Niviuk PEAK 23, User Manual

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3.5 WING INFLATION, CONTROL, AND TAKE-OFF
Smoothly and progressively infl ate the wing (chapter 2.6 INSPECTION AND
WING INFLATION ON THE GROUND). The PEAK infl ates easily and does
not require excessive energy. It does not tend to over-take you, so the wing
infl ation phase is carried out without anguish. These take off characteristics
provide a perfect control phase and enough time for the pilot to decide
whether to accelerate and take off.
Whenever the wind speed allows it, we recommend a reverse launch
technique, this type of launch allows you to carry out a better visual check
of the wing. The PEAK 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 fl ight.
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 fl ight. All this will assist in a trouble free take-off.
3.6 LANDING
The PEAK 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 effi ciency.
4. IN FLIGHT
4.1 FLYING IN TURBULENCE
The PEAK has an excellent profi le to withstand the very different aero-
logical conditions so allowing the best possible piloting and stability. It reacts
admirably in passive fl ight, 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 fi ne adjustments to
keep the wing in control. He/she should stop braking to allow it to fl y 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 fl ying 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 manoeuvres be carried out
under the supervision of a competent school.
Asymmetric collapse
In spite of the great stability of the profi le of the PEAK, 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 PEAK will not react violently, the turn tendency is
very gradual and it is easily controlled. Lean your body towards the side that
is still fl ying 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 fi rm movement. You may
have to repeat this operation to provoke the re-opening. Take care not to over-
brake on the side that is still fl ying (turn control) and when the collapse has
been solved, remember to let the wing recover its fl ying speed.
Symmetric collapse
In normal fl ying conditions the design of the PEAK ensures that a symmetric
collapse is quite improbable. The profi le of the wing has been designed
to widely tolerate extreme changes in the angle of incidence. A symmetric
collapse may occur in heavy turbulent conditions, on entry or exit of strong
thermals or lack of adapting the use of the accelerator to the prevailing air
conditions. Symmetrical collapses usually re-infl ate without the glider turning