Basic Flight Techniques; In Flight Characteristics - Ozone OCTANE FLX Betriebshandbuch

BASIC FLIGHT TECHNIQUES

To familiarise yourself with the glider it is a good idea to perform
practice inflations and small flights on a training hill. This will enable
you to set up your equipment correctly. If in any doubt please get
advice and help from your local dealer or instructor.
Preparation
Lay out the wing on its top surface in a pronounced arc, with the
centre of the wing higher than the tips. Lay out the lines one side
at a time. Hold up the risers and starting with the brake lines, pull
all lines clear. Repeat with the stabilo, D, C, B and A lines, laying the
checked lines on top of the previous set, and making sure no lines are
tangled, knotted or snagged. Mirror the process on the other side.
Take-off checklist:
1. Check reserve parachute - pin in and handle secure
2. Helmet on and fastened
3. All harness buckles closed - check leg-loops again
4. Karabiners and maillons tight
5. Holding the A's and your brake handles
6. Leading edge open
7. Aligned directly into wind
8. Airspace and visibility clear
Launching
Your Octane FLX will launch with either the forward or reverse tech-
niques.
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Forward Launch Nil to Light winds
When the wind is favourable, move forward positively: your lines
should become tight within one or two steps. The Octane FLX will
immediately start to inflate. You should maintain a constant pressure
on the risers until the wing is overhead.
Do not pull down or push the risers forward excessively, or the lead-
ing edge will deform and possibly collapse making taking-off more
difficult and potentially dangerous.
Move smoothly throughout the entire launch, there is no need to
rush or snatch at it. You should have plenty of time to look up and
check your canopy before committing yourself.
Once you are happy that the Octane FLX is inflated correctly, accel-
erate smoothly off the launch.
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Reverse Launch Light to Strong Winds
Lay out your wing as you would for the forward launch. However, this
time turn to face it, passing one entire set of risers over your head
as you turn. Now you can pull the glider by its A-risers. Once the
wing is overhead, brake gently, turn and launch.
In stronger winds, be prepared to take a few steps towards the
glider as it inflates. This will take some of the energy out of the glider
and it will be less likely to overfly you. This reverse-launch technique
can be used in surprisingly light winds too.
IMPORTANT: Never take off with a glider that is not fully
inflated or if you are not in control of the pitch/roll of your
wing.
Practice ground handling a lot! It's great fun, not only will it give you
a much better feel for your wing's flight characteristics, but It will
also improve your overall enjoyment of flying by making your launches
easier.

In Flight Characteristics

The Octane FLX shows no unusual flying characteristics, conse-
quently it is suitable for a very wide range of pilot. Turns are smooth
and co-ordinated, on glide it remains solid and well pressured, even
through the accelerated speed range. It has a very high resistance
to both collapses and stalls. However, to get the most out of your
Octane FLX we advise you to consider the following information:
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