Advance acoustic SIGMA8, User Manual

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velops a good feeling for the wing. The ADVANCE test team
have a motto: an hour on the ground is worth ten flights.
Normal flight
In calm air the SIGMA 8 best glide is achieved with fully released
brakes. Light braking brings the glider to its minimum sink condition.
When flying into a headwind, through descending air, or when pro-
ceeding to the next thermal, glide performance will be distinctly im-
proved by appropriate use of the speed system. The SPI is there to
help you do this. See also section «Speed-Performance-Indicator
(SPI)».
Despite the wing’s high stability an active flying style is recommended
- collapses can be almost completely avoided. ‘Active flying’ means
keeping the lightly-braked glider directly above you, in other words,
countering roll and pitch disturbances.
Info: Make sure that you always take note of your weight and
the type of harness for comparison flights. The exceptional
performance of the SIGMA 8 becomes evident above all in
accelerated condition into a headwind and – because of its
well-behaved pitching behaviour – in turbulent air.
Turns
The SIGMA 8 has short and soft, but also very precise braking and
steering travel. It responds very directly and progressively to increas-
ing brake inputs. Control of the paraglider is easily assisted by active
weight shifting. The SIGMA 8 holds your chosen turn radius with a
steady steering application – without needing large corrections from
you. You can always increase or reduce your angle of bank by pres-
sure on the brake lines.
The SIGMA 8 makes a very agreeable companion in thermals. You
do not have to correct for large pitching movements, and this im-
proves your climbing behaviour – and therefore your performance –
significantly. When thermalling, choose the desired angle of bank and
corresponding radius, and try to let the glider turn steadily in this at-
titude. Outside brake should be used to steady the wing tip and, in
particular, control the rate of turn. Anything stronger will slow the
wingtip down and lose the glider’s good steering qualities.
A harness specifically designed to match the flying characteristics
of the SIGMA 8 helps you to initialise and stabilise turns of this type,
which should be as even as possible. See also section «Suitable har-
nesses».