Niviuk LINK 23, User Manual

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To start the manoeuvre, first lean your bodyweight and pull the brake
line to the side to which you are leaning. You can regulate the intensity
of the turn by applying a little outside brake.
A paraglider flying at its maximum turn speed can reach –20 m/s,
equivalent 70 km/h vertical speed and stabilize in a spiral dive from 15
m/s onwards. These are the reasons why you should be familiar with the
manoeuvre and know how to carry out the exit methods.
To exit this manoeuvres you must progressively release the inside brake
and also momentarily apply outside brake. Whilst doing this you must
also lean your bodyweight towards the outside. This exit manoeuvres
have to be carried out gradually and with smooth movements so you
can feel the pressure and speed changes at the same time.
The after effect of the exit manoeuvre is that the glider will rock briefly with
lateral surge, depending on how the manoeuvre has been carried out.
Practice these movements at sufficient altitude and with moderation.
6. SPECIAL METHODS
6.1 TOWING
The LINK does not experience any problem whilst being towed. Only
qualified personnel should handle the qualified equipment to carry out this
operation. The wing has to be inflated in the same way as in normal flight.
6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHT
Although the LINK has been tested by expert acrobatic pilots in extreme
situations, it HAS NOT been designed for acrobatic flight and we DO
NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF THIS GLIDER for that use. We consider
acrobatic flight to be any form of piloting that is different to normal flight.
To learn safely how to master acrobatic manoeuvres you should attend
lessons, which are carried out and supervised by a qualified instructor
over water.
Extreme manoeuvres take you and your wing to centrifugal forces that
can reach 4 to 5 g. Materials will wear more quickly than in normal flight. If
you practice extreme manoeuvres we recommend sending the wing for a
full inspection of the lines and the wing every six months.
7. FOLDING INSTRUCTIONS
Historically packing a paraglider used to be a case of simply folding the
wing in the easiest and most convenient way possible and then placing
it into the backpack. However modern design and the introduction of
technically advanced materials dictate that the folding of wings now
requires more care and attention.
The LINK features the SLE (Structured Leading Edge) and to preserve
the integrity of this structure a degree of care should be taken when
folding. When the correct technique is applied to the folding process it will
ensure that the wing maintains its high performance, safety and durability.
Folding should be carried out cell to cell (accordion style) with the SLE ribs
remaining parallel to the leading edge at all times.
The wing does not have to be tightly folded, if you do so it may damage the
material and or the lines.
To assist in this folding process Niviuk has designed the NKare folding
bag (supplied as an option). The NKare Bag will help to ensure the correct
folding process is carried out maintaining the profile and integrity of the
internal SLE structure as described above.
8. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
8.1 MAINTENANCE
Careful maintenance of your equipment will ensure continued
performance.