Basic Flight Techniques - Ozone Xxlite Handbuch

BASIC FLIGHT TECHNIQUES

Limitations
The XXLite can soar, thermal and top land like any other wing but due
to the lower top speed and lack of accelerator it is more limited in
its scope of safe flyable weather windows. It should not be used in
strong winds or when there is a chance of the wind speed increasing
significantly. Like all paragliders, it should not be flown in particularly
turbulent conditions.
It is important that you understand and respect the inherent limi-
tations of flying a wing without a high top speed. Only fly in calm,
sensible conditions.
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, E/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 is 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 XXLite will launch with either the forward or reverse techniques.
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Forward Launch Nil to Light winds
When the wind is right, move forward, your lines should become tight
within one or two steps. The XXLite will immediately start to inflate.
Due to the extreme lightweight nature of the glider it is not neces-
sary to use force on the A risers to initiate the inflation. Only once
the glider is fully inflated should you put pressure on the A risers to
aid the complete inflation overhead if necessary.
Do not pull down or push the risers forward excessively, or the lead-
ing edge will deform and make taking-off difficult.
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 XXLite is inflated correctly, accelerate
smoothly off the launch.
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Reverse Launch Light to Stronger winds
Lay out your XXLite as you would for the forward launch. However,
this time turn to face the wing, passing one entire set of risers over
your head as you turn. Be careful, in stronger winds the wing has a
tendency to want to fly from a walled position. Keep the wall size to
a minimum and hold the wing back with the brakes or rear risers to
avoid unwanted inflation.
To inflate the XXLite hold the A-risers, but mainly use your weight
and tension in the lines to bring the glider up. Only use gentle force
on the A risers if necessary to bring the glider fully overhead. Once
the wing is overhead, brake gently to stop any overshoot, turn and
smoothly accelerate in order to launch.
In stronger winds, be prepared to take a few steps towards the
glider as it inflates.
IMPORTANT: Never take off with a glider that is not directly
overhead or when you are not in control of the pitch/roll.
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