Paragliding Radio Comms—What “Good” Sounds Like

The one-liner (use this format)

To/From — Where — Alt — Status — Intent/Request.

Example: “Jess from Jeff — ridge schoolhouse, 1750 (MSL/AGL as your crew uses), plus one-five average, drifting 240 to valley trigger—copy?”

• Keep it short, useful, and specific: who you are, where you are (named landmark), your height, your average climb/sink, and what you’ll do next. This cuts chatter and helps decisions.

When to transmit (and when not to)

• Decision points: first climb, getting low, committing to a crossing/line change, landing/landed. 

• Relay if you’re high (line-of-sight): repeat low/landed pilots’ key calls so drivers hear them. 

• Keep it brief—chatter blocks safety calls and makes people switch radios off. 

Mic technique & PTT discipline

• Press—pause—talk—pause—release. Many first words get chopped; add a short beat before/after. 

• Minimise wind noise (foam sock / headset, no VOX). Accidental open mics are a safety issue. 

• Slow down and think first; speak in plain language. 

What to say (content that helps)

• Location & altitude (named waypoint/road + height). 

• Averaged climb/sink (e.g., “+2.0 avg, 20s”); avoid “got something!” noise. 

• Intention first (“gliding to 10-o’clock cu”) then invite a quick confirm. 

• Shorthand clicks: double-click = yes; single-click = no; three clicks = “repeat.” (Useful convention many pilots use.) 

Power, courtesy, and after-landing habits

• At sites, listen before you transmit. 

• Stay on after landing until all pilots and vehicles are accounted for. 

Sample calls you can mode

• “Jess from Jeff — schoolhouse, 3000 , plus one-five avg, drifting 240 to main spine—copy?” 

• “Jeff — landed safe at wash, light SE 5; need retrieve.” 

Fly Smarter. Fly Farther. Fly Safer

Jeff Sinason