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Pilot´s manual GOLDEN 3

Prepared January 2010

http: www.gradient.cx

tel., fax: +420 257 216 319

mail: [email protected]

Congratulations on buying your new GRADIENT GOLDEN3!

 

After the worldwide success of the Golden2, Gradient‘s new intermediate glider the 

Golden3 has been certified EN-B, LTF 1/2.

 

The Golden3 was designed to be a direct replacement for the Golden2 and in terms 

of pilot skill it is not any more demanding to fly. The Golden3 is classified as an 

‘intermediate’ paraglider (EN-B, LTF 1/2) and is therefore meant for a wide cross-

section of pilots: from talented new pilots to time-served experts who, for whatever 

reason, don‘t fly often and therefore demand not just high performance, but also 

exceptional safety from their paraglider.

However, the Golden3 is also a completely new wing, the final result of developing 

and testing several different prototypes. For example, the glider has a new profile, 

which helps the wing perform better at different angles of attack. And when it comes 

to handling, the Gradient team has achieved a sensitive, Sports Class characteristic, 

to give maximum pilot feedback. The Golden3 pilot will find they can react precisely 

to thermals, the movement of the air and turbulence.

 

Like all Gradient paragliders the Golden3 has a typical Gradient wing construction. 

This reduces the glider’s weight, and further improves the wing‘s flying characteristics 

in extreme manoeuvres, turbulent air and thermals.

 

We  believe  that  you  will  love  your  new  glider’s  flight  characteristics  and 

construction.

This manual provides information which will help you fly safely and keep your wing 

in good condition. If, after reading this booklet, you have any further questions or 

uncertainties, please do not hesitate to contact Gradient directly or any authorised 

Gradient dealer and we will gladly answer all your questions.

When you have become familiar with your Golden3 we would welcome any feedback 

that you might have about your new paraglider.

2.1. Technical description

The Golden3 has a new elliptical shape that includes a slightly positive 

• 

contortion of the leading edge. This means that the „ears“ (stabilo) of the 

canopy are slightly swept back in flight. 

 

The Golden3 has a new aerofoil section to achieve the optimal balance 

• 

between performance and stability. The aerofoil’s characteristics deliver 

maximum stability over as wide a speed range as possible. 

1. INTRODUCTION

2. YOUR PARAGLIDER

Summary of Contents for GOLDEN3

Page 1: ...User manual GOLDEN3...

Page 2: ...LDEN3 Prepared January 2010 http www gradient cx tel fax 420 257 216 319 mail gradient gradient cx GOLDEN3 USER MANUAL Please read this manual carefully and keep its contents in mind when using your G...

Page 3: ...OUR GLIDER 4 1 Brake line lengths 4 2 Addition of speed system 5 OPERATION IN FLIGHT 5 1 Standard flight regime 5 1 1 Pre flight inspection 5 1 2 Launch 5 1 3 Flight 5 1 4 Landing 5 2 Fast descent 5 2...

Page 4: ...eedback The Golden3 pilot will find they can react precisely to thermals the movement of the air and turbulence Like all Gradient paragliders the Golden3 has a typical Gradient wing construction Thisr...

Page 5: ...s A B C D are used for the upper suspension system The upper C and D lines then combine lower down so the glider has only three risers This helps to reduce drag and gives a simple line layout which pi...

Page 6: ...peed km h 50 50 50 50 50 Min sink rate m s 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Glide ratio 8 5 8 5 8 5 8 5 8 5 Take off weight is the weight of the pilot plus equipment and paraglider 18 kg to 25 kg Performance data...

Page 7: ...s practically ineffectual WARNING The Golden3 paraglider is only built for hill or tow launching It is not built to withstand jumping from a plane balloon building or for any jumps where there is a be...

Page 8: ...tied securely to its control handle Use knots which will guarantee this for example a Double Dragon 4 2 Addition of speed system The Golden3 is equipped with a very effective foot operated speed syste...

Page 9: ...t sink rate is achieved when both brakes are drawn down evenly to about 20 25 of their range Turbulent conditions When flying through severe turbulence stabilise the canopy by simultaneously applying...

Page 10: ...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 cloud base...

Page 11: ...B risers are released unevenly the canopy can enter a turn If the risers are released slowly and very unevenly you could enter a spin 5 2 3 Spiral Dive The Spiral Dive is the most effective way of mak...

Page 12: ...e pulled as well as the number of lines pulled down You can stop any turn tendency by applying the opposite brake and by weight shifting onto the inflated side of the canopy Recovery Under normal cond...

Page 13: ...TION When exiting a Full Stall if the brakes are released asymmetrically the glider may suffer a massive asymmetrical collapse followed by a tendency to enter a spin 5 3 5 Negative Spin Initiation Slo...

Page 14: ...s soil sand or rocks will significantly reduce its lifetime and increase its air porosity When preparing the paraglider for a launch or when ground handling be sure not to step on any of the lines or...

Page 15: ...ion to this is an emergency repair while out flying For this purpose Gradient encloses a spare line with every Golden3 with a prepared loop on one end To get the right length adjust it according to th...

Page 16: ...Pilot s manual GOLDEN3 Prepared January 2010 http www gradient cx tel fax 420 257 216 319 mail gradient gradient cx...

Page 17: ...in your own hands and that lucky pilots are well prepared pilots Never underestimate weather conditions And never forget that you are flying for pleasure and not to become a fallen hero Remember this...

Page 18: ...L t d Plze sk 130 221 150 00 PRAHA 5 Motol Czech Republic Phone fax 420 257 216 319 E mail gradient gradient cx www gradient cx 2010 Photo by Felix W lk Graphic design by Spor t Promotion Trust the a...

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