At iParaglide Top Gun Flight School, we take pride in having taught over 1900 paragliding students in our 26 years of operation.
We are the the longest running school based in Metro Vancouver. Due to our central location, we are the only school that flies all of the relevant kiting parks, training hills and mountains within a 3 hour radius of Vancouver. This empowers pilots to get to know the key training and flying spots early, optimizes and accelerates learning, and allows them to grow into great future pilots.
We have the reputation of being an industry leader with an emphasis on engineered safety systems, quality instruction, the finest equipment and a positive learning environment for fun and empowering flying.
We offer the highest level of accreditation, with Senior HPAC and Advanced USHPA paragliding instructors, who coach from first flight to expert paraglider pilots and teach and qualify new paragliding instructors.
Located at 962 - 51st Street Tsawwassen, near Vancouver, BC, Canada, for all your paragliding needs. We are ideally situated just minutes away from the finest training hill at Diefenbaker Park.
We are central to paragliding sites in the Vancouver, Chilliwack, Pemberton, Whistler, Bellingham and Seattle area so students enjoy maximum variety and we can work with weather to optimize selection of the best location each day.
We regularly test fly the latest paragliding gear and select only the very finest for our iParaglide Right Stuff Paragliding Equipment Store. This ensures our paraglider pilots enjoy a state of the art performance and safety advantage to accelerate their learning curve.
Paragliding Webcams/Wind Stations
Vancouver Paragliding Webcams - get a view of cloud base to plan your paragliding cross country flight adventure.
After more than one year of development and many micro-adjustments, the new NIKITA³ paraglider went to the first world cup competition in Ölideniz, Turkey, in May. In the first run, Xandi Meschuh immediately placed in the top of the field on his new NIKITA ³, earning 2nd place. He held this position until he couldn't complete his last maneuver in the final run, and got a point deduction. Despite the point deduction, he finished in 4th place overall in the paragliding aerobatics competition.
Congratulations! Xandi is thrilled with his brand-new NIKITA ³ and is looking forward to new challenges in the world of paragliding aerobatics.
Xandi speaks of ICARO's new paraglider:
"The new NIKITA ³ is simply brilliant! The stability of the canopy in the Rhythmic SAT and the Infinity is incredibly high. The Helicopter connections run fluently and there is no trend for getting stuck or for premature exiting. The Mistyflips, Mac Twists and X choppers can be initiated exactly, and the wing stays open and solid."
In any case, Nikita 3 is a paraglider with striking character. After all, ICARO's Femme Fatale needs a sensitive touch. But which woman doesn't?
Icaro's new Ice Flight Suit for paraglider pilots is rugged and durable, with windproof and water resistant fabric of the finest quality, combined with easy-care. The flight suit is carefully designed with paragliding pilots' in mind, with many unique and functional details:
Integrated zip-on balclava
Integrated half gloves
Suspenders to hold flight suit up before fully suiting up
Vario attachment loops on the leg
2 chest pockets: Mobile phone and radio pocket with antenna routing
2 trouser pockets
1 arm pocket for cable car card
Long side zippers for easy entry while wearing hiking boots and can be opened from both sides
Lateral pockets
Reinforcement at the knees an buttocks
Foot straps
Reflective stripes
Sizes: XS, S, M (170-178 cm); L (179-182 cm); XL(183-190 cm); XXL (191+ cm). Color: Gray with yellow an embrodiered ICARO logos.
The ICARO paragliding flight suit is ideal to keep in your paragliding bag, so that you are always prepared with abrasion protection during launch and landing, but most importantly, to keep you warm and comfortable for extended paragliding flights to cloud base.
The design brief for research and development team of the Maverick 2 paraglider was to stay on the leading edge, and create the ultimate cross country paraglider, that would not only be at the very top of the ENC class, but that would also hold its own even against higher class END paragliders. Adding to this complex challenge, it was deemed essential to extend the sweet handling and excellent passive safety of the original Maverick paraglider.
Creating the Next Generation of ENC Paraglider
The team decided that a completely new paraglider design was required, so several innovative concepts were explored as the design evolved.
