9
3. THE FIRST FLIGHT
3.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE
For the first flight we recommend going to your usual flying area and that
a qualified instructor is present and supervising the entire procedure.
3.2 PREPARATION
Repeat the procedures detailed in chapter 2 UNPACKING AND
ASSEMBLY in order to prepare your equipment.
3.3 FLIGHT PLAN
Planning a flight before taking off to avoid possible problems later is
always a good idea.
3.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST
Once ready, but before taking off, conduct another equipment inspection.
Conduct a thorough visual check of your gear with the wing fully open, the
lines untangled and properly laid out on the ground to ensure that all is in
working order. Be certain the weather conditions are suited to your flying
skill level.
3.5 WING INFLATION, CONTROL, AND TAKE-OFF
The HOOK 5 comes up easily, without requiring additional energy, and
does not overfly you. It is a straight-forward exercise, leaving enough
time for you to decide whether to accelerate and take off or not.
If the wind permits, we recommend a reverse launch, as this allows a
better visual inspection of the wing during inflation. In “strong” winds, the
hook 5 is especially easy to control using this launch technique. Winds of
25 to 30 km/h are considered strong for paragliding.
Correctly setting up the wing on the ground before takeoff is especially
important. Choose an appropriate location facing the wind. Position the
paraglider in a crescent configuration to facilitate inflation. A clean wing
layout will ensure a trouble-free take off.
3.6 LANDING
The HOOK 5 lands excellently, it converts the wing speed into lift at your
demand, allowing an enormous margin of error. Wrapping the brake lines
around your hand to get greater braking efficiency is not necessary.
3.7 PACKING
The HOOK 5 has a complex leading edge, manufactured using a variety
of different materials and it must be packed carefully. A correct folding
method is very important to extend the useful life of your paraglider.
It should be concertina-packed, with the leading edge reinforcements flat
and the flexible rods stacked one on top of the other. This method will
keep the profile in its original shape and protect the integrity of the wing
over time. Make sure the reinforcements are not bent or folded. It should
not be folded too tightly to avoid damage to the cloth and/or lines.
At Niviuk we have designed the NKare Bag, a bag designed to assist you
with rapid packing which helps maintain the integrity of the leading edge
and its internal structures in perfect condition.
The NKare Bag guides you through the folding process, allowing you to
concertina pack the wing with each rod on top of the other and then fold
the wing as required. This folding system ensures that both the fabric and
the reinforcements of the internal structure are kept in perfect condition.