Safety Notice
The following Safety notice can be found at https://www.dhv.de/en/safety/safety-notes/
SAFETY NOTE FEBRUARY 2025 FOR PARAGLIDING CARABINER FINSTERWALDER PARALOCK 3
Firstly, it is noted that the Paralock 3 paragliding carabiner is airworthy and safe to use when locked and secured. This is also confirmed by the DHV investigation report. However, it has been shown that not all users secure the carabiner properly in accordance with the instruction manual. With the Paralock 3, this can lead to an unintentional opening during flight. The most recent incident occurred at the end of February 2025 in Spain. This potential problem is described in detail in the Finsterwalder safety note dated 22 November 2024. Finsterwalder emphasises that pilots are responsible for carrying out proper pre-flight and takeoff checks on their flying equipment. In order to avoid endangering persons who are not responsible as operators of air sports equipment, the use of the Paralock 3 in tandem flights is restricted in agreement with the DHV.
Safety measure, restriction of use of the Paralock 3
Tandem flights with passengers who hold a paragliding pilot licence may continue to be carried out with the Paralock 3. Training flights to obtain a passenger pilot licence and tandem flights with passengers who do not hold a paragliding pilot licence may no longer be carried out with the Paralock 3. This safety measure is effective immediately. It is limited in time until the Paralock 3 has been retrofitted by the manufacturer as part of an ordered inspection (§ 14 LuftGerPV). The manufacturer will provide information on its website as to when the retrofit can be carried out.
Munich, 03.03.2025 , Finsterwalder GmbH