11
When laying out the glider, the wind direction should be observed. The canopy should be
deployed into the wind so both halves of it are loaded symmetrically. The paraglider
should be arranged in a semicircle against the wind. This ensures that the A-lines in the
centre section of the canopy will tension before the ones at the wing tips. Thus the
canopy inflates evenly and an easy launch in the desired direction is guaranteed.
All lines and risers should be carefully untangled and arranged in a way that they do not
catch on anything.
It is equally important to untangle the brake lines so that they are clear and can not catch
on any thing during launch. The brake lines should run freely through the pulleys to the
trailing edge of the canopy.
Make sure the risers are not twisted; this can prevent the brake lines from running freely
through their pulleys.
It is often impossible to untangle lines during flight.
It is important that no lines are looped around the canopy. Also called a “line-over”, this
may have disastrous consequences during take off. Finally connect the risers with your
harness by using the main karabiners. Check carefully that they are closed properly.
The Eden 4 is very easy to launch. This is possible in almost all wind conditions except
strong headwinds. Before take off recheck the canopy, the direction of the wind and the
air space around you! When the pilot is ready to take off he/she holds all A-risers and the
brake handles in each hand. To facilitate differentiation between the risers, the A-lines,
including the sleeves on the A-risers, are coloured red. Before take-off, place yourself
centrally at the gliders axis. Let the B-, C- and D-risers fall into the crook of your arm and
hold the A risers with arms outstretched behind you. Pull up the canopy dynamically
using the A-risers. (The stronger the headwind the less run-up you need to pull the
canopy up). After the initial effort of inflation, keep applying forward pressure on the A-
risers (pushing them forward, not pulling down) until the pressure on the A risers eases.
The canopy should now be directly over the pilot's head. As soon as the glider is above
you, stop pulling on the A-risers. A good progressive run ensures your Eden 4 will inflate
and come up equally and quickly. Should the canopy surge forward, control it by braking
gently. Now do a visual check upwards, to ensure the canopy is completely open
(otherwise, abort the take-off). Only then is the final decision to continue the launch
taken! If anything is not completely safe the launch should be aborted!
Now accelerate continuously until you lift off. It is easier to take-off in a light headwind if
after reaching minimum flying speed you apply the brakes slightly. After the take-off,
gently release the brakes again.
The paraglider should be braked gently to stabilize the glider and possibly correct for
drift. Moving the pilot's body to the centre of the glider is the best method of correction, if
there is sufficient room.
Launch
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WARNING!! Do not use the forward launch in very strong winds. Make sure you don't pull
the risers too much towards yourself or downwards as this can result in a frontal
collapse, or in an asymmetric take-off
The Eden 4 is easy to reverse launch. When doing a reverse launch or when launching in
strong winds the paraglider can possibly surge forward more quickly or lift off sooner
than desired. To avoid this, walk uphill following the canopy during inflation. As this
launch technique can be difficult and turning the wrong way can result in the pilot taking
off with twisted risers. It is recommended to practice the reverse launch on a training hill
or slight slope first. When deflating the canopy in strong winds, or aborting a launch, use
the C- or D- risers, not the brakes. Using the brakes in strong wind will cause more lift,
lifting the pilot up and dragging him/her much further back.
If you let the brake handles go out of your hands during take-off, take care that the brake
line is not twisted around the brake pulley!
The glider is delivered with a standard set-up and its speed can reach 36 - 38 km/h
depending on the weight of the pilot. Always fly with sufficient clearance from the terrain.
The Eden 4 glides best with open brakes, descends best with lightly applied brakes. In
turbulence fly with brakes lightly applied (10-15 cm) to avoid canopy collapse. If the
canopy pendulums forward, this should be corrected by prompt braking. A pendulum
movement of the canopy backwards is corrected by loosening the brakes in good time.
In a calm air the Eden 4 can reach its minimum speed (depending on the wing loading)
by application of 60cm up to 65cm of the brake range.
When flying with the speed system applied the angle of attack is lower and the canopy
can collapse more easily than in normal (trim) flight. The faster the canopy is flown the
more dynamic the collapses and stalls will be and the more skill will be required for quick
recoveries. Therefore do not use speed system in turbulent conditions, close to the
ground or near other airspace users. Always fly with sufficient clearance from the terrain
and always keep the brake handles in your hands!
To use the speed system, simply place your feet on the stirrup and push forward in a
horizontal plane. If a loss of back pressure of the stirrup on your legs is noticed, this is a
warning that the canopy is probably about to collapse. Release the stirrup and thus the
speed system immediately. With this feeling you may actually prevent most collapses
from happening while using the speed system. If a collapse should still occur, release the
speed system immediately and correct the collapse as described below.
Attention: Do not apply brakes when fully accelerated! Braking increases lift near the
trailing edge. The main lift point moves backwards. Due to this the wing can loose
stability for a short time.
Flight
Accelerated Flight:
