RECCO Rescue Reflector

The RECCO Rescue Reflector is designed to make it easier to find pilots who have crashed. A possible accident scenario is that a paraglider pilot has crashed in the forest and despite the large and usually colored canopy, the rescue team in the helicopter cannot locate the pilot. Many rescue helicopters (maybe not all?) are equipped with an active detector. Meanwhile, there are also garments and equipment that have a passive reflector. I have glued a reflector on my helmet afterwards. This has the advantage that the reflector is positioned in the most exposed place possible, and thus the maximum reception and transmission power from and to the helicopter is available.

According to their website, helicopters, ski resorts and search and rescue units in the regions of Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, USA and Austria are equipped with search devices.

Velcro tape

Modern paragliders are equipped with long rods. According to the manufacturers, these should not be bent too much when stowed in the backpack, so tubular inflatable cushions, which should be inserted at the point of bending, are supplied. An alternative to this is to use the harness for this purpose instead of cushions. To tie the harness compactly together for this purpose, a Velcro strap proves useful. Many paraglider stores have these on offer.

Pump

My harness is equipped with an inflatable protector. The manufacturer intended that you inflate the air cushion with your mouth. It turned out after a short time that the hose to the protector tarnishes black inside, probably caused by the germ load in the breathing air. Also the use of a pump bag was not practical for me.

Available from various internet stores, the Tiny Pump X pump has proven itself. The pressure generated by the pump in the protector seems at least equivalent to oral inflation. Some harness manufacturers now supply a small pump for inflating the protector.

Do you have any other ideas to make everyday piloting easier? Let me know in the comments below, thank you.