EN 12491:2015+A1:2021
(Main)Paragliding equipment - Emergency parachutes - Safety requirements and test methods
Paragliding equipment - Emergency parachutes - Safety requirements and test methods
This European Standard is applicable to emergency parachutes deployed by the action of the pilot without any other assistance (mechanical or pyrotechnic), intended for use with single seater or two seater paragliders.
Ausrüstung für das Gleitschirmfliegen - Rettungsfallschirme - Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
Dieses Dokument gilt für Rettungsfallschirme, die durch den Piloten ohne jede andere Unterstützung (mechanisch oder pyrotechnisch) ausgelöst werden und die zur Verwendung in einsitzigen oder zweisitzigen Gleitschirmen vorgesehen sind.
Équipement pour le parapente - Parachute de secours - Exigences de sécurité et méthodes dessai
Le présent document est applicable aux parachutes de secours déployés sous l’action du pilote sans aucune autre assistance (mécanique ou pyrotechnique), et qui sont prévus pour être utilisés avec des parapentes monoplaces ou biplaces.
Oprema za jadralno padalstvo - Varnostna padala - Varnostne zahteve in preskusne metode (vključuje dopolnilo A1)
Ta evropski standard se uporablja za varnostna padala, ki jih sproži pilot brez kakršne koli druge pomoči (mehanske ali pirotehnične) in so namenjena za uporabo z enosedežnimi oziroma dvosedežnimi jadralnimi padali.
General Information
Relations
Overview
EN 12491:2015+A1:2021 - issued by CEN - specifies safety requirements and test methods for emergency parachutes used in paragliding. It covers emergency parachutes that are manually deployed by the pilot (no mechanical or pyrotechnic assistance) and intended for single- or two-seater paragliders. The standard defines performance criteria, test procedures, required documentation (test files, manufacturing record, user’s manual) and marking to ensure predictable deployment, acceptable descent behaviour and structural integrity.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Deployment system strength: the attachment/handle assembly must withstand a static load test (700 N) without failure.
- Speed of opening: measured from free drop to the point the parachute produces 200 N load. Tests are carried out at a horizontal airspeed of 10 m/s (±1 m/s) and vertical airspeed <1.5 m/s; the inner container must open before 200 N is reached. Two test runs required.
- Descent rate and stability: for unsteerable parachutes (and steerable parachutes tested with controls locked) the average descent rate, corrected to ICAO standard atmosphere, must be less than 5.5 m/s in repeated tests; oscillations must damp out and no permanent deformation of primary structure is permitted (except replaceable shock-absorbing components).
- Strength tests and opening-shock: parachute must open fully and absorb opening shock; no significant failure of primary structure is allowed. For steerable parachutes, controls must remain locked during strength tests.
- Steerable parachutes: additional flight-behaviour tests using the controls as described in the user manual; parachute must not show abnormal flying characteristics.
- Test apparatus and conditions: meteorological instruments, video recording for frame-by-frame analysis, drop-test device and descent-rate measuring equipment; test-site constraints include wind <10 km/h and relative humidity 40–80 %.
- Documentation & user information: requirements for test files, manufacturing records, user manuals and marking labels are specified.
Applications - who uses this standard
- Parachute and paragliding equipment manufacturers - design verification, product development, quality control.
- Independent test laboratories and certification bodies - perform the standardized performance and strength tests.
- Harness and accessory manufacturers - ensure compatibility and correct attachment interfaces with EN 1651 harnesses.
- Regulators, procurement teams and aviation safety officers - assess compliance for use in training, recreational and tandem operations.
- Instructors and advanced pilots - reference for understanding performance limits and proper use described in the user manual.
Related standards
- EN 1651 - Paragliding harnesses (safety requirements and strength tests)
- EN 926-1 / EN 926-2 - Paraglider structural strength and flight-safety classification
Keywords: EN 12491, paragliding equipment, emergency parachutes, safety requirements, test methods, speed of opening, descent rate, steerable parachute, deployment system, CEN.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12491:2015+A1:2021 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Paragliding equipment - Emergency parachutes - Safety requirements and test methods". This standard covers: This European Standard is applicable to emergency parachutes deployed by the action of the pilot without any other assistance (mechanical or pyrotechnic), intended for use with single seater or two seater paragliders.
This European Standard is applicable to emergency parachutes deployed by the action of the pilot without any other assistance (mechanical or pyrotechnic), intended for use with single seater or two seater paragliders.
