PROFESSIONAL PARAMOTOR Glider Inspection, TRIM, RepairS, & REPLACEMENT LINES

Precision, Transparency. Confidence in every flight

Meticulous wing inspections, precision laser trim tuning, and structural repairs performed with care, documentation, and transparent communication.
Serving pilots across the Midwest, the United States, and internationally.

MIDWEST BASED, NATIONALLY TRUSTED

Leading Edge PPG provides professional paramotor glider inspection and repair services for pilots across the country and beyond because our approach is structured, transparent, and detail-driven.

We intentionally limit the number of wings in the shop at one time for inspection so we can ensure consistent turnaround times, minimize equipment downtime, and address repairs pulling gliders out of service as quickly as possible.

This is not a high-volume shop, it is a precision-focused service environment.

We service all brands. In rare cases where manufacturer clarification is required, we will contact the manufacturer directly to ensure accuracy and communicate clearly if additional time is needed.

Comprehensive Glider Services

Comparison chart of paraglider inspection services including airworthiness inspection, performance and geometry inspection, trim inspection, and repair services offered by Leading Edge PPG.

Understanding Your Glider Inspection Options

Each inspection focuses on a different aspect of wing health.

Airworthiness Inspection – This is a typical full glider inspection.
Performance & Geometry Inspection – Full inspection with precision line measurements to correct wing geometry.
Trim Inspection – Address performance issues caused by out of trim lines between inspections.
Repairs – Addresses damaged fabric, worn lines, and other structural issues between inspections.

Not sure which service your glider needs?
Reach out and we’ll help you determine the ideal service for your glider.

AIRWORTHINESS Inspection — $230

A full-system evaluation of your glider’s fabric, lines, risers, and internal structure. Ideal for pilots who want a technical assessment of airworthiness and long-term performance or are preparing for the sale of their glider.

Turnaround Time:

2-3 weeks from scheduled inspection date.

Recommended Interval:

Each manufacturer recommendation may vary. A first full inspection should be completed once the glider is 3 years old or reaches 60 hours of loaded flight time, whichever happens first. After the first inspection, additional inspections should generally be completed every 2 years or 50 hours unless a service shop recommends a shorter interval.

Includes:

  • Multi-point fabric porosity check
  • Fabric tear resistance measurement
  • Internal & external fabric inspection
  • Seam and stitching evaluation
  • Debris clearing from cells
  • Riser inspection
  • Line inspection
  • Basic repairs included (minor stitching or small fabric fixes)
  • Brake line replacement for gliders 2+ years old
  • Breaking strength test (highest-loaded original lines measured to nearest 0.1 kg, 2-4 line segments on most gliders)
  • Replacement of damaged lines ($30/line)
  • Repairs as needed (repairs completed following confirmation with glider owner)
  • Comprehensive written inspection report

Note: All inspections begin with porosity testing. If porosity test fails, inspection stops immediately and the inspection charge is reduced to $60 plus return shipping. This ensures pilots are not committed to unnecessary inspection costs on a wing that is no longer airworthy.

Repairs:

  • $30/line for any damaged lines replaced
  • $80/hr plus materials for fabric and riser repairs

Best For:

  • Routine maintenance
  • Structural evaluation
  • Pre-sale or post-purchase of a used glider

PERFORMANCE & GEOMETRY INSPECTION — $475

Accurate laser-based line measurement and trim analysis to restore factory geometry and improve performance, handling, and safety.

Turnaround Time:

2-3 weeks from scheduled inspection date.

Recommended Interval:

Gliders that have reached 80-100 hours of loaded flying time are recommended to have line measurements and trim tuning. All lines have various capacity for stretch and shrinkage. After 80-100 hours, most lines will have reached their stretch/shrink potential and should be measured to correct line length variances.

Gliders that have had multiple line replacements are susceptible to asymmetric line lengths and would benefit from line measurements and trim corrections.

“The only way to know that a glider does not need line measurements is to measure the lines.”

