moyes LITESPORT 4, Owner'S Manual

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LITESPORT OWNERS MANUAL
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Version 1.01
becomes quite difficult to control. The full tight VG setting is only intended for high
speed glides, and especially high speed diving into goal. At the lower end of the speed
range there is little glide advantage to be had by flying with the full tight setting.
Maximum glide will not change much from 3/4 VG to full tight. When floating along a
ridge, or gliding slowly down wind, the pilot will find no advantage by flying full tight. The
only consequence will be a loss of handling. However, if penetrating a strong wind, full
VG will give the pilot a noticeable glide advantage and handling will be manageable due
to the higher airspeed.
Safety in Turbulence
A hang glider is a tailless aircraft and thus pitch stability tends to be less when compared
to conventional aircraft. One of the design goals of the Litesport was to maximise the
pitch stability. This was achieved with a strong rigid dive strut system and the G-string
compensated luff line. Moyes are extremely satisfied with the strength and stability of
the Litesport. However, the risk of a tuck or tumble still remains, if extreme turbulence is
encountered. It is important that the pilot understands how to minimise this risk.
Airspeed
Many experts believe that the most common cause of tumbling is a loss of airspeed due
to turbulence. When the glider loses airspeed it becomes increasingly vulnerable to a
tumble. The glider may hit a surge of lift, which raises the nose, and even if the pilot
holds the control bar in position, the glider will climb and quickly lose airspeed. It is at
this point that the glider is vulnerable to tumbling. It is therefore paramount that the pilot
maintains sufficient airspeed in turbulence. If the glider hits a surge of lift, which raises
the nose, the pilot should quickly react to bring the glider back into a normal flying
attitude and restore the lost airspeed.
Body Position
The most vital thing for a pilot to do in heavy turbulence is to maintain a strong grip on
the control bar. The pilot remains safest when the control bar is held tight and close to
the body at, or just below the pilot’s chest. If extreme turbulence is encountered, the
pilot should apply a force pulling his/her body toward the base bar. This means that if a
sudden weightless or negative G situation occurs, the pilot can stay pinned to the base
bar, achieving a forward centre of gravity which greatly aids in producing a quick
recovery.
VG in Turbulence
Most high performance hang gliders produce a stronger positive pitch moment through
negative angles with a loose VG setting, as opposed to a tight setting. The least amount
of positive pitch moment generally occurs with the VG 3/4 tight. The Litesport’s
compensator system allows this glider to produce a particularly strong pitching moment
in the loose VG setting. If a significant amount of turbulence is encountered, it is best to
release the VG or use 1/4 VG. While in the turbulence, make sure you keep a very firm
grip on the control bar, and do not sacrifice this strong grip to release the VG. It is best
to wait for a safe moment and then to release.