ICARO paragliders PICA 2, Manual

Page: 8 / 30

Page 8
Version 2 / PPG / 2022
Acceleration system
When flying normal all risers have the
same length. When using the accelerator
system, the risers are shortened by a
constructive exactly defined length.
Therefore, the angle of attack of the
canopy is smaller and speed increases.
The length of the accelerator is adjusted to
the left and right of the foot pedal so that
when your leg is fully extended, then the
acceleration is at maximum
–
both rollers
are touching.
Please pay attention that the glider will not be pre-accelerated, while the
accelerator is loosened, when the acceleration ropes are set too short.
Assembling the accelerator is reliant upon the harness, e.g., numbers of
retu
rn pulleys, rope guide …
The more turbulent the weather conditions and when near the ground, the
less acceleration should be used.
Do not use the acceleration system and brakes at the same time! It is very
dangerous to use both simultaneously as it can result in serious collapses.
Flying with the PICA 2
Harness
The PICA 2 is certified for use with harnesses GH type. Practically all modern
harnesses are GH type harnesses. Older harnesses with fixed cross belts (GX type)
are not certified and should not be used.
The adjustment of the harness chest strap controls the distance between karabiners
and affects the handling and stability of the glider. Excessive tightening the chest
strap increases stability but also the risk of twists following glider collapse, and it
also increases the frequency of getting collapses due to poor feedback from the
glider.
The risk of twisting is also strongly affected by the seating position of pilot. Flying in
a laid back (reclined) position makes it much more difficult to react in time to prevent
riser twisting. With the chest strap in a more closed position the glider also has
more tendency to maintain a stable spiral, lengthening of the chest strap gives more
feedback from the glider but decreases stability.
ICARO paragliders recommends following settings:
Take-off weight < 80kg 80 kg -100 kg > 100kg
Horizontal distance of
the main karabiners
38 cm
–
42 cm 42 cm
–
46 cm 46 cm
–
50 cm
B C
A2
A1
B
C