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B. Flying operations
New glider check and before every flight checks.
A tandem glider is often used by more than one pilot, ensure that all of them know the
operating limits well and will observe these rules.
In addition to all the usual pre-flight checks, please pay particular attention to the items in the
following checklist:
Checklist
1. Inspection of canopy for tears or damage, especially the seams which join the ribs to the
upper and lower surfaces, also the area of the attachm ent tapes and brake-line connections.
2. Inspection of the lines for damage, including to the stitches on the connecting loops. It is
also important to check the suspension lines and brake-lines for tangles. The line lengths must
be checked after 50 hours flying time and whenever the flight behaviour of the glider changes.
3. Inspection of the risers and maillons for faultless condition. Pay special attention to maillons
for traces of corrosion under the lines.
4. Inspection of the knotting of the steering handle to the brake-lines. The brake-lines must run
freely.
5. Inspection of the tandem spreader bar for damage.
6. Inspection of both harnesses. The harness must show no signs of wear or other damage. You
must also check the harness after a hard landin g.
7. Check that the rescue-system is correctly installed and secured.
8. Inspection of the main karabiners. Inspection of attachment and security of the karabiners.
WARNING! Remember; don’t take off with a wet glider. In such conditions it will be more
difficult to launch and the glider’s behaviour in extreme situations can be different from
that of a dry glider.
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Pre launch check
1. Are openings open and the leading edge in form of a horseshoe?
2. Are lines and brake lines free?
3. Are the pilot’s and passenger’s karabiners correct ly fastened?
4. Is the rescue system correctly fastened?
5. Is your helmet on and fastened?
6. Is the start direction set?
7. Are the start commands concerted?
8. Are the weather conditions, the wind strength and direction, safe for take off?
9. Is the air space in all directions clear?
Finally will be the start check done to the hanged passenger once more.
Take-off
Find a suitable take-off spot, from which you can abort the take-off at any point. After
checking the glider, following the checklist, lay it out with the cell-openings upwards so that
the canopy forms the shape of a horseshoe. In a strong wind don’t spread the canopy too far,
so that there is less resistance when pulling up.
Forward launch
This is possible in almost all wind conditions except strong headwinds. It is essential to stand
in line with the canopy, especially when the glider has longer lines. 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 pull the canopy dynamically up by the A-risers. The stronger the headwind the less run-up
you need to pull the canopy up. As soon as the glider is above you, stop pulling on the A-
risers. Now do a visual check upwards, to see if the canopy is completely open. Otherwise,
abort the take-off. Now accelerate continuously until you lift off. In a weak headwind it is
easier to take-off if after reaching minimum flying speed you pull the brakes slightly. After the
take-off, gently release the brakes again.
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.
Rear launch
To be used in moderate to strong headwinds. Please note that in a strong headwind you may
need a helper, as you could easily lose control of the canopy. If the headwind is too strong,
take some of the pressure out of the canopy by taking in one or both of the brake-lines (or the
D-risers).
