MAC PARA MacJet, User Manual

Page: 14 / 40

14
FLYING THE MACJET
•
nothing will get in propeller's way
•
pilot's position relative to the wing (centred: all lines same tension)
•
the engine delivers full power
•
wind direction
•
obstacles on the ground
•
free airspace
When laying out the glider, the wind direction should be observed. The canopy should
be deployed into the wind so both sides of it are loaded symmetrically. The
paramotoring glider 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 to your harness by using the main karabiners.
Check carefully that they are closed properly.
Launch
The MacJet is easy to launch but with a very weak or zero wind it requires appropriate
launch technique. Before take off, recheck the canopy and trimmer setting, 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):
1. Paragliding technique - Once 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 MacJet will inflate and
come up equally and quickly. Should the canopy surge forward, control it by gently
braking. 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 canopy 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.