The first protoypes were true 2-liners and achieved good performance. However the absence of quick and easy descent aids including big ears and b-stall, combined with the more complex and less intuitive handling of 2-line systems, moved the design team in a different direction.
The next protos had an increased aspect ratio. But further refining was necessary.
The third generation of prototypes incorporated a hybrid 3-line concept and had ideal, crease free sail tension with a razor sharp trailing edge and good handling.
3D-Shaping and reworking the profile resulted in further significant improvements to performance and handling: the Maverick 2 was born.
The Maverick 2 is empowered with 67 cells, 6.06 flat aspect ratio and an impressive 5.01 projected aspect ratio. This is a significant shape change from the original Maverick which was 55 cells, flat aspect ratio 5.96 and projected 4.81. A significant increase in the number of cells and flattening of the canopy arc-curvature.
While the design represents the cutting edge of what is available in the ENC range, handling and safety have been optimized to have good natured characteristics, similar to the original Maverick. Pilots upgrading from the original Maverick , will immediately feel comfortable and will be able to indulge in the experience of this new performance dimension.
Cutting Edge Technology
New Performance Profile. Thanks to new proprietary software, ICARO can diagnose the virtual profile (between ribs through inflated section) more precisely, allowing optimization. Thus, the 3D model corresponds more exactly to the real thing. The new profile brings more performance and stability.
Battens. Flexible and extremely light nylon battens give the profile the shape and distribute the load of the A-line attachments. The battens are less delicate than the well known Dacron reinforcements. This gives the paraglider outstanding leading edge characteristics and a great inflation.
Recessed A-tabs. The A-tabs are further back from the leading edge than typical. An auto-stabilizing system: if the wing load increases suddenly, in strong turbulence, the angle of attack increases slightly. The effect is similar to braking the paraglider, without pilot input, and occurs more quickly. The gain in stability is pronounced.
3D Shaping. To adjust the blown up profile (blue) to the desired profile (white)the difference is rectified by an arched sail cut at the highest point (red). This important cross stitching detail on the upper sail leading edge improves performance!
Trailing Edge Mini Ribs. Creating an impeccable sail at the trailing edge has been achieved through the addition of mini ribs.
Light Internal Construction. All non structural internal components are made with 27 gram Skytex material. This reduces weight and also improves the extreme flight behavior. The Maverick 2 is 300 grams lighter than its already light predecessor.
New Race Risers. Cross country paraglding flights often require standing on the speed bar for extended periods. The new speed system pulleys and a B-redirection reduce the effort by 30%, alleviating cramps in the legs.
Equipped with ICARO's patented TSO Trim Speed Optimizer Risers, the paraglider can be individually adjusted to optimize for pilots loading, aging or sub-zero temperatures. The Maverick 2 will continue to fly at its optimum trim for years to come.
Hybrid 3-Liner. Two and three line paragliders have a disadvantage: they develop a hump due to greater wing depths between the last row of line attachments and the trailing edge, while braking, per arrow in photo above. This hump distinctively detracts from the precision and climb rate. The first Maverick 2 proto was a pure two liner, the second was a pure 3 liner. The final Maverick 2 paraglider incorporates additional D support, which will only go under tension while braking. In this manner, the hump while braking is eliminated, and the advantages of a 3 liner are preserved. The result is a beautiful, crease free, optimized airfoil.
The Maverick 2 is Very Fast
Cross country flying is optimized through a high trim speed, offering more distance in the same time. The trim speed on the Maverick 2 is approximately 10% faster than the original. For example, the Maverick 2 would fly 220 km in the same time the original would fly 200 km!
The top speed on full speed bar has also been extended 6-8 km/hr, compared to the original, and also the stability at 50% speed bar is much higher. The Maverick 2 on half speed bar is as fast as its forerunner on full speed bar, but at the same time is more stable and with a better glide.
More Stable than Ever
Stability is always a requirement. The more stable the better. The technology employed in the Maverick 2 paraglider with performance profiles and battens with the A-tabs set back from the leading edge, enables more stability and safety.
