5.
5.1 Standard flight
5.1.1 Pre-flight check
A thorough pre-flight check is essential for safe flying – pay special attention to it. Above all,
you should check that the canopy, lines and risers are free from damage and tangles. Also
don’t forget to check your harness and your reserve parachute.
Before launch spread the canopy out in a slight arc and check that:
all cell openings are free
no lines are looped around or under the canopy
no lines are tangled or have a knot in them
any twigs, grass or other objects are not tangled in the lines or the canopy
risers are not twisted
control lines run freely through the pulleys
knots on control handles are secure
all karabiners (Maillons) on risers are tightened
5.1.2 Launch
Launching the Golden4 is straightforward, either by forward (Alpine) launch or by reverse
launch. A dynamic pull on 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
Golden4 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 Golden4 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 20-25% 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 Golden4 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 Golden4 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 Golden4 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. Use the speed system very carefully or not at all at low altitude.
