Normal Flight; Accelerated Flight; Turning - Nova IBEX-4 Handbuch

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Tow launch
When towing, the IBEX 4 displays no peculiarities. Please note that it
is important to climb away from the ground at a shallow angle.
We recommend the use of a tow adapter. This adapter is connected to
the main carabiners and links them with the tow release.

Normal flight

The IBEX 4 has its best glide performance at trim speed, i.e. when the
brakes are fully released. In calm air, the wing will travel the greatest
distance over a given height.
With headwind or a sinking airmass, maximum glide can be achieved
by using the speed system. During accelerated flight in turbulent air,
attention should be paid to the dynamic reaction of the wing in case of
a collapse. Lots of height above the ground is advisable.
In strong turbulence it is advisable to gently pull both brakes to increa-
se stability. The brakes provide feedback about the surrounding air,
which is needed for active flying.
By active flying we mean the constant control and correction of the
!
angle of attack in turbulent air. For example, if a pilot flies from an area
of lift to an area of sink, if there is no pilot input, the angle of attack will
Cases of an
escalation of a
be reduced and the wing will pitch forward. Reduced brake pressure
collapse can be
will indicate the start of this pitch movement to the pilot.
prevented by
active flying.
The correct reaction is to increase the brake input to prevent the
forward pitch.
Some of the required techniques can be practised during ground hand-
ling, for example, by attempting to keep the wing flying above your
head without looking at it. This exercise is also useful for successful
forward launches.

Accelerated flight

Fitting the speed system
The majority of harnesses are fitted with two pulleys per side. Some
(lightweight) harnesses instead have two simple rings or loops.
The two speed bar cords are pulled from top to bottom through both
pulleys/rings and fitted to the foot bar.
The correct length adjustment is important. If it is too short, there is
the danger that the wing is constantly accelerated, which should be
avoided at all costs. If the cords are too short there is the risk that the
speed bar is unreachable.
If the cords are set too long, it is not possible to accelerate the wing to
its maximum speed.
We recommend setting the cords a little too long when first fitting the
speed system, so that the free play can be judged during flight. Then
the slack can be taken up if necessary. Brummel hooks with three
holes assist with the simple adjustment of the cord length.
Using the speed system
Before take off or on connecting the risers to the harness, the Brummel
hooks on the speed system must to attached to those on the harness.
Please make it part of your pre-flight routine to connect the speed sys-
tem – it is important for your safety.
The IBEX 4 is fitted with a very effective and smooth-running
speed system. Up to the maximum speed, the glide performance
remains very high. Pitch correction, i.e. active flying, in accelerated
flight should not be performed through the brakes, but using the speed
system. Therefore if the wing pitches forward, the pilot should not
brake, but reduce the acceleration.
In accelerated flight, steering should be performed either by weight-
shift or through asymmetrical speed bar use (by increasing the acceler-
ation on the left side, the wing will turn right).
Speed system geometrical data
If the entire range of the speed-system is utilised, in comparison to the
C-risers the A-risers are shortened by approximately 12.5 cm (sizes
XXS and XS), 16 cm (sizes S and M).

Turning

Turning a wing is the combination of inner brake, outer brake and
weight-shift. The key is the correct dose of each element. One of the
features of the IBEX 4 is its sensitive handling. Small brake inputs are
sufficient to fly precise turns.
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!
Please note: using
the brakes during
accelerated flight is
not only detrimental
to performance,
but (in comparison
to non-accelerated
flight) it increased
to likelihood of
collapses!