In fact due to the increased stability, simulating/creating asymetric collapses in SIV training is more difficult.
Easy Launch
The Maverick 2 does not share the traditional tendency of performance paragliders to shoot forward and lift the pilot prematurely in strong winds. Pilots will be pleasantly surprised to find that even in strong winds, it is comfortable to smoothly lead the Maverick 2 to the apex overhead, without surging and with a high level of control of the precise moment of takeoff. An impressive score of ENA for launch confirms the beautiful and simple launch characteristics of the Maverick 2.
Precise Handling
With its increased wing loading and new profile, the Maverick 2 shines with polished and agile handling allowing pilots to center on even the narrowest meandering thermal cores. It can be either turned flat or rolled abruptly using brake and weight shift combinations, as appropriate, to the type of thermal engaged.
What we love best
When gliding in calm air the Maverick² is at the top of the ENC paraglider class. When thermal bumps are encountered, or when flying against the wind, the Maverick² is clearly in front: every movement of air is transferred reliably into height, like with competition paragliding protos of the open class, and the canopy pulls ahead.
It also shares the high stability of the competition paragliders when flying fast on speed bar.
Test and Compare
High performance claims can be heard from all paragliding manufacturers. Slick marketing campaigns and slogans should not replace true innovation.
With the MAVERICK², extensive design details bring a comprehensible reality. We absolutely recommend test flying the Maverick 2 and comparing against other reference gliders in side-by-side flight!
Pilot Feedback
"Yesterday I flew my new Maverick 2. You have not exaggerated with the promised points in comparison to the original Maverick 1. To tell the truth, I have never felt so fine under a wing! In 5m/s thermals, it knifes in to the thermal core. Top landing is a true joy. Big praise to ICARO, it is pure pleasure flying with the Maverick 2."
"Accelerated and at full throttle is a true joy... couldn't stop the grin all over my face. I have never flown so fast ... and did not even lose substantial height!"
"Impressive speed: at first I thought I was flying with a tail wind. Then I flew back over my path: as fast as before. Cool!"
"As described in your information, the Maverick 2 takes off with zero wind as well as with strong wind very easily. This is true, I can confirm that."
"When flying thermals, soaring, or even only a sled ride down the mountain, I always draw a comparison between my Maverick 2 and other wings of this class. Doing so, the speed advantage strikes immediately (catching up to colleagues), and how fast it engages the thermals and converts them in a fast climb."
"...it flares so nice :)"
"…it runs solid...like on rails...unbelievable"
"… thank you very much for the test flight! Now I must persuade my wife :)"
Target Group
For talented intermediate piltos with big cross country ambitions flying 75 or more air hours per year that also want: a high trim and top speed; exceptional glide; extremely agile and precise handling: while preserving high passive safety of a low EN C class. Also ideal for top advanced pilots, flying hundreds of air hours per season, that want EN D performance with the comfort of EN C safety.
Acro flying for non-professionals? With the ICARO Instinct 2 Acro: no utopia. With no other paraglider can you learn the SAT, Wing Over, MacTwist and Stall so safe, fast and controlled. With some training, even the Helicopter and Tumbling are possible.
Even when highly loaded at the maximum certification weight of 110kg, the Instinct 2 Acro impresses with its high level of passive safety, scoring ENA in 23 out of the 27 tests!
ENB occurred for: behavior in steeply banked turn; recovery from a developed full stall; and asymmetric collapse 70-75%.
ENC only occurred in accelerated flight (speed bar) and for one test: asymmetric collapse 70-75% in accelerated flight.
As aerobatic moves are done without application of the speed system, while performing acro maneuvers, the Instinct 2 Acro maintains the safety of ENB for all maneuvers, even at the high maximum wing loading of 110 kg!
We recommend the Instinct 2 Acro to all pilots who want a safe and dynamic Freestyle wing optimized for learning acro.
What makes the Instinct 2 Acro unique?
It is agile and dynamic. It reacts immediately to small weight shift inputs.
