerous weather conditions for paragliders in the Alps. The descending, dry south or north wind creates strong turbulence on the leeward side of the mountains.

• Signs: Wispy clouds (foehn winds), unusually high temperatures, strong high-altitude winds in calm valley conditions.
• Risks: Leeward waves, rotors, abrupt wind shear. Even in seemingly calm conditions in the valley, strong foehn winds can be present at altitude.

A safe flight is generally not recommended in foehn conditions – even if local conditions on the ground appear harmless at first.

3. thunderstorm – absolute no-go condition

Thunderstorms are among the most dangerous weather phenomena for paragliders. The dangers range from sudden gusts of wind and strong thermals to electrical discharges.

• Early indicators: swelling clouds with rapid vertical development, dark anvil clouds, the onset of a wind shift or a sharp rise in temperature.
• Special features in the mountains: Orographically intensified thunderstorm developments are frequent. Localised cells can develop quickly and remain almost stationary.
• Lowlands: Usually offer more visibility for observation, but line thunderstorms (e.g. during frontal passages) are just as dangerous and fast-moving.

Rule: If there is the slightest likelihood of a thunderstorm, do not take off.

4. clouds – visibility, thermals and potential dangers

Clouds influence visibility, thermal behaviour and safety. The following types are particularly relevant:

• Cumulus (Cu): The “thermal cloud”. Individual, flat-lying cumulus clouds often herald good conditions.
• Cumulonimbus (Cb): Thundercloud. Massive vertical development with anvil shape – life-threatening.
• Stratus (St): Widespread stratus clouds. Mostly weak or no thermals, poor visibility.
• Altocumulus lenticularis: Lenticular clouds, often an indicator of wave formation – a warning sign of foehn conditions.

Visual flight rules: According to the LuftVO, a minimum cloud distance of 1500 metres horizontally and 300 metres vertically must be maintained. Flying into clouds is strictly prohibited.

5 Major weather situations – the foundation of any flight planning

The large-scale weather situation determines the basic behaviour of the atmosphere over several days. The flight-relevant situations include

• High pressure conditions: Mostly stable, good visibility, moderate thermals. Ideal for cross-country flights.
• Troughs: Unstable, frequent showers, risk of thunderstorms.
• Westerly conditions: Changeable, windy, unreliable thermals – flyable at times, but risky.
• Foehn conditions: See above – avoid.
• Bise Situation (Alps): Easterly flow with partly gusty valley wind. Depending on the characteristics, easy to fly but demanding.

Modern flight planning tools such as TopMeteo, Meteo-Parapente, XC Skies or the DWD’s Alpine flying weather help to assess the general weather situation and its local characteristics.

Conclusion: weather knowledge saves lives

Safe paragliding is based on a sound understanding of meteorology. In addition to technical skills, the correct interpretation of the weather situation is essential. Those who correctly categorise the dynamics of wind, clouds and pressure systems not only fly more safely, but also more efficiently.

Regular training in meteorology and experience in reading models and live data are just as important for experts as a conservative decision-making culture. After all, the best aircraft is of little use if the weather doesn’t play ball.

My evaluation

Of all the categories analysed, the topic of meteorology scored best, at least I couldn’t see any major errors. But that may also be because I don’t know much about meteorology. Only the statement that winds up to 20 km/h are safe to fly is questionable. I think many pilots are already overwhelmed at these wind speeds.

Category Air law

Question to ChatGPT

What do I have to consider from an aviation law perspective if I want to fly with a paraglider under VFR conditions in Austria? List the airspaces in which I am authorised to fly. How are these marked on the ICAO chart of Astro Control? The article is for a blog and is aimed at experts. The style should be factual.

Reply from ChatGPT

Legal framework for paragliding flights in Austria under VFR

Paragliding in Austria is subject to clear legal regulations, which are set out in the Austrian Aviation Act (LFG), the 2014 Air Traffic Regulations (LVR 2014) and supplementary ordinances. Knowledge of the authorised airspaces is essential for flying according to visual flight rules (VFR).

