22
USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xduo
EN REV.V01 - 2020
6
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR TANDEM FLIGHTS_
6.1
Dealing with the passenger
The launch site should be chosen away from the hustle and bustle, with a first look at the
approach rout. It is recommended to carry out warm-up exercises with the passenger before
the start and to start the take-off run in succession or side by side, depending on the
equipment. It is particularly important to point out to the passenger that the start consists of
two phases: the winding-up phase and the acceleration phase.
Practical experience has shown that many passengers sit in the harness to early due to the
slowing down of the take-off run by the paraglider and thus cause a faulty start. It has proved
to be useful to explain that it is first necessary to mount the paraglider with slow steps (in
order to have correction options) but that, like any other aircraft, it has to be brought up to
speed in order to be able to take off.
Exception: In strong headwinds, the passenger and the pilot must always brace themselves in
the wind-up phase (preferably by grasping the T-bar), so as not to be knocked over.
6.2
Equipment
The clothing of the passenger should be adapted to the temperatures and necessarily include
ankle-high shoes with a non-slip sole and a helmet. Gloves are also recommended. Although
full-face helmets offer better protection, the should be equipped with a removable or wide
chin-guard because of the possible risk of vomiting (panic). Please remember to inform the
passenger early, not just on the mountain, about the necessary equipment.
6.3
Airfield
When choosing the starting position, pay particular attention to the requirements of the
tandem glider, i.e. a possibly longer start-up phase and a limited correction possibility must
be considered. In addition, attention must be paid to the absolute obstacle clearance of the
run-up route. Due to the generally higher speed of double seats, a longer sliding distance
should be taken into account when choosing the landing site, as well as the limited
manoeuverability near the ground. The landing field should be generously sized and the
landing site can be obstacle and turbulence free.
