15
TOWING
The Elan Light is certified for towing. The Elan Light 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 Elan Light 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.
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.
MOTORISED FLIGHT
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 Elan Light is not suitable for jumps from aircraft.
WARNING!! The Elan Light is not designed to be used for aerobatics.
EXTREME FLYING MANOEUVRES
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 carrying a reserve parachute, is imperative.
WARNING!! All the critical flight conditions described here require a thorough
knowledge; otherwise carrying them out may be very dangerous. Sufficient height above
the ground is imperative. Bear in mind that all deformations of the canopy can increase
the sink rate by 2 - 10 m/sec, depending on the degree of deformation. 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.
