Take-Off, Flight And Flying Techniques; Pre-Flight Checks; Rapid Descent Techniques - SKY PARAGLIDERS APOLLO BI Benutzerhandbuch

tAkE-OFF, FLIght AND FLyINg
tEChNIquES
In general, characteristics of the APOLLO BI are conventional when
compared to other paragliders. However, listed below are several points
to help you become better acquainted with your new glider:

1) Pre-flight Checks

 Check the envelope for damage to top and bottom surfaces, the 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 correctly tightened.
 Check that the risers are not damaged or twisted.
 Check that the trimmers are symmetrically adjusted.
 Check that the brake handles are correctly attached and that each line
runs freely through the pulley.
2) take-off
Lay out the paraglider with the leading edge in a horseshoe shape.
Holding the A risers close to the quick links move away from the glider
until the lines are tight. You should now be perfectly centred with respect
to your wing.
In nil wind or a light headwind, with the lines tight, take several positive
strides. The APOLLO BI will rapidly inflate and rise over your head. Do
not pull the risers too hard, either forward or down as this could cause
a collapse of the leading edge. It is important that the centre-of-gravity
of your body remains in front of your feet during inflation of the glider so
that the load through the risers remains constant.
In stronger wind, Apollo Bi can be launched using the reverse launch
technique of your choice. Apollo Bi generates a lot of lift and the inflation
should be performed progressively and smoothly.
A controlled inflation avoids having to use excessive amounts of brake and
allows you to visually check the wing and lines during the last phase of
the launch, before acceleration to take-off speed. Depending on the wind
conditions or the slope, judicious use of the brakes may assist a cleaner
launch.
3) Landing
Due to the exceptional glide of the APOLLO BI, extreme caution is re-
commended during approach and landing. The APOLLO BI is an extre-
mely agile and sensitive glider. A brake input may initiate a significant
glider reaction. It is therefore recommended that first flights are performed
in a familiar environment, from a large launch site and under stable mete-
orological conditions.
An advantage of negative steering is that there is more time for manoeuvres
to be performed precisely, resulting in reduced pendulum motion
of the paraglider.
Reminder: Negative steering involves slowing the glider by applying
brakes symmetrically to about 30% of the maximum range, then effecting
a turn by releasing the outside brake.
Speeding up just prior to landing allows a more effective flare and
a gentler touch-down.
4) turning
The APOLLO BI is designed to turn efficiently and will core thermals
without the need for weight-shift piloting.
Negative steering (see above) slows the paraglider in level flight and
can reduce excessive roll during turn reversals. Your glider is not only
designed to turn rapidly (with approx. 30% brake) but also to fly slowly
in order to help identify areas of lift. It will also effect a flatter turn (with 15%
brake) to minimize sink rate during the turn. Symmetrical brake-input at
20-30 % enables you to control the glider – to brake further if the canopy
pitches forward and to release when if the canopy pitches backwards.

5) Rapid Descent techniques

As a general rule, to descend, fly away from areas of lift. If you are taken
unawares by the development of conditions or you need to descend more
rapidly, you may consider using the following techniques to increase your
sink rate.
Big Ears
 Pull the outside A lines until the wingtips fold back under the leading
edge. We recommended that you perform each ‚ear' successively and
not both simultaneously.
 Hold in the lines to maintain big ears until the manoeuvre is finished.
 Depending on the size of ‚big ears' initiated, the sink rate can increase
by up to 3–4 m/s.
As soon as the lines are released, the paraglider should spontaneously
reopen. However, you can speed reopening by „pumping" the brakes
in a single sweeping movement. When pumping the brakes it is
recommended that one side of the paraglider be opened after the other.
Pulling both brakes simultaneously may result in a stall.
Spiral Drive
The APOLLO BI is a manoeuvrable wing that responds to pilot input
precisely and progressively. To initiate a tight spiral apply one brake
progressively to about 35% and hold it in this position. Weight-shift
steering will also help the glider to bank. The speed of rotation and
the brake pressure will increase progressively and the centrifugal force
on the pilot will also increase. The angle and speed of rotation can be
decreased or increased by releasing or depressing the brake by several
cm respectively.
Once mastered the spiral dive allows you to descend at rates greater than
10 m/s. Extremely abrupt brake inputs, badly synchronised brake inputs
or too-rapid initiation of the spiral may result in an asymmetrical collapse
and/or a spin.
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