Pluto II
7
Using the speed system
The speed system on the Pluto II comes supplied with Brummel hooks ready to attach
to your own speedbar of choice. When you have done this, check the speed system
runs smoothly by hanging in your 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.
Maximum useable speed is one of the strong points of Axis paragliders and the Pluto II
is no exception. However, in spite of this exceptional stability, any collapse at full
speed will be more severe than the same event experienced at trim speed. Always
keep both hands on the controls when flying fast and be ready to release the speed
system immediately at the first sign of a collapse. Use the speed system carefully when
flying close to the ground or the terrain.
Landing
On your first flights you may be surprised at how well the Pluto II glides. Take account
of this when making your landing approach and give yourself the opportunity for S-
turns or a longer approach than you might be used to.
For a normal, into-wind landing evenly pull the brakes all the way down when you are
about one metre from the ground. Under nil-wind conditions, or if you are forced to
make an emergency downwind landing, a wrap on each brake will allow you to make a
stronger flare.
B. Losing altitude
Most pilots will, at some time, want to lose height. This may be because of a change in
the weather, you are at cloudbase and don’t want to go any higher, or simply because
you want to finish your flight quickly.
Ideally, the best way to lose height is to find an area of sink and stay in it. This way you
can fly normally to the ground. However, if there is no sink, or if you are in strong lift
and want to go down, a rapid descent method may be needed.
There are three main rapid descent methods:
Big ears
B-line stall
Spiral dive
Each of these descent methods places extra, different stresses on gliders and should
be avoided if you want to extend the life of the glider.
