Pilot’s manual for Go
6
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5.1. Standard flight
5.1.1. Pre-flight check
Pre-flight check is an essential part of getting ready to fly and that's why you should pay special
attention to it. Check the canopy and the lines for damage, clear the lines of any tangles, check the riser
maillons and speedbar connectors, and don’t forget to check your harness and your reserve parachute.
Before launch spread the canopy out into a slight arc and check that:
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all cell openings are free
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no lines are looped around or under the canopy
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no lines are tangled or have a knot in them
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there are no twigs, grass or other objects entangled in the lines or in the canopy
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the risers are not twisted
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the brake lines run freely through the pulleys
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the knots on the brake handles are secure
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the carabiners on the risers are tightened
5.1.2. Launch
Launching Go 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 Go 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
Go 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 10-15% of their range.
Flying in 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
Go is very comfortable and pleasant in turns. Handling characteristics are responsive and accurate and
demand no special habits or non-standard procedures. When developing Go, 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
perfect communication with the canopy. You will find that a harness with fairly loose cross-bracing will
help the glider turn. In an emergency (e.g. 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 strengths of Go. Not only for its absolute value in this certification
category, but above all, for its practical usability, given the high speed-system efficiency and stability at
maximum 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. Use the speed system very
carefully, or not at all at low altitude.