EN 12491:2015+A1:2021 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12491:2015+A1:2021 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12491:2015/FprA1, EN 12491:2015. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
You can purchase EN 12491:2015+A1:2021 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2022
Oprema za jadralno padalstvo - Varnostna padala - Varnostne zahteve in
preskusne metode (vključuje dopolnilo A1)
Paragliding equipment - Emergency parachutes - Safety requirements and test methods
Ausrüstung für das Gleitschirmfliegen - Rettungsfallschirme - Sicherheitstechnische
Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
Équipement pour le parapente - Parachute de secours - Exigences de sécurité et
méthodes dessai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12491:2015+A1:2021
ICS:
97.220.40 Oprema za športe na Outdoor and water sports
prostem in vodne športe equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 12491:2015+A1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
December 2021
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.220.40 Supersedes EN 12491:2015
English Version
Paragliding equipment - Emergency parachutes - Safety
requirements and test methods
Équipement pour le parapente - Parachute de secours - Ausrüstung für das Gleitschirmfliegen -
Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d¿essai Rettungsfallschirme - Sicherheitstechnische
Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 September 2015 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 10
August 2020.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12491:2015+A1:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Safety requirements . 8
4.1 Deployment system . 8
4.2 Speed of opening . 8
4.3 Descent rate and stability . 8
4.3.1 Unsteerable parachute !and steerable parachute with locked controls" . 8
4.3.2 Steerable parachute !and steerable parachute with unlocked controls" . 8
4.4 Strength . 9
4.5 Additional requirements for steerable parachutes . 9
5 Test methods . 9
5.1 Test apparatus. 9
5.2 Test conditions . 9
5.3 Procedure. 9
5.3.1 General . 9
5.3.2 Deployment system strength test . 10
5.3.3 Speed of opening test . 10
5.3.4 Descent rate and stability test . 10
5.3.5 Strength test . 10
5.3.6 Additional tests for steerable parachutes . 11
6 Test files . 11
6.1 Test file information . 11
6.2 Items accompanying the test files . 12
7 Manufacturing record . 12
8 User's manual . 12
9 Marking . 14
Annex A (informative) Example of marking label . 15
Annex B (normative) Formula to be used for correcting the test mass for differences from
ICAO standard atmosphere . 16
Annex C (informative) Example drop test device . 17
European foreword
This document (EN 12491:2015+A1:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 136
“Sports, playground and other recreational facilities and equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by
DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 2022, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by June 2022.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 2020-08-10.
This document supersedes !EN 12491:2015".
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags !".
This standard is one of a package of standards on equipment for paragliding as follows:
— EN 926-1, Paragliding equipment — Paragliders — Part 1: Requirements and test methods for
structural strength;
— EN 926-2, Paragliding equipment — Paragliders — Part 2: Requirements and test methods for
classifying flight safety characteristics;
— EN 1651, Paragliding equipment — Harnesses — Safety requirements and strength tests;
— EN 12491, Paragliding equipment — Emergency parachutes — Safety requirements and test
methods.
In comparison with the previous edition EN 12491:2001, the following significant changes have been
made:
a) editorial revision;
b) introduction of characteristics and requirements for steerable parachutes;
c) update of test files information and items accompanying the test file;
d) update of user manual content.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The aim of this document is to enhance paraglider pilots' safety by testing to confirm that emergency
parachutes are likely to be able to perform their intended function.
The tests do not include any compatibility tests with alternative inner containers.
Emergency parachutes shall be supplied by the manufacturer for testing complete with attachments
suitable for connection to an EN 1651 paragliding harness, and parachutes will be tested as if they were
so connected. These connections are made in such a way, and/or using resistant material, so that they
are not subject to friction or heat failure due to the tightening or slipping possible under shock loads.
Any metal link is installed in such a way as to minimize any risk of injury to the pilot in an emergency
deployment, and to ensure that it will be loaded in the direction of its maximum strength.
1 Scope
This document is applicable to emergency parachutes deployed by the action of the pilot without any
other assistance (mechanical or pyrotechnic), intended for use with single-seater or two-seater
paragliders.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 926-1, Paragliding equipment — Paragliders — Part 1: Requirements and test methods for structural
strength
EN 1651, Paragliding equipment — Harnesses — Safety requirements and strength tests
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
paraglider
ultra light glider with no primary rigid structure, for which take-off and landing are on foot, with the
pilot (and potentially one passenger) carried in a harness (or harnesses) connected to the wing
3.2
emergency parachute
emergency device intended to slow the descent of a paraglider pilot in the event of an incident in flight,
which is deployed by the pilot by an intentional manual action
Note 1 to entry: This may be unsteered or steerable.
3.3
riser
lowest part of the parachute system, which is connected to the harness
Note 1 to entry: Examples of risers are presented in Figure 1 and Figure 2.
3.4
suspension lines
multiple cords connecting the emergency parachute canopy to the riser(s)
Key
1 suspension lines
2 riser
3 paragliding harness emergency parachute bridle
Figure 1 — Example of unsteerable emergency parachute components
Key
1 suspension lines
2 risers
Figure 2 — Example of steerable emergency parachute components
3.5
outer container
external container, either supplied as part of the harness, or by the parachute manufacturer for
attachment to a harness
3.6
inner container or deployment bag
container of the folded emergency parachute
3.7
deployment system
inner container and either the handle attachment point(s) or handle assembly
3.8
emergency parachute system
emergency parachute combined with its deployment system
3.9
shock absorbing device
any special component fitted within the parachute system to reduce the opening shock forces on the
pilot and parachute in high speed deployments
Note 1 to entry: If fitted they should be clearly identified, by label and colour, and maintenance (and
replacement) instructions included in the user's manual.
