In flight Characteristics
Take-Off
The OPERA has been designed as a foot launchable solo
paraglider only.
To get the right wing shape for the take-off, pull the brake
until the canopy shows at the perfect banana shape on the
flat ground. While inflating the OPERA, you should hold both
of the A2 and A2 risers on your hands. Smoothly and
gradually inflate the wing with stretched.
Do not pull the riser forward or down too far, the front edge
may collapse. Therefore, it is better to follow in the direction
of the lower glider until the glider inflates the angle of flight.
While the glider is inflating, it is important that the center of
gravity of the body stays in front of the feet to constantly
load to the riser.
The OPERA has the best stable glide performance in a
normal position without any brakes. Actually we call it
“Trim
speed”
condition.
In theory, it shows the best performance at trim speed.
However, when we apply a brake of about 10 cm, it is at a
minimal sink rate, such as a lower sink when we do some
thermaling or apply some brake tension just before the
landing.
If you want to avoid the collapse of your OPERA, you need to
use active flying. For this, you need to control the pitch, keep
the internal pressure of the glider by using the brake or B
streering. But in case of the turbulent condition, you had
better use only the brakes.
Alternative Steering
: In the unlikely event, that a brake line
releases from the brake handle, or breaks, or the brake-lines
are tangled up, the glider is maneuverable using the B
riser(rear-risers). By pulling gently on the rear-risers, it is
possible to steer the glider and land safely.
Don’t
pull the
rear-risers too much, to avoid a deep stall.
⚫
Tow launch
The OPERA could be tow-launched. It is the responsibility of pilot to
use the right harness and installed/release staff and to ensure that
they are properly trained in the equipment and systems they use.
All tow pilots must be qualified to tow, use a qualified tow driver
with appropriate certified equipment, and comply with all towing
regulations. When towing, the paraglider must be completely over
the head before starting. In each case, the maximum towing force
should meet to the
pilot’s
max flight weight.
