ICARO paragliders Sitta, Manual

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Page 11
When there is no pull from the lines use slight pressure on the brake. After a few
accelerating steps and at the same time let go of the brakes gently, you will take
off. Then use slight pressure again on the brakes to fly at a speed with minimal
sink rate.
When there is strong wind the reverse launch technique is recommended. Holding
the brakes, turn around to face the wing passing one set of risers over your head
as you turn. We suggest building a "wall" by partially inflating your glider on the
ground, thus sorting out the lines thoroughly.
Check the airspace is clear and gently pull the glider up with inner riser. When the
glider is overhead, check it gently with the brakes, turn and launch. In stronger
winds, be prepared to take a couple of steps towards the glider as it inflates and
rises.
Active flying
Active flying in normal flight means that the wing is always kept at a safe angle of
attack and, if at all possible, vertically above the pilot. The moving air affecting the
wing often changes the angle of attack in an unwanted way.
When flying into an upwind the paraglider often bucks, the wing drops back, the
angle of attack increases, getting closer to a stall. In upwind the canopy pitches
forward, the angle of attack is reduced and there is the risk of a collapse. Both can
occur symmetrically, on both sides or asymmetrically, on one side only.
It is impossible to control the angle of attack by looking to the canopy. Look in the
direction you are flying, changes in the horizon inform the pilot about the canopy’s
movements.
Breaking is also an absolute must! If the canopy pitches forward, the angle of
attack decreases. In the case of strong forward pitching there is a risk of the
canopy collapsing due to its insufficient angle of attack.
The pilot must therefore prevent the canopy from pitching forward by pulling the
controls down on both sides. Inversely, the angle of attack increases if the wing
drops back behind the pilot, e.g. when entering into a thermal. The canopy is
closer to stalling.
In these flight situations a significant breaking movement by the pilot can lead to a
spin or a stall. When the wing drops back, the pilot therefore must not break and/or
if the pilot is already holding the controls low, he must release them accordingly.
Any change in the angle of attack immediately transfers in to a change in the
control pressure of the brakes. The control pressure presents the pilot with
immediate information on the angle of attack and on what the canopy is doing or
about to do.
Flying with accelerator
When you use the accelerator, be careful. The accelerator should be employed, in
order to compensate for high angles of attack and the associated potential risk of a
stall.
Do not step too quickly because your glider will dive down from the strong change
in angle of attack.
Put equal pressure on the speed bar with your feet until the pulley touches the
A-riser and the glider will quickly gain speed and the sink speed remains very
moderate from beginning up to full speed.