NIVIUK GLIDERS IKUMA 21, User Manual

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check of the wing. The IKUMA is especially easy to control in this
position in strong winds. However, wind speeds up to 25 to 30 km/h
are considered strong and extra consideration should be given to any
thought of flight.
Preparation and positioning of the wing on the take-off is especially
important. Choose a location which is appropriate for the direction of the
wind. Position the paraglider as if it were part of a large circle, taking into
account the shape of the canopy in flight. All this will assist in a trouble
free take-off.
3.6 LANDING
The IKUMA lands excellently, it transforms the wing speed into lift on the
pilot’s demand, allowing an enormous margin of error. You will not have to
wrap the brake lines around your hand to get greater braking efficiency.
3.7 FOLDING INSTRUCTIONS
The IKUMA has a complex leading and trailing edge, manufactured using
a variety of different materials. For that reason, the use of a correct folding
method is very important for extending the useful life of your paraglider. It
should be folded like an accordion, with the leading edge reinforcements
flat and the nylon sticks positioned one upon the other. This method will
ensure that the profile remains in good shape without altering its form or
its performance.
The wing should then be folded in three parts. The wing does not have to
be tightly folded, if you do so it may damage the material and or the lines.
4. IN FLIGHT
4.1 FLYING IN TURBULENCE
The IKUMA has an excellent profile to withstand the very different aero-
logical conditions so allowing the best possible piloting and stability. It
reacts admirably in passive flight, thus offering a high level of safety in
turbulent conditions. Nonetheless, the pilot always has to pilot according
to the prevailing weather conditions, the pilot is the ultimate safety factor.
We recommend active piloting, making the necessary fine adjustments to
keep the wing in control. He/she should stop braking to allow it to fly at
the required wing speed after a correction is made.
Do not maintain any correction for longer than necessary (braked) this
would cause the wing to enter into critical flying situation. Whenever
necessary, control a situation, react to it and then re-establish the
required speed.
4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS
We recommend that training to master these maneuvers be carried out
under the supervision of a competent school.
Asymmetric collapse
In spite of the stability of the profile of the IKUMA, heavy turbulent
conditions may cause part of the wing to collapse asymmetrically. This
usually happens when the pilot has not foreseen this possible reaction of
the wing. When the wing is about to experience an asymmetric collapse
the brake lines and the harness will transmit a loss of pressure to the pilot.
To prevent the collapse from happening, pull the brake line corresponding
to the compromised side of the wing, this will increase the angle of
incidence. If the collapse does happen the IKUMA will not react violently,
the turn tendency is very gradual and it is easily controlled. Lean your
body towards the side that is still flying in order to counteract the turn and
to maintain a straight course, if necessary slightly slow down the same
side. The collapse will normally open by itself but if that does not happen,
pull completely on the brake line on the side, which has collapsed (100%).
Do this with a firm movement. You may have to repeat this operation to