The Pandion paraglider by ICARO is a well-designed basic intermediate wing that targets pilots transitioning from school wings to the B-class level. It offers a reliable combination of safety and performance, appealing especially to thermal-oriented and leisure pilots aiming for a trustworthy first B-class wing. With a focus on intuitive, forgiving handling, the Pandion is also a suitable choice for talented students who may use it during training. The glider’s core advantage lies in its steady, confidence-inspiring behavior across all flight phases, from launching through thermalling to landing, facilitating pilot progression without unnecessary overload.
Design and Construction
The Pandion features a shark-nose profile and an optimized line layout enhanced by mini-ribs to improve inflation and pitch stability. Constructed from durable materials like Skytex 38 and EasyFly cloth, it emphasizes robustness and long service life rather than ultra-lightweight design. Its configuration with 40 main cells, 38 secondary elements, and a classic 3+1 riser setup—along with a speed system (but no trimmers)—reflects an uncomplicated EN-B wing that is suitable for various launch methods, including winch towing and foot-launching.
Comfort and Safety
Pilots flying the Pandion benefit from high passive safety and natural stability. The wing delivers rich feedback that is comfortable and not aggressive, allowing pilots to sense air movements and thermals without constant interference. Its reliable performance in turbulent conditions supports novice pilots learning active flying techniques and allows initial cross-country flights to be realistic even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Performance Positioning and Pilot Suitability
With an aspect ratio of 5.2 and top speeds around 45 km/h (trim speed about 38 km/h), the Pandion sits comfortably within the low-to-mid EN-B segment. This wing clearly surpasses basic school A-class wings in glide and speed but remains manageable and stable. The focus is on climb efficiency and accessible glide performance for first XC flights rather than pushing the performance envelope. Available in five sizes from XS to XL, accommodating pilot weights broadly, it ensures correct loading to maintain its signature comfort and handling qualities.
Pandion Delivery Service: Customer Review Summary
It is important to note that "Pandion" is also the name of a U.S.-based parcel delivery start-up, which has been involved as a last-mile shipping partner for popular retailers. Despite the promising name, customer reviews over the past two years reveal a largely negative sentiment. Analysis of Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaints, AfterShip reviews, and community forums such as Reddit highlight a pattern of significant concerns.
Overall Customer Sentiment
Majority of customers describe the delivery service as unreliable and slow, often using terms like "worst" and "sketchy." While a minority report satisfactory experiences with on-time or early deliveries and courteous drivers, these cases are overshadowed by extensive complaints.
Key Customer Complaints
- Lost or Stolen Packages: Frequent reports include items marked as delivered but never received, allegations of theft, and deliveries to incorrect addresses, with video evidence in some cases suggesting driver misconduct.
- Use of Gig Economy Drivers: Pandion often delegates last-mile delivery to services like DoorDash, which customers associate with poor delivery attempts, delays, and loss of parcels.
- Tracking and Communication Issues: Customers highlight inconsistent tracking data, difficulty accessing delivery proof, and impaired customer service responsiveness.
- Repeated Failed Deliveries: Customers report that packages are marked undeliverable due to "bad address" claims despite address verification and surveillance evidence showing no delivery attempts.
- Negative Impact on Retailers: Many consumers express reluctance to order from merchants using Pandion due to delivery problems, resulting in reputational and financial costs for those retailers.
Systemic Problems and Business Outlook
The consistent pattern of delivery failures has led some customers to perceive Pandion's issues as systemic. Recent reports in early 2025 mention the potential closure or operational wind-down of the company, contributing uncertainty for shipments in transit and further complicating customer experiences.
Conclusions and Recommendations
For pilots advancing their skills, the ICARO Pandion paraglider offers a safe, durable, and enjoyable wing that balances comfort with improved performance at the entry EN-B level. It supports progression by prioritizing reliable handling and thermalling capabilities, making it an excellent choice for local soaring, training, and initial cross-country flights.
Conversely, those considering parcel delivery services under the Pandion name should approach with caution. The prevalent customer feedback indicates reliability and security problems. Consumers aiming to safeguard valuable shipments should prefer more established carriers, while merchants should weigh the hidden costs of customer dissatisfaction against any savings from using this service.
For more detailed information about the Pandion paraglider and to explore ordering options, please visit the manufacturer's website and order equipment safely through Paragliding.me.