Flight Characteristics; Takeoff - Advance Bibeta 4 Betriebshandbuch

Flight characeristics
We recommend that you make your first flights with the new glider
in quiet conditions at a familiar flying site, so that you can gain confi-
dence in your BIBETA 4 from the outset.

Takeoff

Before every takeoff carry out the following pre-takeoff checks:
1. Harness and helmet done up, reserve OK?
2. Pilot-glider-passenger connections OK?
3. Lines free?
4. Canopy open?
5. Wind direction and strength assessed?
6. Airspace and view clear?
7. Passenger ready?
The BIBETA 4's takeoff behaviour is very smooth and straightforward
for both forward and reverse pull-ups. The canopy fills quickly and
the wing rises progressively, without hanging back or overshooting.
The BIBETA 4 should be pulled up using only the two inner A-risers.
This needs less force, and the glider will come up straight. The wing
should be laid out in a curve so that all the A lines come under tensi-
on progressively.
Tip: To get the BIBETA 4 in just the right curved shape for
takeoff stand abeam the centre of each wing after you have
sorted the lines; take the brake line and pull it in until all the
brake junctions are tensioned.
Light Wind Takeoff (Forwards)
The BIBETA 4 only needs a modest tug in a light wind. It is not ne-
cessary to step back and then 'run' into the lines. Lead the glider up
with committed and forward-leaning body weight, but without too
much pull on the inner A-risers, until the canopy is nicely above you.
Any directional correcting during the pull-up phase should be done
by going under the glider, without use of brake. After the correction
phase and a look at the glider a few brisk steps with determined lea-
ning forward is enough to get you airborne, even in little wind. The
takeoff run can be shortened by an appropriate touch of brake.
Strong Wind Takeoff (Forwards or Backwards)
During both a forwards and backwards pull-up in a strong wind it will
be necessary to step towards the glider by a suitable amount. Cor-
rections while pulling up should only be made by going under. Turn-
ing round and lifting off are completely straightforward with the
BIBETA 4.
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