General requirements

Paragliders are considered aircraft within the meaning of the LFG and are therefore subject to the general regulations. Prerequisites for flight operations include

• a valid pilot’s licence (e.g. paragliding licence issued by the Aero Club Austria),
• equipment with liability insurance,
• compliance with VFR conditions (visual flight),
• compliance with the applicable airspace structure.

Airspaces in Austria – Classification and relevance for paragliders

The airspaces in Austria are classified according to ICAO standards (classes C, D, E, G) and contain additional, nationally specific special regulations. Airspaces G and E are particularly relevant for VFR paragliding.

1. airspace G (uncontrolled airspace)

• Permitted for paragliders under VFR.
• In Austria, generally from the ground to the airspace ceiling of 2,500 ft AMSL or 1,000 ft AGL – whichever is higher (varies locally).
• No radiotelephony or transponder required.
• No air traffic control, only self-information required.
• Illustration in the ICAO chart: Generally not marked in colour – the demarcation is based on the adjacent airspace.

2. airspace E (controlled airspace, VFR permitted)

• VFR flight with a paraglider is permitted, provided that certain altitudes and visibility conditions are met.
• Above airspace G up to FL 125 (except special regulations such as RMZ, TMZ).
• No transponder required; radiotelephony recommended but not mandatory.
• Visibility conditions: Horizontal visibility min. 5 km, distance to clouds horizontal 1,500 m / vertical 1,000 ft.
• Illustration in the ICAO chart: Often marked as light blue lines with altitude information. Transition areas (e.g. G to E) are marked by dashed lines or layer information (e.g. GND-FL125).

Airspaces in which paragliding is not permitted without further ado

3. airspace C and D (controlled airspace with VFR restrictions)

• Close to major airports and air traffic hubs.
• Can only be flown with clearance from air traffic control (ATC), which is unusual for paragliders in practice.
• Illustration in the ICAO chart:
  • Airspace C: outlined in red, with height limits.
  • Airspace D (CTR/ATZ): blue outline, typically around aerodromes with air traffic control.

4 RMZ (Radio Mandatory Zone) and TMZ (Transponder Mandatory Zone)

• In RMZ: compulsory radiotelephony (de facto not feasible for paragliders).
• In TMZ: Transponder obligation (not fulfilled by paragliding equipment).
• Representation:
  • RMZ: violet line labelled RMZ.
  • TMZ: purple dashed line labelled TMZ.

Additional air traffic restrictions

In addition to the airspace structure, the following zones for paragliders must be observed:

• Area with flight restrictions (Restricted Areas, e.g. restricted military area) – R-Zones.
• Danger areas (D-zones) – for example for shooting practice.
• Prohibited Areas (P-Zones) – absolute flight ban (e.g. over nuclear power plants).
• These zones are marked on the ICAO chart with abbreviations such as Rxxx, Dxxx, Pxxx and are often hatched or highlighted in colour.

Conclusion

For paragliders in Austria, flying under VFR conditions is generally permitted in airspaces G and E, with increased requirements for visibility and distance to clouds applying in airspace E. Detailed knowledge of the local airspace structure and current ICAO charts (Austro Control) is essential – especially when flying close to CTRs, RMZs or TMZs. If you operate within these regulations, you can use the airspace safely and in compliance with the law.

My evaluation

Quote ChatGPT	Evaluation
Airspace G … Airspace ceiling of 2,500 ft AMSL or 1,000 ft AGL	The upper airspace limit G is 3000 ft AMSL
Airspace E … Above airspace G up to FL 125	FL 125 in airspace E apply over the Alps. The upper limits are lower in the lowlands
In RMZ: compulsory radiotelephony (de facto not feasible for paragliders).	You can carry a radio in your harness. The prerequisite is that you have a corresponding flight radio licence.

Here, too, some information is given incorrectly, which is particularly problematic in aviation law.

Category flying areas

Question to ChatGPT

I would like to paraglide at Brauneck, Germany. Tell me details about the special features of the flying area, such as the location, dangers, cross-country flying possibilities, best time of year, accessibility by public transport, airspace restrictions, flight records, weather conditions. The article is for a blog and is aimed at experts. The style should be factual.

