20
FLYING THE PITBULL RX
In turbulent air fly with brakes lightly applied (10-15 cm) to maintain some internal
pressure and trimmers set to neutral. This will help avoid canopy collapse. If the canopy
pendulums forward correct this by promptly applying the brakes. A pendulum
movement of the canopy backwards is corrected by easing up on the brakes to let the
canopy move forward. When you have become fully confident in your wing try
experimenting with slower and faster trim-settings, weight-shift and speed bar. The
more time you spend on your PitBull RX the more likely you will enjoy the extra speed
and security it will offer you.
Different trimmer settings
NOTE: Adjusting trimmers in flight requires more pilot attention.
With the trimmers fully open (trimmer buckle over and passed the white line) the wing’s
speed increases (good for flying long distances). The canopy becomes stiffer and is less
sensitive to turbulence and its stability improves. On faster trimmer settings or when
flying with a speed bar the brake pressure increases and the handling changes. When
the trimmers are fully opened and the speed bar is pushed all the way forward, we
recommend steering the glider using the wing tip steering lines.
Some pilots with free-flying experience may have a tendency to keep the brakes slightly
applied at all times. Such a technique, while quite reasonable on a free-flying wing, is
not advisable for reflex gliders. When you apply the brakes with released trimmers and
full speed bar the wing will collapse because it loses its reflex characteristic.
Warning !!! In according to its construction some manoeuvres could not be
tested. It is asymetric and frontal collapses in the combination of accelerator and
open trimmers.
On the slower settings (trimmer buckle pulled below the double white line), sink rate
improves and handling becomes lighter, giving you an improved climb rate for
thermaling and shorter and slower take-offs and landings. Do not hesitate to use
thermals in order to gain some altitude and save fuel.
Note!! If trims are not adjusted the same, the wing will turn. Trimmer setting is an
important part of the checklist before every flight!
Accelerated flight (speed bar applied)
When flying with the speed system engaged the angle of attack is lower and the glider
increases flight speed. In contrast to most paragliders it does not decrease wing
stability; in fact the reflex gliders seem to counter turbulence even better. To use the
speed system and accelerate the glider, simply place your feet on the stirrup and push
forward in a horizontal plane. If you feel a loss of back pressure while flying with the
speed bar engaged, this is a warning that the canopy is probably about to collapse.
Release the speed system immediately by releasing the pressure on the speed bar. Do
not use the speed system in very turbulent conditions, close to the ground or near other
airspace users. Always fly with sufficient clearance from the ground/obstacles and
always keep the brake handles in your hands!
Summary of Contents for PITBULL RX
Page 1: ...1 ...
Page 10: ...10 TRIMMING ...
Page 35: ...35 LINE PLAN PITBULL RX SCHEME ...
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