Flight characteristics
We recommend that you make your first flights with a new glider in
quiet conditions at a site you know . A few pull ups on easy ground will
give you confidence in your OMEGA XALPS 3’ handling, from the ve-
ry beginning .
Takeoff
Takeoff preparation
Before every takeoff carry out the following pre-takeoff checks:
1 . Harness and helmet done up, reserve OK?
2 . Lines free?
3 . Canopy open?
4 . Wind direction and strength assessed?
5 . Airspace and field-of-view clear?
Tip:
To get the wing in the right shape for takeoff do the follow-
ing: pull the brake lines in while you are sorting the lines until the
canopy arrives at the perfect banana shape .
For its performance class the OMEGA XALPS 3’ easy rising profile ma-
kes takeoffs surprisingly straightforward .
Forward Takeoff
Even for a long line wing the OMEGA XALPS 3 only needs a light im-
pulse to pull up . Lead the glider up with distinct leaning forward, but
without too much pull on the A risers .
After any correcting, and a quick look up, a few rapid steps with con-
tinued leaning forward will soon have you airborne, even if there’s not
much wind .
Reverse takeoff
The backwards pull up is usually recommended if there’s strong wind
coming up, but it also works well in light wind . During the pull up the
OMEGA XALPS 3 long lines may make it advisable to walk towards the
wing to control its rising speed and pressure, and thereby limit any ten-
dency to overshoot at the top . Turning round and taking off with the
OMEGA XALPS 3 will then turn out to be easy .
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