Nevertheless, it has long steering travel more typical of EN B class gliders, which protect against inadvertent stalling.
It is extremely mistake forgiving and therefore perfect for learning paragliding freestyle & aerobatics. With it you can coach your reflexes and train the manoeuvres calmly without demanding too much of yourself.
Above all, it is extremely easy in spin/negative, and thus, makes it easier learning the helicopter.
SIV trainers lend the Instinct 2 Acro with pleasure to participants to fly their first full stalls, because it is simple to fly precisely, and in the case of a mistake, easy to regain control.
What is different in comparison to its forerunner, the Instinct XS Acro?
The new Instinct 2 Acro has been made smaller than its predecessor due to many requests: it has now an area of only 20.9 m².
The Instinct 2 Acro impresses immediately with its pronounced quickness and dynamic. These have increased clearly to its forerunner.
Unchanged are its incomparable simplicity in full stall and all negative manoeuvres. It remains safe in asymmetric and full frontal collapses.
A Fresh New Face
A makeover completes the new Intinct 2 Acro design with an intense green, red accent stripe and striking Nikita Logo on lower sail.
Technical news
Designer Michael Nesler did not have an easy job: to better the already excellent Instinct XS Acro was very hard to accomplish. He modernized it by using up to date technical finesse:
decreased size by 2m^2
slight increase in projected aspect ratio
new openings at the leading edge for more performance
new brake line geometry for more accurate handling during manoeuvres
a higher trim speed
a new material is utilized at the the trailing edge
The purity of expending your own energy to reach a mountain summit, and to be rewarded by a fantastic flight under gravity back down, is an eco-adventure that gets to the heart of how paragliding got started. Para-alpinists can now take advantage of the latest inspired paragliding harness design optimized to save weight and bulk.
The Energy Cross convertible paragliding harness with adjustable back rest is easy to transform, elegant in design, and offers lots of storage space. The paraglider, complete with helmet, instruments and flight suit, are easily stowed away. It replaces a high-end comfort rucksack and offers the same sitting comfort as all Energy paragliding harnesses. Energy Cross offers a compact pack volume and a weight of only 4.3 kg for the S, 4.5 kg for the M and 4.7 for the L.
The Flash System
The latest innovation from the Icaro R & D team, and unique to the paragliding market, is the new optimized back length adjustment system, appropriately named the Flash-System.
Simple adjustment of a central buckle enables a customized, fast and optimum configuration of the suspension system for each pilot. The back pack can be adjusted to the precise body height of the paraglider pilot, and hence offers the best fit possible. This will be most appreciated by mountain alpinists.
The Energy Cross enables very comfortable mountain climbs, and beautiful paragliding flights, without much effort.
Features of the backpack:
backpack suspension customizable to pilot size
lateral elastic outer pocket for drinks
length adjusting shoulder straps
chest belt with whistle
light, pre-formed, removable hip belt
lateral outer pocket
two lateral compression straps on each side
two hand straps
Harness Key Advantages
The Energy Cross paragliding harness is the successful composition of six components:
1. It offers great sitting comfort and exceptional weight shift control of the paraglider utilizing the proven sitting geometry of the well known Energy Light, for comfort and performance on extended multi hour cross country paragliding flights;
2. The entire back and hips are highly protected by a LTF 91/09 and EN 1651 approved airbag-protector and avoids blunt trauma;
3. The paragliding reserve parachute is ideally mounted, below the seat, and available in either right side extraction or left (by special order);
4. The large back pocket of the energy cross offers enough space for storing alpine gear during the flight;
5. The elegant and ergonomic backpack converts easily and quickly to the harness;
6. The entire unit is light weight and compact, yet very durable, making it ideal for day-to-day flying or for mountaineering.
Range of use: Ideal for mountaineering where a tight fitting and well balanced, stable back pack is preferred, or for daily use for paraglider pilots that prefer more compact and lighter weight equipment.
Seat plate measurements:
Size S: width 32 cm, depth 35 cm. Size M: width 35 cm, depth 38 cm. Size L: width 39 cm, depth 41 cm.
Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 16:47 
