Introduction to the Icaro Pica²
The Icaro Pica² is a new EN-A class paraglider designed by ICARO specifically for beginner pilots and training schools. It is the successor to the original PICA, offering several improvements geared towards safety, ease of use, and confidence-building. Its design combines a lightweight, durable construction with enhanced take-off behavior and high passive stability, making it suitable not only for training but also for early cross-country (XC) and recreational flying.
Design Features and Ground Handling
A key innovation in the Pica² is its hybrid 3-line layout with minimalistic, color-coded line geometry. This reduces visual clutter during pre-flight preparation and simplifies line sorting, an advantage in training environments and challenging launch conditions. Constructed with Skytex 38/STA15 cloth and an optimized internal structure, the wing is lighter than its predecessor. This lighter weight improves inflation dynamics, reducing the take-off run and boosting overall handling performance. Reviewers note that the canopy inflates smoothly and rises to launch position almost by itself, without overshooting, which is particularly beneficial for pilots with limited experience.
Flight Characteristics and Pilot Feedback
In-Flight Handling and Safety
In flight, the Pica² is praised for its compact, well-damped feel. It provides a very stable platform with high passive safety, actively dampening or self-correcting typical pilot errors. The wing offers progressive and precise brake control: handling that is neither twitchy nor overly nervous, which suits low-hour pilots who are learning active flying techniques. Its stability inside thermals is a standout feature, sitting calmly overhead while delivering clear feedback to the pilot about the air conditions. This blend of stability and sensitivity enables beginners to learn thermal centring and climbing efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
Performance and Speed Range
The Pica² achieves a surprisingly wide usable speed range within the EN-A class, maintaining better performance in moderate headwinds than many basic school wings. Users report good climb rates aided by thermal feedback, although, as expected, top-end speed and glide performance are limited by the low certification class. Some pilots who progress quickly in skill may find the performance ceiling restrictive after a season or two. Nevertheless, within its design goals, the glider stands out for balancing safety with genuine, usable performance.
Descent and Landing
Descent techniques are thoughtfully addressed. The wing’s special line configuration facilitates big ears—a popular descent method—making them easy to initiate, stable, and reliable for rapid altitude loss. This feature adds to the safety toolkit for trainees and early XC pilots. Landing characteristics are consistently described as forgiving, with an easy-to-time flare window that helps pilots execute stand-up landings even when timing is not perfect. This forgiveness in landing dynamics is a major benefit for schools and beginners alike.
Construction and Certification
The Pica²’s construction uses a mix of high-quality materials to keep the canopy lightweight yet robust. Riser and line assemblies are clean and uncomplicated—fitting for student environments. The wing is certified under EN 926-1/926-2 via DHV testing, with all sizes also having motorized use certification (DGAC motor certification from size S upward), enhancing versatility for pilots who might move to paramotoring (PPG). There have been no widespread reports of premature wear, indicating solid build quality customary to Icaro products.
Typical Users and Use Cases
The Pica² is ideal for absolute beginners, low-hour pilots flying locally or learning to thermal, returning pilots seeking maximum safety, and flight schools focusing on student confidence and ease of instruction. It suits early solo flights and relaxed soaring sessions well, although it is recognized as too conservative for ambitious XC pilots aiming for performance wings. The glider serves well as a trusted first wing or a stepping stone along a pilot's progression path.
Summary and Final Thoughts
The Icaro Pica² paraglider embodies the essential qualities of a modern, low EN-A class wing: high passive safety, straightforward ground handling, stable and intuitive flight behavior, forgiving landings, and practical performance for its category. Customer and professional feedback underscores its role as an excellent training and early progression wing that inspires confidence without compromising safety. Pilots seeking stress-free, conservative flying with a measured performance edge will find the Pica² a very fitting choice, while those aiming for continuous high-performance XC will likely move on to higher classes after gaining initial experience on this wing.
For more detailed information about the Pica², visit the manufacturer's website. You can also order your equipment conveniently through Paragliding.me.