-Elisabeth Guerin, ParaTour

Includes:

  • All items from Airworthiness Inspection above
  • Precision laser line measurements
  • Precise adjustments to restore correct trim
  • Second measurements to confirm final alignment
  • Before and after measurements included in comprehensive report

In some cases, symmetry corrections may require certain lines to be replaced to bring glider back into acceptable symmetry and adherence with original manufacturer’s specifications. Lines are replaced if necessary at $30/line.

Bonus: If no trim adjustments are needed, you receive a $50 discount.

Best For:

  • Gliders with 80-100+ hours that have not had previous adjustments
  • High performance gliders
  • Gliders that have had multiple individual line replacements
  • Gliders exhibiting more difficult inflations, unexplained turning, lopsided surging, inconsistent brake pressure
  • Gliders performing not as expected

TRIM TUNING — $250

Trim assessment for gliders in between inspections.

Turnaround Time:

2-3 weeks

Recommended Interval:

As needed.

Includes:

  • Precision laser line measurements
  • Precise adjustments to restore correct trim
  • Second measurements to confirm final alignment
  • Before and after measurements included in comprehensive report

If your glider is inflating poorly, has an unexplained turning tendency, or is not performing as expected, it could be out of trim. All lines have capacity to stretch or shrink. Each glider line carries a different amount of load and over time, line length can change from original manufacturer specifications.

Gliders that have had multiple line replacements or are over 80-100 hours of loaded flight time could benefit from a trim assessment.

Bonus: If no trim adjustments are needed, you receive a $50 discount.

Best For:

Gliders performing not as expected. Trim assessment can be completed as a stand-alone service for gliders in between inspections.

REPAIRS — $80/hour + materials

Repairs for gliders in between inspections.

Turnaround Time:

Repair timelines vary depending on the scope and parts availability. Most repairs have multiple repair options with differing cost and timeframes associated. Repair options will be discussed before repairs begin.

Recommended Interval:

As needed.

Includes:

  • Internal & external fabric inspection
  • Seam and stitching evaluation
  • Riser inspection
  • Line inspection
  • Comprehensive written inspection report
  • Damaged lines replaced at $30/line
  • Fabric, stitching, and riser repairs completed at $80/hour plus materials

This ensures that no damage is left unaddressed. When damage happens, it can impact surrounding fabric and lines. We meticulously ensure your equipment is returned in condition to trust the area that was previously damaged and continue enjoying flying safely for the long term.

Repair services May be Combined with:

  • In conjunction with an Airworthiness Inspection
  • In conjunction with a Performance & Geometry Inspection
  • In conjunction with a Trim Assessment
  • As a standalone repair

Best For:

Fabric tears, damage repair on low hour gliders or in between inspections, structural concerns.

Line Replacement Services

Individual Line Replacements — $30/line

Perfect for pilots who want quick replacements without sending the glider in. Lines are manufactured based on manufacturer’s specifications or your provided details and shipped directly to you.

In-Shop Line Replacements $100 + $30/line

Bring your glider to the shop and have your damaged lines replaced while you wait (line inspection typically takes around an hour plus manufacturing of the necessary lines). Includes a complete line inspection to identify and replace every damaged line. Not available for drop-in, this service must be pre-coordinated and scheduled.

What to Expect

1. Submit Service Request

Provide manufacturer, model, size, approximate hours, and requested services.

2. Schedule Confirmation

Shipping instructions are provided after scheduling confirmation. Please DO NOT SHIP GLIDERS without schedule confirmation.

3. Glider Shipped

Ship gliders to the shop. You will be notified upon the glider’s safe arrival.

4. Porosity Testing

For all inspections, porosity is evaluated first to verify continued longevity of glider. Inspection continues if porosity testing is passed.

5. Inspection & Communication

Inspection & repairs are completed with pilot interests in mind. At every point where cost may increase, clear communication with pilot owner is done to ensure clear expectations, safe equipment return, and elimination of unexpected costs.

