Editing Paragliding (section)

=== Instruments in paragliding  ===
Most pilots use [[variometer]]s, [[Two-way radio|radio]]s, and, increasingly, [[Satellite navigation|GNSS]] units when they are flying.

;Variometer
{{main|Variometer}}
The main purpose of a variometer is in helping a pilot find and stay in the "core" of a thermal to maximise height gain and, conversely, to indicate when a pilot is in sinking air and needs to find rising air.
Humans can sense the [[acceleration]] when they first hit a thermal, but cannot detect the difference between constant rising air and constant sinking air. Modern [[variometer]]s are capable of detecting rates of climb or sink of 1&nbsp;cm per second.
A variometer indicates climb rate (or sink-rate) with short audio signals (beeps, which increase in pitch and tempo during ascent, and a droning sound, which gets deeper as the rate of descent increases) and/or a visual display. It also shows [[altitude]]: either above takeoff, above [[sea level]], or (at higher altitudes) [[flight level]].

;Radio
Radio communications are used in training, to communicate with other pilots, and to report where and when they intend to land. These radios normally operate on a range of frequencies in different countries—some authorised,<ref>''[http://www.glidercom.com/store/radio_faq.html#What%20are%20USHPA%20frequencies,%20do%20I%20need%20a%20license? USHPA Frequencies] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022082905/http://glidercom.com/store/radio_faq.html |date=2013-10-22 }}'', Authorized USHPA frequencies</ref><ref>''[http://www.ushpa.aero/hndbook.asp#RADIOAUTHORIZATIONS USHPA Radio Authorizations]'', USHPA Handbook</ref> some illegal but tolerated locally. Some local authorities (e.g., flight clubs) offer periodic automated weather updates on these frequencies. In rare cases, pilots use radios to talk to airport control towers or air traffic controllers.
Many pilots carry a cell phone so they can call for pickup should they land away from their intended point of destination.

;GNSS
GNSS is a necessary accessory when flying competitions, where it has to be demonstrated that [[waypoint|way-points]] have been correctly passed.
The recorded GNSS track of a flight can be used to analyze flying technique or can be shared with other pilots. GNSS is also used to determine drift due to the prevailing wind when flying at altitude, providing position information to allow restricted airspace to be avoided and identifying one's location for retrieval teams after landing out in unfamiliar territory.
GNSS is integrated with some models of variometer. This is not only more convenient, but also allows for a [[Three-dimensional space|three-dimensional]] record of the flight. The [[navigational track|flight track]] can be used as proof for record claims, replacing the old method of photo documentation.

Increasingly, [[Smartphone|smart phones]] are used as the primary means of navigation and flight logging, with several applications available to assist in air navigation. They are also used to co-ordinate tasks in competitive paragliding and facilitate retrieval of pilots returning to their point of launch. External variometers are typically used to assist in accurate altitude information.