Implementation of In-Flight Safety Pilots (Air Marshals) on FAI Paragliding Competitions

To enhance the overall safety standards of FAI 1 and FAI 2 paragliding competitions, we propose the formal inclusion of in-flight safety pilots—referred to as Air Marshals—who will actively fly during tasks.

The primary role of the Air Marshals will be to observe, assess, and report on in-flight conditions throughout the task area, ensuring that safety standards are upheld in real time.

Roles and Responsibilities:
Fly with competitors during the task to monitor real-time weather and airspace conditions.
Communicate directly with the Meet Director and Safety Director in case of rapidly changing or hazardous conditions.
Provide an independent safety assessment before and during the task.
Act as an additional layer of security in decision-making regarding task cancellation, stopping, or adapting routes.
Ensure pilots’ adherence to safety protocols and report any major infractions.

Benefits:
Increased situational awareness for the organization team during flight.
Proactive identification of risk factors that may not be visible from the ground or HQ.
Enhances the credibility and professionalism of the event’s safety management.
Contributes to a safety-first culture within competitive paragliding.

Implementation:
Minimum of one Air Marshal per task, ideally more depending on the number of pilots and size of the task area.
Must be equipped with real-time communication tools (radio, tracking, etc.).
May be integrated into the organization team or act as independent observers.

Selection Criteria:
Air Marshals should be:
Experienced competition pilots with a solid safety record.
Familiar with the specific site and weather patterns.
Ideally holding qualifications or prior experience related to safety monitoring or task setting.