13
Steering - turns:
Active Flying (Thermaling and Soaring):
Approach and Landing:
The Eden 4 is a very responsive paraglider and reacts very directly and instantly to any
steering input. Weight shift input quickens turns and ensures minimal height loss. Any
weight shift has a greater effect the more loosely the chest-strap is fastened. A
combined technique of weight shift and pulling on the inside brake line is the most
efficient turning method, whereby the radius of the turn is determined by the amount of
inside brake pulled and weight shift. A stalling wing tip announces itself by a gentle surge
backwards of the wingtip. If this occurs you will need to release the brakes immediately.
In case it is impossible to control the Eden 4 with the brake lines the D-risers may be
used to steer and land the canopy. Attention! Pulling brake too fast or too hard can result
in the canopy entering a negative spin.
In turbulent conditions the glider should be flown actively with brakes lightly applied to
avoid canopy collapse. This improves stability by increasing the angle of attack of the
canopy. The canopy should not rock back or surge forward much but should remain
above the pilot. In turbulent flight, if the canopy pendulums forward, this should be
corrected by prompt braking. A pendulum movement of the canopy backwards is
corrected by releasing the brakes in good time. This is part of basic active flying.
To avoid excessively demanding situations on the approach to landing, it is important
to initiate the process at an adequate altitude. This leaves you enough time to
observe and appropriately deal with wind direction and any other aircraft in your
vicinity.
The Eden 4 is easy to land. The final leg of the landing approach must be into the wind.
During this final glide the paraglider should be decelerated slowly and at approximately
one meter above the ground, according to conditions, the pilot should flare the canopy.
The glider may climb again, gaining height, if too much brake is used too early. Strong
wind landings require correspondingly less brake. Do not apply full brake before the pilot
is safely on the ground. The final glide during the landing approach should be straight
and not marked by steep or alternating turns as these can result in a dangerous
pendulum effect near the ground.
Attention! Do not allow the canopy to fall onto the leading edge with energy. This can
destroy the material and affects the life of the ribs at the leading edge!
14
This section describes flying conditions which can be deliberately induced, or which can
develop unintentionally due to turbulence or pilot error. Any pilot who flies through
turbulence is sure to be faced with these special flight conditions at some point. So take a
good look at these flight manoeuvres or prepare for them by SIV (safety training over
water). Mastering these flying conditions significantly improves your active flight safety.
Sufficient height, as well as the carrying of a reserve parachute, is imperative.
WARNING!! All the critical flight conditions described here require thorough knowledge;
otherwise carrying them out may be very dangerous. Sufficient height above the ground
is imperative. Bear in mind that all disturbances of the canopy can increase the sink rate
by 2 - 10 m/sec, depending on the degree of disturbance. Carrying out these manoeuvres
wrongly may lead to a crash.
Remember this is a glider with unspectacular reactions to disturbances in the air.
Whenever in doubt, raise the brakes and let the glider fly. The glider has a high internal
pressure, resistance to tucking and very high degree of passive safety. It is
recommended that at this stage you already practise an active flying style. The key to
active piloting is keeping the glider above your head at all times. We recommend in
principle that you hold the brake handle in your hand whenever possible, or fly with your
hands through the brake handles, to allow you to react immediately to any possible
disturbances. .
WARNING!! If you fly with your hands through the brake handles, you may lose valuable
time in activating the rescue system.
The Eden 4 is certified for towing. The Eden 4 has no out of the ordinary towing
characteristics, although a relatively low angle of attack and thus low tow tension should
be maintained during launch and the initial part of the tow. The Eden 4 has no tendencies
towards deep stall/parachuting. Therefore we allow tow- launched flights with a similar
technique to that described above. There is sufficient margin to counter-steer the glider in
a normal towing situation. Make sure you use proper equipment, experienced personnel
and all relevant safety precautions for towing. We recommending the use of a winching
adapter: this should be mounted on the upper end of the main karabiner.
WARNING!! Please always ensure that the brake lines are adjusted to the lengths
recommended here. Setting them shorter could lead to a tendency to stall during towed
flight. Apart from this, there are no special procedures.
EXTREME FLYING MANOEUVRES
TOWING
Note!! Although, motorized flight can be a great success due to the gliders very easy
take-off characteristics, stability and good handling, always use a certified
combination of engine - harness and glider. If in doubt check with your federation.
Contact the manufacturer or importer for the current legality of motorized flight.
WARNING!! The Eden 4 is not suitable for jumps from aircraft.
WARNING!! The Eden 4 is not designed to be used for aerobatics.
MOTORISED FLIGHT
