EN Certification Class
The EN class describes the passive safety of a paraglider — from A (beginner) to D (competition). Classified to EN 926-2 by accredited test labs such as Air Turquoise or Aero Tests.
Also known as: EN standard · safety class · EN 926-2 · EN-A · EN-B · LTF
The five classes at a glance
EN 926-2 defines a test protocol with around 25 manoeuvres (collapses, front stall, spin, full stall, steep spiral, …). From the behaviour in each manoeuvre, the test lab derives a class per size.
- EN-A — the school wing. Maximally forgiving, returns to normal flight from any disturbance on its own. Mandatory class for flight schools.
- EN-B (Low/Mid/High) — the progression wing. Three internal levels: low EN-B borders on A, high EN-B borders on C. High-B is the performance limit for most private pilots.
- EN-C — the performance wing. Demands active flying and quick reaction to collapses. For ambitious XC pilots.
- EN-D — the competition wing. Two-liner with high aspect ratio, not a beginner’s tool.
- CCC (Competition Class Certified) — the top end. FAI competitions only.
Where you will encounter it
At every wing purchase. The EN class is in the datasheet, often printed inside the wing itself. Student pilots fly EN-A exclusively. When stepping up to EN-B, the class usually fits after 80–150 flight hours, depending on training intensity.
Important to know: the class can vary per size. A wing can be EN-A in size Small and EN-B in Large — because of the higher load limit and reaction speed. Always check the class for your own size.
How certification works
Accredited test labs fly every wing size under standardised conditions. Behaviour is rated on a scale A–F; several F ratings in critical manoeuvres push the wing into a higher class. EN 926-1 additionally tests structural strength (load test at 8 times pilot weight).
The result is documented in the test report, which every reputable manufacturer links on the product page — at APCO you will find the certificates in each product’s downloads.
EN vs LTF
LTF (Lufttüchtigkeits-Forderung) was the old German standard. Today all wings sold in the DACH region are tested to EN. LTF-1 ≈ EN-A, LTF-2 ≈ EN-B, LTF-2-3 ≈ high EN-B. If you see an old LTF wing: careful, it is not 1:1 comparable with modern EN classes.