Air Design Ultralight Flying Object 18", Manual And Service Book

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f. Accelerating
The speed system on the UFO comes supplied with ‘quick hooks’ ready to attach to a speed bar
of choice. The complete speed system should be checked to ensure it runs smoothly by
hanging in the harness before flying.
In particular, check that the speed system won’t be engaged when in normal flight.
Unnecessary knots and loops in a speed system are not recommended.
When pushing the speed bar the angle of attack of the glider is reduced. The glider speeds up
but at the same time is more sensitive to deformation.
In spite of the exceptional stability of the UFO, any accelerated collapse will be more dynamic
than the same event experienced at trim speed and will require quicker reactions to maintain
normal flight.
Always keep both hands on the controls when flying fast or in turbulence and be ready to
release the speed system immediately at the first sign of a collapse.
When flying through strong sink or into a headwind it is useful to fly faster using the speedbar.
Use the speed system carefully when flying close to the terrain and maintain enough height
from the ground or other obstacles to recover in the event of a collapse.
g. Landing
Due to the design contributing to minimal pitch inducement, flare behaviour is different to that
of a conventional paraglider. The glider requires a fast and late flare prior to touching down.
When landing with ample headwind, standard landing technique flare is sufficient.
On bigger sizes like 18 or 21 a standard landing technique is sufficient.
For the standard landing technique, into-wind landing evenly pull the brakes all the way down
when you are close to the ground and straighten up to land on your feet. The glider will stop
almost completely as the brakes are fully applied. Avoid landing directly out of a turn or wing-
over since the momentum of the pilot will be much greater due to the pendulum effect.
Attention :
After touching down do not allow the glider to dive overhead and fall in front of you. If the
leading edge hits the ground hard the structure of the cell walls may become damaged. As well
do not pull the wing over ground. This may damage the sail.
h. Asymmetric and frontal collapses
As with any paraglider collapses can occur. “Active flying” as described in point “e” can help
avoid deformations.
You should always maintain course and direction by weight-shifting away from the collapsed
side. This can be reinforced by pulling the brake on the opposite side to the deflation. If the
collapse stays in, the glider can be re-inflated by pumping the brake on the collapsed side in a
firm and smooth manner. Be aware that the brake travel is shorter when the glider is collapsed
and the glider can stall with less brake input.