Air Turquoise is one of the main organisations performing the certification tests for all paragliding equipment. For the impact pad test, where the protector of the harness is tested for safety, they have one machine. To investigate the possibility of the new way of testing, Alexandre had to adapt their machine. "The standard test is a fall at a 20 degree angle, simulating the pilot sitting almost upright. We had to change the way the dummy is attached and add an extra g-force sensor to accurately measure at higher angles. But since we have only one machine, I was a bit worried that the modifications might damage it."
No worries, the machine is fine so far. Alexandre shows the new sensors and the dummy lying almost on its back instead of sitting upright. The original sensor measures the vertical g-force which is useful in a seated position. The second sensor measures g-forces perpendicular to the first. The adapted machine can also test at a 90 degree angle, meaning flat on the back.
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The full article was published in Cross Country magazine 265, May/June 2026.