Reply from ChatGPT

Paragliding on the Brauneck – An overview for experts

Location and topography
The Brauneck (1,555 m) is located in the Upper Bavarian district of Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen, near Lenggries. As a prominent peak in the Karwendel mountains, it offers an exposed starting position with a direct view of the Isar valley. The slope gradient and thermal conditions are ideal for challenging flights due to the southern orientation. The take-off sites are located at around 1,550 metres, the landing site is in the valley near Lenggries (approx. 700 m).

Flying conditions and special features
Brauneck is considered a thermally strong and challenging flying area. Strong slope winds, thermal updrafts and the proximity to alpine peaks create ideal conditions for cross-country flights, but increased attention is also required due to turbulence and wind shifts. The valley wind conditions in particular can be problematic for beginners, while experienced pilots benefit from the dynamic thermals.

Cross-country flying opportunities
Brauneck is an important starting point for long cross-country flights in the Bavarian Alps and the Alpine foothills. Routes to the west (Karwendel) or east (Mangfallgebirge) are popular. Pilots with cross-country experience often use the area as a starting point for flights of 50 to over 100 kilometres. The thermals usually allow take-off times from around 11 a.m. until the afternoon.

Best time of year
The main flying season at Brauneck runs from the end of April to October. Thermal conditions are most stable in summer, with late spring and early autumn often characterised by calmer weather with less tendency to thunderstorms. Winter flights are possible with appropriate snow conditions, but less frequent due to the cold and limited thermals.

Accessibility by public transport (ÖPNV)
Access is via Lenggries, which is easily accessible from Munich with the Bayerische Oberlandbahn (BOB). A mountain railway (Brauneck Bergbahn) takes pilots from Lenggries to the launch site. The combination of train and railway makes Brauneck easily accessible even without a car, which is a particular advantage during competitions or mass starts.

Airspace restrictions
There are several controlled airspaces in the region, particularly in the vicinity of Munich Airport (EDDM) and the military training areas to the south. The actively used airspaces must be strictly observed, as non-compliance may result in flight bans or safety risks. Brauneck itself is mostly in uncontrolled airspace, but the boundaries to controlled areas are well marked. Radio contact and flight planning are mandatory.

Flight records and special achievements
Several remarkable cross-country flights have been documented at Brauneck. Experienced pilots in particular utilise the thermal conditions for cross-country flights and competitions. Flight records of over 100 kilometres have been achieved there several times, with the topography and weather conditions creating ideal conditions.

Weather conditions
Weather conditions are crucial for flight safety. Typical are stable high-pressure conditions with strong sunshine, which generate thermal updrafts in summer. A tendency to thunderstorms in the afternoon hours requires careful timing. The wind direction from the south or east favours take-off, while northerly winds can increase turbulence.

Summary: Brauneck is a challenging yet versatile flying area for experienced paraglider pilots. The combination of good accessibility, strong thermals and alpine flair makes it an important spot in southern Germany. Knowledge of airspace restrictions and local weather phenomena is essential for safe and successful flights.

My evaluation

Quote ChatGPT	Evaluation
…and the military training areas to the south.	I am not aware of any airspace used for military purposes.
Radio contact and flight planning are mandatory.	I am not aware that you need radio contact and flight planning and this is not explained in detail below.

The description of the flying area is kept very general, there are no insider tips. In addition, some of the information is incorrect.

My Conclusion

ChatGPT is not suitable for expanding your paragliding knowledge. Not only do you get incorrect tips, some of them are even dangerous. I therefore strongly advise against using ChatGPT for this purpose. AI certainly has its strengths when it comes to translating texts into other languages or formulating emails. But it is highly unsuitable for a specialised field such as paragliding. This may be due to the fact that it gets its “knowledge” from the internet and, as everyone knows, a lot of false claims are made there.

One way out of the dilemma may be to create your own GPT. However, this is only available in the paid version. The much bigger problem is that the AI would have to be trained with the special data of paragliding. This is probably a huge effort that only a commercial provider can afford.