Dudek Colt 23 S, User Manual

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When soaring the slope, minimum height of 50 m above the ground is
recommended for safety reasons. It is important to comply with air traffic
rules, especially when many pilots share airspace close to the hill. The
avoidance manoeuvres often happen to be impossible in such conditions.
FLYING WITH SPEED SYSTEM ENGAGED
When flying into head wind or through sink it is advisable (for the sake of
best glide angle) to increase speed, as long as conditions are not too
turbulent. Remember that on application of speed system overall angle of
attack diminishes and the canopy may tuck easier than in normal flight.
The faster is your flight, the more dynamic are tucks and stalls. See "Speed
system" section.
LANDING
The Colt is easy to land. Just make sure that last turn into the wind is done
with sufficient altitude, since prior to touch down you should build up speed,
fully releasing the brakes. Then flare out at 1 - 2 meters over ground by
gently braking. The glider may climb again for a while gaining some height, if
too much brake is used.
Strong wind landings hardly require braking, if any at all! Use C-risers
(coloured grey) to deflate the canopy after landing. Using the brakes will
probably result in pilot being lifted and dragged backwards.
The final glide of the landing approach should be straight and smooth. Steep
or alternating turns can result in a dangerous pendulum effect near the
ground.
WINCHING AND MOTOPARAGLIDING
During tests numerous flights were made with winch start and backpack
power units, as these are the only means to gain some height in flatlands.
Absolutely no contradictions were found for using Colt in such flights.
CAUTION
During start, especially winched or with a motor, always remember to bring
the wing directly over your head. The aerofoil and its angle of attack were
arranged so as to give maximum lift coefficient with relatively high safety
level. As a result it can stay behind a pilot, if he neglects bringing it directly
over head during launch.
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