The Flight; Preflight Check And Launch Preparations - Nova Mentor Betriebshandbuch

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The Flight:

Preflight check and launch preparations:

As for any aircraft a thorough preflight check must be made prior to each flight
on the NOVA MENTOR!
Having unpacked and laid out the paraglider in a slight horseshoe pattern the
following checks must be made:
Before every launch check lines, risers and canopy for damage! Do not launch
in case of even the smallest damage!
Also check the rapid links connecting the lines and the risers. They have to be
closed tight.
Put on the harness with maximum care and check the handle of the safety
system and that all the splints of the outer container are placed correctly.
The main carabiner has to be checked carefully as well. Replace it if any
damage is visible, or generally after 300 flying hours.
When laying out the glider, the wind direction should be observed. The canopy
should be deployed into the wind so both halves of it are loaded symmetrically.
The paraglider should be arranged in a semicircle against the wind. This
ensures that the A-lines in the centre section of the canopy will tension before
the ones at the wing tips. Thus the canopy inflates evenly and an easy launch
in the desired direction is guaranteed.
All lines and risers should be carefully untangled and arranged in a way that
they do not catch on anything. Special attention should be paid to the A-lines,
which should run free and untangled from the A-risers (red sleeve) to the
canopy.
It is equally important to untangle the brake lines so that they are clear and can
not catch on any thing during launch. The brake lines should run freely through
the pulleys to the trailing edge of the canopy.
Make sure the risers are not twisted. When not, the brake lines will be able to
run freely through their pulleys.
It is often impossible to untangle lines during flight.
It is important that no lines are looped around the canopy. Also called a "line-
over", this may have disastrous consequences during take off.
Finally connect the risers with your harness by using the main carabiners.
Check carefully that they are closing properly.