3.10
drop test device
rigid test object, of adjustable mass, with one rigid attachment point for the emergency parachute
3.11
payload
total weight in flight minus weight of paraglider
3.12
steerable parachute
emergency parachute of !"Rogallo", "Ram-air" or similar construction", fitted with controls for
steering and landing flare
4 Safety requirements
4.1 Deployment system
When tested in accordance with 5.3.2, there shall be no failure of any component of the deployment
system.
4.2 Speed of opening
!When tested in accordance with 5.3.3, in both tests the time interval shall:
a) not exceed 4 s for parachutes whose maximum payload is 140 kg or less; or
b) not exceed 5 s for parachutes whose payload is greater than 140 kg."
4.3 Descent rate and stability
4.3.1 Unsteerable parachute !and steerable parachute with locked controls"
When tested twice in accordance with 5.3.4:
a) in each test the average rate of descent (corrected to ICAO standard atmosphere, see Annex B) shall
be less than 5,5 m/s;
!Deleted text"
b) in each test any oscillations shall re
...
SIST EN 12491:2016+A1:2022は、パラグライダー装備の安全性に関する重要な標準であり、特に緊急パラシュートに関してその要求事項と試験方法を規定しています。このヨーロッパ標準は、パイロット自身の行動によって展開される緊急パラシュートに適用され、機械的または火薬的な補助なしで作動することが求められます。そのため、単座または二座パラグライダーでの使用を目的とした非常に実用的な基準となっています。 この標準の強みは、緊急状況におけるパラシュートの信頼性と安全性が明確に規定されている点にあります。さらに、試験方法が詳細に記述されているため、製造業者は自社製品を適正に評価することが可能です。これにより、安全性の向上と共にパラグライディングの利用に関わるすべての関係者にとって非常に有益です。 また、SIST EN 12491:2016+A1:2022は、パラグライダーの利用者に安全性と性能を提供するための基盤を構築しています。ユーザーがこれらの基準に従うことは、事故のリスクを軽減し、安心して楽しむための重要な手段となります。このように、標準は、パラグライダーとしての活動を行う際の不可欠な要素であり、特に緊急パラシュートに関する指針として、その関連性は非常に高いと言えます。
The EN 12491:2015+A1:2021 standard is a comprehensive document that outlines the safety requirements and test methods for emergency parachutes used in paragliding. Its scope is specifically tailored to emergency parachutes that can be deployed solely by the pilot, ensuring high applicability for both single and two-seater paragliders. One of the significant strengths of this standard is its rigorous testing methodologies, which provide essential guidelines for manufacturers and users alike. By emphasizing the importance of pilot-deployed mechanisms, the standard enhances the safety protocols necessary for emergency situations, fundamentally contributing to the overall risk management in the sport of paragliding. Moreover, EN 12491:2015+A1:2021 showcases its relevance by aligning with industry best practices while addressing the latest safety advancements. The incorporation of current technologies and methodologies in the testing processes means that the standard not only remains relevant but also reflective of the evolving nature of paragliding equipment. Additionally, the standard serves as a vital reference point for manufacturers looking to certify their products, thereby fostering increased trust among users regarding the safety of emergency parachute systems. The clarity of the requirements helps streamline compliance processes, making it easier for producers to meet the necessary criteria while also enhancing consumer confidence. In summary, the EN 12491:2015+A1:2021 standard stands out as a critical framework in ensuring the safety of emergency parachutes deployed in paragliding, thanks to its robust requirements, effective testing methods, and continued relevance in an advancing field.
SIST EN 12491:2016+A1:2022는 패러글라이딩 장비에 대한 중요한 기준으로, 특히 조종사의 동작에 의해 장착된 비상 낙하산의 안전 요구사항과 시험 방법을 규명합니다. 이 표준은 단좌형 및 이좌형 패러글라이더와 함께 사용되는 비상 낙하산에 적용되며, 비상 상황에서도 안전성을 보장하기 위한 필수적인 정보를 제공합니다. 이 표준의 강점 중 하나는 조종사가 다른 도우미(기계적 또는 발화성 장치)를 필요로 하지 않고도 비상 낙하산을 활용할 수 있도록 설계된 점입니다. 이는 조종사가 위급할 경우 신속하게 대처할 수 있는 능력을 증대시키며, 패러글라이딩의 안전성을 크게 향상시킵니다. 또한, EN 12491:2015+A1:2021는 최신 안전 요구사항과 테스트 방법을 포함하고 있어, 비상 낙하산이 효과적으로 기능할 수 있도록 하고, 사용자의 생명을 보호하는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다. 이러한 측면에서 이 표준은 패러글라이딩 장비의 개발 및 제조에 있어 필수적인 지침으로 자리잡고 있습니다. 결론적으로, SIST EN 12491:2016+A1:2022는 패러글라이더 사용자와 제조업체 모두에게 매우 중요한 기준으로, 비상 낙하산의 안전성과 신뢰성을 확보하는 데 기여하고 있습니다.
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