Dudek Nucleon WRC, User Manual

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3. FLIGHT OPERATION
3.1 STEERING LINES AND SPEED SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT
We strongly advise following actions to be supported by an instructor or at
least an experienced pilot.
The Nucleon’s risers are shorter than in most paragliders, thus alleviating
potential problem with different hangpoints. There are three places to fix the
steering lines pulley – high, low, and middle (see risers diagram on p. 36). On
the main steering line there are two points marked – lower and higher,
indicating where to fix steering handle depending on pulley placement.
CAUTION! Before first use check whether steering lines and pulleys are set
for higher or lower hangpoint, and adjust them to your preferences if
necessary.
When flying with low hangpoint (or without paramotor) fix the pulleys to upper
loops on the risers, and the steering handles on upper positions marked on
the steering lines (so that steering lines are effectively shortened).
Upper hangpoints require longer steering lines, while the lower hangpoints –
shorter lines.
Before you will take on powered flight it is recommended to try the setup out.
Hang up the entire PPG unit with ropes, sit in the harness and have someone
pull up the risers. You must make sure that in flight you will always be able to
reach the brake handles, even if the airflow blows them away. Being
suspended in this way you have a perfect opportunity to adjust the speed
system too. The speedbar should not be pulling pull its lines nor risers when
not applied. Neither should it be too loose, for it could catch the propeller. An
additional way to check the whole configuration out is to visit the take-off site
in steady winds of 3-4 m/s. With the engine off, inflate the wing and take it up
over your head. When it stabilises, check that the brakes are loose and do
not pull the trailing edge. There should be a spare inch or so before they
activate.
Remember that it is always safer to set the margin of play too big than too
small. And, most importantly, the setting must always be symmetrical.
3.2 FREE FLYING
Although the Nucleon according to its design book is a fast PPG wing, , it
behaves surprisingly well as a classic paraglider too and can be used as such
without any modifications.
The essential difference between Nucleon and classic paragliders means that
due to its increased tuck-resistance (both during start and flight) and greater
speed range it can be safely flown in strong conditions too.
Generally speaking the faster you fly, the safer is your flight.
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