APCO Aviation Karma EVO, Manual

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13 TAKE OFF
As this is not a training manual we will not try to teach you launching techniques. We will
only briefly go through the different launch techniques to help you get the most out of your
glider.
13.1 LAYOUT
Pre-flight check should be done before every flight.
Spread the glider on the ground. Spread the lines, dividing them into eight groups A, B, C
and brake lines left and right. Make sure the lines are free and not twisted or knotted.
Make sure all the lines are on top of the glider and none are caught on vegetation or rocks
under the glider. Lay out the glider in a horseshoe shape. This method insures that all the
lines are equally tensioned on launch, and results in an even inflation.
The Flexon rib reinforcements will keep the leading edge open for easy inflation.
The most common reason for a bad launch is a bad layout!
13.2 ALPINE LAUNCH OR FORWARD LAUNCH
The KARMA EVO has very good launch behaviour in no wind conditions.
For the best results we recommend the use of the following techniques: Lay out the glider
and position yourself in the centre of the wing with the lines almost tight.
With a positive and constant force inflate the wing holding only the A-risers, and smoothly
increase your running speed. The wing will quickly inflate and settle above your head
without the tendency to stick behind, you may have to pull some brake to stop the wing
from overshooting on an aggressive run.
After you leave the A-risers, apply about 15% brakes and the KARMA EVO will gently lift
you off the ground.
13.3 STRONG WIND AND REVERSE LAUNCH
The KARMA EVO has a lot of lifting power and care should be taken in strong wind. It is
advisable to have an assistant hold you when attempting a strong wind launch. It also
helps if you walk towards the canopy and leave the A-riser just before the glider gets
above your head. Then pull a bit of brake to stop the wing from overshooting, but not too
much as the glider might pull you off your feet too early. The assistant should let you walk
in under the wing on inflation rather than resist the inflation; this reduces the tendency of
the glider to lift the pilot prematurely.
13.4 TOW OR WINCH LAUNCHING
All APCO gliders are well suited for winching and have no bad tendencies on the winch.
With towing it is important to have the wing above your head on launch and not to try and
force a stalled wing into the air. This is especially important if the winch operator is using
high tension on the winch. Very little brake if any need be applied on launch and during the
tow. Directional changes can be made with weight shift rather than brakes. While on tow,