Dudek FreeWay, User Manual

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and smooth. While turning you have to release the brake handles and grip
them again facing forward. Last check of the wing & free space to launch and
off you go.
CAUTION: When deflating the canopy in strong winds (e. g. aborting a
launch), use C risers, not the brakes. Using brakes in strong wind causes more
lift, which eventually can lift the pilot up and drag him/her back.
TURNS
THERMALLING AND SOARING
When flying FREEWAY minimum sink is attained with slight brake pressure
applied (10 cm to 15 cm depending on pilot's weight). In turbulent conditions
the canopy should be flown with small amount of brake applied. This improves
overall stability by increasing the angle of attack of the canopy. The canopy
should neither rock back nor surge forwards, but always remain above pilot's
head. In order to achieve it, paraglider should be accelerated by letting off the
brakes when entering a thermal (accordingly to its strength) and slowed down
on exiting. This is basic active flying that can spare you many potential
collapses.
When soaring the slope, a minimum height of 50 m above ground is
recommended for safety reasons. It is important to comply with the rules of air
traffic, especially when many pilots share airspace close to a hill. In such
conditions rapid avoidance manoeuvres are often not possible.
FLYING WITH SPEED SYSTEM ENGAGED
When flying into head wind or through sink it is advisable (for the sake of best
The FREEWAY is a responsive wing; it has easy handling and reacts instantly
to any steering input, with progressive forces on the brakes. Adding some
weight shift will make the paraglider turn faster and tighter.
The combined technique (weight shifting plus brake input) is the most efficient
method. Turn radius is determined then by amount of inside brake used and
weight shift. Additional application of a little outside brake after initiating the
turn with maximum weight shift increases efficiency and the outboard wing's
resistance to collapse (in turbulence, the edge of a thermal etc).
When it is necessary to turn the Dudek FREEWAY in a confined area at slow
speed (e.g. slope soaring), we recommend to steer the decelerated canopy by
loosening the brake at the outside of the turn while applying just a little more
brake on the inside of the turn.
When entering a turbulent area you should brake a bit, just to put up the
tension. It will give you better feel of the wing and allow you to react instantly in
case of a problem.
CAUTION: Too hard or too quick pulling of one brake can cause the wing to
enter a spin.
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