6. Report & Return

Upon completion, you receive:
- Complete inspection report
- Link to pay invoice online
- Return tracking information

Gliders ship immediately after payment is received.

Turnaround Time:

-2-3 weeks for inspection services including Airworthiness or Performance & Geometry Inspections.
-Repairs assessed on a case-by-case basis.
-Individual line replacements with Rapid Lines made and shipped in one day.

SAMPLE INSPECTION REPORT

Every inspection includes a detailed written report outlining findings, condition assessment, and recommendation for next service interval as applicable.

The attached report is a sample of a glider that had a full Performance & Geometry Inspection completed in February 2026.

We pride ourselves on providing the most comprehensive details of your glider condition and what was serviced on each glider while in our care. This detailed 7 page report is indicative of a typical level of clarity that is delivered following every inspection.

Serving Pilots Nationwide

Based in Michigan.

Trusted across the Midwest.
Serving pilots across the United States and internationally.

What people are Saying

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Alexis provides a superb service. I sent my glider for inspection and trimming. The timing was exactly as described. The price was very competitive and the report was very detailed and exhaustive. I feel confident to fly again in this glider after the service leading edge PPG provided. Thanks.”

— Roland Sanguino

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I sent my Ozone Roadster wing to Leading Edge for an inspection. They communicated every step of the way and completed the work on time with their estimates. If you need a wing inspection, I highly recommend them."

— Brian Horton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Fast and friendly service from industry experts. Alexis communicated every step of the way and sent progress photos and a detailed findings report. The repaired wing was shipped back in time for my next event."

— “Gator Chris”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Leading Edge PPG is a fantastic Paramotor school! I trained with Justin in 2019 & continue to give them my business today! Their glider inspection reports are the best in the industry! You guys rock!"

— Jeremy Howe

What HAPPENS IF A GLIDER FAILS INSPECTION

Most wings that come through the shop pass inspection without issue. However, inspections exist to identify when equipment has reached the limits of safe use or when maintenance is required to keep it airworthy.

A glider may fail inspection in one of three primary ways.

FABRIC POROSITY FAILURE (Glider Retirement)

The fabric condition of the wing ultimately determines its lifespan.

During inspection, multiple locations on the glider are tested to evaluate how well the fabric can maintain internal pressure. If the fabric becomes too porous, the wing may become difficult to inflate, more prone to collapses or stalls, and more vulnerable to structural tearing when under load.

Because the integrity of the fabric determines the overall safety of the wing, porosity testing is always the first step performed during inspection.

If the fabric no longer maintains adequate pressure, the glider must be retired from flight, regardless of the condition of the lines or other components.

Unfortunately, gliders that have failed a porosity inspection are NOT good for use as "just a kiting glider." The altered characteristics build poor habits in pilots looking to practice.

LINE STRENGTH FAILURE (Replacement Line Set)

Paraglider lines gradually lose strength over time due to normal use, environmental exposure, and repeated loading during flight.

Each line on a glider is designed to meet a minimum strength requirement to safely support the loads the wing is certified for. If a line fails the breaking strength test, the glider may still remain airworthy provided the fabric is in good condition.

In these cases, installing a complete replacement line set can restore the glider’s structural safety.

Replacement line sets vary in price depending on the manufacturer and typically require several hours of professional installation in the shop. For many pilots, this can be a practical way to extend the service life of a glider without replacing the entire wing.

GLIDER DAMAGE (Repair Evaluation)

Damage does not automatically mean a glider is beyond repair.

Many types of damage—including propeller strikes, tree snags, fabric tears, seam wear, and damaged lines—can often be repaired professionally.

When a damaged glider arrives at the shop, it is first inspected to determine the scope of repair. Pilots are then provided with an honest assessment of the damage, the estimated repair effort, and whether the repair makes sense compared to replacing the wing.

In some cases repairs are straightforward. In others, the pilot may decide that replacement is the better option. The final decision always remains with the owner.

