Take-Off, Flight And Flying Techniques; Rapid Descent Techniques - Sky FIDES 3 Handbuch

TAKE-OFF, FLIGHT AND FLYING
TECHNIQUES
The FIDES 3 can be flown conventionally however there are several points
listed below which should allow you to familiarise yourself with your new
paraglider more quickly.
1) Checking the paraglider before take-off
Check the sail for damages to surface, internal structure (ribs, diagonals)
and seams.
Check that the lines are not damaged or tangled.
Check that the quick links which connect the lines to the risers
are undamaged and tightened correctly.
Check that the risers are not damaged or twisted.
Check that the speed system works freely and that the lines are long
enough to ensure that the speed system is not permanently on.
Lastly, check that the brake handles are correctly attached and that each
line runs freely in its pulley.
2) Take-off
Lay the paraglider out with the leading edge in a horseshoe shape. Hold the
A risers close to the quick links and move forward until the lines get stretched.
You should now be perfectly centered with your wing. In no headwind or light
headwind with the lines stretched FIDES 3 inflates rapidly. It is important that
the risers be kept in a correct direction to the pilot's body. If the risers are kept
too close or too far, the take-off is very unlikely to be smooth.
The risers should neither be pushed forward nor be pulled down.
It is sufficient to lead the risers forward until the canopy has reached its apex.
A controlled inflation allows you to check the wings and lines during the last
phase as it comes up and thus avoids the need to use brakes. Depending
on the wind conditions or the slope an adequate use of brakes can help you
to take-off more quickly.
3) Landing
Because of the exceptional glide, extreme caution is recommended
in the stages of approaching and landing. FIDES 3 is an extremely
agile glider which is sensitive to a small input – overbraking can result
in significant responses. It is therefore recommended to execute the first
flights in a familiar environment and under easy conditions.
With negative steering there is more time for the manoeuvres to be
performed steadily, which results in reducing the pendulum movements of
the paraglider.
Reminder: Negative steering involves applying the brakes symmetrically by
about 30% of the maximum range to slow the paraglider and a simultaneous
turning by means of releasing the outside brake. Speeding up just prior to
landing allows a more effective flare and therefore a gentler landing.
4) Turning
FIDES 3 was designed to perform well in turns and will centre in thermals
even without active piloting. Negative steering (see above) on one hand
slows the paraglider in certain phases of the flight and on the other hand
reduces excessive rolling during turn reversals. It is not only designed to
turn (with approx. 30% brake) but also to fly slowly in order to help identify
the areas of lift and to keep the paraglider flatter to minimise the sink rate
in a turn (with 15% brake).
Symmetrical brake-input at 20-30 % enables you to keep your wing under
control – to brake further when pitching and to release when the canopy
banks up.

5) Rapid Descent Techniques

In order to descend the paraglider must be moved away from the areas of lift.
Avoid areas crowded with pilots and conditions of lift or turbulence.
In case any difficulties occur, the following techniques might be used
to increase the sink rate.
Big Ears
Pull at the outside A lines until the wingtips fold back on themselves.
It is recommended to fold the wingtips seperately and not at the same time.
Keep the lines taut to stop the wingtips from reopening. Depending on the size
of big ears, the sink rate can increase up to 3–4 m/s.
As soon as the lines are released, the paraglider should spontaneously reopen.
The process can be speeded up by pumping the brakes. When pumping
the brakes it is recommended that one side of the paraglider be opened after
the other. Pulling both brakes simultaneously can result in a stall.
Spiral Dive
FIDES 3 is a maneuverable wing that responds to any input easily. To initiate
the spiral apply one brake progressively to about 35% and hold it in its position.
The speed of rotation will increase progressively as well as the pressure
on the brake and the centrifugal force that is perceived. The angle or the speed
of rotation can be decreased or increased by releasing or pulling the brake
by several centimeters.
Once mastered the spiral allows you to descend by more than 10 m/s.
Movements which are extremely abrupt or badly synchronised or very quick
initiation of the spiral can result in an asymmetrical collapse or a spin.
CAUTION: A deep spiral is no harmless maneuver.
The kinetic energy obtained must be reduced by slowly releasing the inside
brake.
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