Competition Class paraglider certification suspended

Due to recent incidents at the 12th FAI Paragliding World Championship in Piedrahita, Spain the CIVL Bureau has temporarily suspended the certification of Competition Class Paragliders with immediate effect. This suspension means that paragliders classified as Competition Class under Rule 12.1.1.2 of Section 7B of the FAI Sporting Code are not permitted to fly in FAI Category 1 championships for the period of the suspension. Organisers of FAI Category 2 events are also strongly advised to consider whether Competition Class paragliders should be permitted to compete in events with racing tasks for the period of the suspension. It was with great regret that the organisers announced two fatal accidents during the second competition task in Piedrahita. The first accident involved Argentinian pilot, Francisco Vargas and Chilean pilot Eitel von Muhlenbrock was the second pilot. In the same task, there were five further incidents of reserve parachute deployments. All pilots landed safely and were uninjured. Flying conditions were mild that day. These incidents, together with reports received by CIVL in recent months on further reserve deployment incidents, primarily involving competition class paragliders, have led to this decision. The organisers, the attending FAI Officials,the CIVL Bureau and the FAI President wish to express their deepest sympathies to the families and friends of both Francisco Vargas and Eitel von Muhlenbrock.