The Goal of a Professional Inspection

A professional inspection is not only about determining whether a wing passes or fails. It is about giving pilots clear information about the condition of their equipment and the options available to keep it flying safely.

What We Check — In Depth

Below is a detailed explanation of each inspection component, written to help pilots understand exactly what we do and why it matters.

Porosity Testing

Porosity is a measure of how much air passes through the canopy fabric. Lower porosity indicates aging material and possible reduced safety margins. This test is always performed first. Reduced porosity on a glider can result in higher likelihood for collapse or stall, higher difficulty in recovery from a collapse or stall, and can cause increased difficulty in launching. Porosity is the ultimate determining factor of the retirement of a glider as fabric tears can be corrected, lines and risers can be replaced, but porosity is the best measurement available to determine the integrity of the overall fabric.

Tear Resistance Test

The tear test evaluates the fabric’s ability to withstand force which is essential for understanding long-term durability. Poor tear resistance strength in a glider could lead to fabric tears while under load.

Internal & External Fabric Inspection

The glider is hung by its trailing edge so we may inspect all fabric surfaces, seams, internal structures, stitching, and attachment points. This is where any tear, holes, or other defects are found to be repaired. At this stage, internal debris can also be cleaned out of the glider to prevent additional damage from tears, abrasion, and reactions. Large quantities of internal debris may alter the flight characteristics of a glider from additional weight held internally.

Line Inspection

Lines come in sheathed and unsheathed versions. Sheathed lines are the most common on beginner gliders and main lines connected to risers for most gliders. These lines get their strength from the line core. The outer portion sheathing helps protect the inner line and reduces snag danger and damage but adds line bulk which causes drag and inefficiency.

During a line inspection, each individual line segment is thoroughly inspected to find damage to outer sheathing, inner cores, or to unsheathed lines. Lines that have been previously replaced are noted as replacements can impact trim adjustments and breaking strength tests. All damaged lines are replaced.

Replacement lines are made to match the original line as closely as possible including line type, line strength, and line color. If an exact replacement is not possible due to raw line material available in the shop, comparable lines with the same or greater strength are used for replacement material. Replacement lines are made to match the same line length on the opposite side to ensure initial symmetry following inspection/repairs.

Riser Inspection

Assessment of hardware, webbing, maillons, pulleys, trim tabs, and stitching. During a riser inspection it is important to check the configuration, functionality, and integrity of all components.

Line Breaking Strength Test

To complete the line breaking strength test, the highest loaded original line from the riser to the glider fabric is removed and replaced. On most gliders, this is two or three line segments. These lines are replaced and then the original lines are stretched until they snap. The load that these lines held before breaking is measured to 0.1 kg precision.

Each glider has a different minimum load requirement for each line segment based on its line configuration and placard load limit. The highest loaded lines are the center most A lines and will have the weakest strength. Though, if these center A lines are not original on a glider before testing, other specific A or B lines may be used to complete this test.

If a glider does not pass its line breaking strength test, a replacement line set may be required. Replacement lines sets are ordered from the manufacturer and installed in the glider shop.

Laser Line Measuring & Trim Corrections

Being “in trim” means the glider’s line lengths are at the appropriate length per manufacturer specifications. As glider lines age, gain hours under load, or are subject to moisture, various lines can stretch or shrink. The A and B lines hold the most load compared to lines behind them. Over time the rear lines may shrink while front lines can stretch.

These front to back out-of-trim gliders can cause reduce the glider’s trim speed, increase the launch difficulty, and position the glider closer to spin or stall while flying. Side to side out of trim gliders may experience turning tendencies that the pilot has to compensate for.

Glider line measurements should be checked once the glider reaches 80-100 hours, has had multiple line replacements, or if the glider feels like it is performing differently.

During a trim inspection, your glider’s official trim geometry is verified and restored using precision laser measurement tools. A laser tool is used to provide the most accuracy when taking measurements to the millimeter. After any trim adjustments are made, the glider is measured again to verify satisfactory trim configuration.

Contact us for a consultation and scheduling