Care And Maintenance - Nova Mentor Light 4 Handbuch

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Care and maintenance

With care and careful handling, a paraglider can remain in a technically
perfect state for many years – even if used intensively. An exception to
this are lightweight paragliders which degrade more rapidly with inten-
sive use. We recommend the following:
• The wing should not be unnecessarily exposed to UV radiation, for
example if left for a long time in direct sunlight on take-off or landing.
• When folding the glider it is advisable not to bend the rods in the
leading edge.
• If the wing is wet or even only damp when being packed, it should be
fully dried as soon as possible. Storing the glider damp can lead to
permanent damage.
• When landing or groundhandling, try to avoid hitting the leading edge
hard on the ground. This can lead to damage.
• The lines should be protected from dirt and sharp rocks. Never step
on the lines if on stony ground.
• Over a period of time, dampness in combination with dirt can lead to
lines shrinking and the glider going out of trim.
• Salt water (including sweat) and sand damage lines and sail cloth.
This has a negative effect on their durability and strength.
Packing the glider
Keep it simple! NOVA paragliders can be stored in a concertina bag,
To us, paragliding but it is not essential (we haven't found that concertina bags prolong
means freedom.
the life of the wing). If in a hurry, they can be stuffed into the inner bag
And freedom means
(but please don't store them like this in the long-term!).
not having to deal
with complicated
equipment.
We use the conventional packing method for our own wings: lay the
wing flat with lines on top and then fold towards the middle. The cell
openings should be in line and can then be used as a reference. Then
fold, rather than roll, the glider as this improves the comfort when
carrying it in the glider bag. When folding the wing, please ensure that
the rods in the leading edge are not bent. This simple and comfortable
packing method is made possible by our conservative use of rods –
they are only used in the profile nose.
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