5.
5.1.2. Launch
Launching the Aspen5 is straightforward, either by front launch or by reverse launch. A
dynamic pull of the front risers (A, coloured red) will bring the canopy simply and easily above
the pilot’s head. The canopy inflates from the centre equally and smoothly. The Aspen5 has
no tendency to outrun the pilot and quickly stabilises above the pilot. Once there, visually
check the canopy and the lines before taking off. Take off can be made easier by a light pull
on the brakes.
5.1.3. Flight
The Aspen5 is trimmed to fly at best glide when the brakes are fully up. Best sink rate is
achieved when both brakes are drawn down evenly to about 15-20% of their range.
Turbulent conditions
When flying through severe turbulence stabilise the canopy by simultaneously applying a
little brake to both sides. Flying with a little brake applied will also help to prevent deflations
and give you more feedback about what the air is doing and how the glider is reacting.
Responding correctly to the paraglider’s movement by means of the brakes and weight shift
is known as ‘active flying’. A pilot demonstrating good active-flying skills will significantly
reduce both the number and severity of collapses he or she experiences.
Turning
The Aspen5 is very comfortable and pleasant in turns. Handling characteristics are responsive
and accurate and demand no special habits or non-standard procedures. When developing
the Aspen5 special attention was devoted to the brake pressure. The result is that brake
travel and pressure have been optimised. Brake pressure is reassuringly progressive. In flight,
brakes are firm but responsive and precise and allow for perfect communication with the
canopy. You will find that a harness with fairly loose cross-bracing will help the glider turn.
In an emergency (eg a broken brake line) the glider can be steered with the rear risers or by
weight shift.
Using the speed system
Maximum speed is one of the strong points of Gradient paragliders and the Aspen5 is no
exception. Not only has the glider got a very high maximum speed, but unlike some other
paragliders the full speed range is useable. In spite of this exceptional stability at high
speed don’t forget that any collapse at full speed will be more severe than the same event
experienced at normal trim speed. Always keep both hands on the controls when flying fast
in turbulence and be ready to release the speed system immediately at the first sign of a
collapse. Handles on the C risers can help to active piloting mostly when pushing the speed
bar. Use the speed system very carefully or not at all at low altitude.
5.1.4. Landing
Landing the Aspen5 is very simple and should offer no difficulty. On your first flights you may
be surprised at how well it glides. Take account of this when making your landing approach!
Into wind, at about one metre above the ground pull the brakes down all the way. In nil-wind
conditions, or if forced to make an emergency landing downwind, you may prefer to take a
wrap of each control line to enable a more dynamic flare.
5.2. Rapid descent
Sooner or later every pilot will need to descend quickly. It might be because of a sudden and
unexpected change in the weather, reaching cloudbase and not wishing to enter cloud, or
simply because you need to finish your flight quickly. Additionally, if where you are landing
is thermic, it is often very difficult to land without using a rapid-descent method. There are
three main methods for achieving a rapid descent and they are: Big Ears, B-Line Stall and
Spiral Dive.
