Wing Pre-Flight Checks; Basic Flight Techniques; Inflation: Forward; Reverse Launch - SKY PARAGLIDERS FLEXOR Serie Bedienungsanleitung

3.4. Wing Pre-flight Checks
• Check the sail for damage to both 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 speed system works freely and that the
lines are long enough to ensure that the speed system is
not permanently activated whilst in flight.
• Check the operation of the trim system and set to the
takeoff/landing position.
• Lastly, check that the brake handles and tip steering
handles are correctly attached and that each line runs
freely through its pulley.
4. BASIC FLIGHT
TECHNIQUES
4.1. Inflation: Forward
Nil to light wind
Lay out the paraglider with the leading edge in a horseshoe
shape. Set the trimmers to slow trim. Holding the A risers
close to the quick links move forward until the lines are tight.
You should now be perfectly centered to your wing. In nil wind
or a light headwind, with lines tight take several positive strides
along with a small amount of thrust. FLEXOR 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. Simply follow them with your arms until the glider reaches
its angle of flight above your head.With the right (low) amount
of thrust FLEXOR does not have a tendency to overshoot the
pilot. A controlled inflation avoids excessive need of the brakes
and allows you to visually check the wing and lines during the
last phase of the launch, before acceleration to take-off speed.
4.2. Reverse Launch
Light to strong wind
Set trimmers to standard or up to 2 cm faster. Pass the risers
over your head and cage and turn to face the wing. From here
the reverse launch can be performed. When the wing is under
control and above your head, turn to face the wind and the
take-off run can commence.
We recommend first practicing your launch techniques without
the power unit and then with the power unit whilst the motor
is not running, so as to fully familiarise yourself with the
sensations, skills and procedures for safe live take-offs.
IMPORTANT: Never attempt to take off with a glider that is not
fully inflated, directly overhead or if you are not fully in control
of the pitch/roll of the wing
4.3. Operation Of Trimmer System
FLEXOR is supplied with a trimmer riser set. The trimmers are a
system to modify glider profile, altering the angle of attack of the
wing to set a desired trim speed.
The 'neutral' or standard position is when the trimmers are set
to the red line. The slow setting is ideal for climbing under power,
whilst thermalling and when the air is turbulent. Brake pressure is
lighter and the handling at its best on the standard trim setting. To
increase cruise speed you can use the speed system or release
the trimmers, or both. In turbulent air the wing is most manageable
on its slowest setting, i.e. with trimmers in the standard position
and no accelerator applied.
To activate them the pilot should gently push the "trimmers"
cam lock to allow the straps to slide, lowering the angle of
attack. Release the cam lock to lock the straps at the desired
setting. To tighten the trimmers, to increase the angle of attack,
the pilot should pull the straps down vertically until the desired
setting is achieved. Trimmers must be activated and deactivated
symmetrically.
FLEXOR
User manual / Handbuch / Navod k obsluze
4.4. Operation of Speed Bar
Use of the speed bar increases the maximum speed of the
paraglider by up to 30% of the trim speed by lowering the angle
of attack.
The speed bar is a foot operated system. Pushing the bar
with your feet will activate the system. Releasing the bar will
deactivate the system.
The Skyflex active foil allows the pilot to choose the
configuration of the profile from slow & easy to fast & stable
with everything in between. All combinations of controls are
useable with safe behaviour; however, FLEXOR is more efficient
when the tip steering is used at accelerated speeds if changes
in direction are desired.
Permissible in-Flight speed setting/steering of combined controls
Accelerator Trimmers Brakes
YES YES NO
YES NO YES
NO YES YES
4.5. The Climb Out
Once in the air you should continue flying into wind whilst
gaining height. By setting the trimmers to the slow position you
will achieve the best climb rate. Do not attempt to climb too
steeply or too quickly by using the brakes. The wing already has
a high angle of attitude, coupled with a higher angle of attack
(if you use the brakes) plus the engine's full thrust acting on the
pilot, this could contribute to make the glider more prone to
stall. Furthermore, in the event of an engine failure, the resulting
backward pendulum motion of the pilot and the forward dive
of the wing can result in a momentary dive until the wing and
pilot reach pendulum stability once again, possibly resulting
in ground impact if there is insufficient altitude. Do not initiate
turns until you have sufficient height and airspeed. Avoid low
turns downwind with insufficient airspeed.
Tip
Steering
YES
YES
YES
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