Advance acoustic SIGMA 9, User Manual

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Takeoff in stronger wind (reverse takeoff)
The reverse takeoff is mainly recommended for stronger winds .
During the pull-up you should walk towards the SIGMA 9 as neces-
sary . Turning round and taking off with the SIGMA 9 will then prove
to be easy .
Tip: Playing with the glider on flat ground in some wind gives
a good feeling for the wing . You can get to know the SIGMA
9’s characteristics very well, and try out takeoffs, stalling,
shooting forward tendency and collapses – while remaining
safely on the ground . The ADVANCE test team have a
motto: one hour ground training is worth 10 high flights . N .B:
Ground handling practice can increase wear on your glider .
Info: The SIGMA 9 is very easy to take off . Just as for the
forward takeoff you should also suit your pull-up impulse
to the wind and slope when making a reverse pull-up (as
described in section “Takeoff”) .
Normal flight
In calm air the SIGMA 9 best glide is achieved with fully released
brakes . Light braking brings the glider to its minimum sink condi-
tion . When flying into a headwind, through descending air, or when
proceeding to the next thermal, glide performance will be distinctly
improved by appropriate use of the speed system . The SPI helps
you do this . See section
“
Speed-Performance-Indicator (SPI)
”
.
Despite the wing’s high stability an active flying style is recommen-
ded – collapses can be almost completely avoided . This means
keeping the lightly-braked glider directly above you, in other words,
countering roll and pitch disturbances .
§
When the angle of attack increases (flying into a thermal; wing
swings back) the brake lines should be temporarily released fully,
until the glider returns to its overhead position .
§
When the angle of attack reduces (glider dives forwards, pilot
swings back) the wing should briefly be braked more .
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