About
DHV is Germany's authoritative governing body for paragliding (Gleitschirm) and hang gliding (Drachen), serving pilots, flight schools, instructors, and clubs across the country. The association maintains a rich online platform that acts as a one-stop hub for the free-flight community. Key offerings include a structured digital training world with educational materials and licensing pathways for both paragliding and hang gliding, including tandem flying, motor paragliding, and winch/UL towing. A dedicated safety section aggregates accident reports, safety bulletins, and ongoing research to help pilots make informed decisions. The DHV runs its own equipment testing and certification bureau (Musterprüfstelle), maintaining publicly accessible databases of approved gear. Pilots can browse approved flight sites via the Fluggelände database, track real-time airspace restrictions, and access curated weather forecasts and meteorological knowledge. For competitive pilots, DHV manages national leagues, European and World Championship nominations, and the popular DHV-XC cross-country online scoring platform. Members benefit from bundled liability insurance, access to a second-hand equipment marketplace (Gebrauchtmarkt), the DHV magazine, travel deals, and online seminars. The ServicePortal streamlines membership administration, damage reporting, and communication with DHV staff. DHV is ideal for recreational pilots, flight school operators, instructors, and clubs seeking a centralised, reliable source of regulatory, educational, and community resources within German and international free-flight aviation.
Key Features
- Digital Training World: Structured educational materials, licensing pathways, and online courses for paragliding and hang gliding, including tandem, motor, and winch-tow specialisations.
- Safety Research & Bulletins: Aggregated accident reports, safety notices, and ongoing research published to help pilots identify and mitigate risks in free-flight sports.
- Equipment Certification Database: DHV's own testing bureau (Musterprüfstelle) certifies and publishes an up-to-date searchable database of approved paragliders and hang gliders.
- Flight Site & Airspace Tools: A comprehensive flight-site database with current airspace restrictions, legal frameworks, and infrastructure-conflict information for German pilots.
- DHV-XC Cross-Country Scoring: An online platform for tracking and ranking cross-country flights, with league tables, live reports, and national team management.
Use Cases
- A student paraglider pilot uses DHV's digital training world to study for their A-licence exam and find accredited flight schools nearby.
- An experienced hang glider checks the Fluggelände database and current airspace restrictions before planning a cross-country flight in Bavaria.
- A flight school operator joins DHV to obtain bundled liability insurance for tandem instruction and manages administrative tasks via the ServicePortal.
- A competitive pilot tracks national league standings and submits GPS tracks to DHV-XC to qualify for European Championship nomination.
- A pilot researching a used paraglider purchase verifies the glider's certification status and safety classification in DHV's equipment database.
Pros
- Comprehensive Pilot Hub: Covers every aspect of free-flight sport — education, safety, airspace, weather, gear, and competition — in a single authoritative platform.
- Membership Includes Insurance: Liability insurance is bundled into membership fees, reducing administrative overhead for individual pilots and clubs.
- Trusted Regulatory Authority: As the official German governing body, DHV content carries legal and regulatory authority, making it the definitive reference for compliance.
Cons
- Primarily German-Language: Although an English option exists, the majority of content, databases, and legal resources are in German, limiting accessibility for international pilots.
- Membership Required for Full Access: Many services, including the service portal, insurance, and detailed databases, require a paid membership, which may deter casual users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can become a DHV member?
Any pilot, flight school, or club involved in paragliding or hang gliding in Germany can join DHV. Individual membership includes liability insurance and access to the full service portal.
Does DHV offer training materials in English?
The DHV website has a basic English toggle, but most training materials, legal documents, and databases are primarily in German. Pilots operating in Germany should have sufficient German proficiency.
What is DHV-XC?
DHV-XC is DHV's online cross-country flight scoring and ranking platform where pilots can upload GPS tracks, compete in leagues, and track performance across seasons.
How does DHV equipment certification work?
DHV's Musterprüfstelle tests paragliders and hang gliders against safety standards. Approved equipment is listed in the publicly accessible certification database, which pilots and buyers can consult before purchasing.
Is DHV's weather service free to use?
Yes, DHV's weather section — including forecasts, weather knowledge articles, and external weather links curated for free-flight pilots — is publicly accessible without a membership.
