8
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D S T O R A G E
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Avoid hard spots pressing on the glider during transportation or storage and have
as many supports as possible. Use rope or webbing rather than elastic to secure the
glider and tie both ends of the glider to a support or down to the ends of the vehicle
in order to stop the glider flexing. It is preferable to keep the glider dry and ensure
that it is dry before storing.
S E C T I O N 6 : F L Y I N G T E C H N I Q U E S
Take Off
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The Horizon ET has a neutral static balance and is very easy to launch in both
calm and windy conditions. When you hold the glider prior to your take off run, you
should have the nose slightly elevated and the wings level. AGAIN MAKE SURE
THAT YOU ARE HOOKED IN! Run hard and ease the bar out for lift-off.
Turns
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The Horizon ET has straightforward flight characteristics, typical for a defined
airfoil flex-wing. The glider can be easily directed into a turn, even at very low flying
speed. However, to obtain the best handling characteristics and fast roll rate, it is
advisable to pull in for a little extra flying speed then, to enter the turn, move to one
side and push out slightly. The Horizon ET will maintain in a turn of a certain bank
angle and radius until the turn is removed. Give yourself an extra margin of safety
and DON'T fly your glider at the slowest possible airspeed when scratching for lift
close to the terrain.
Thermal ling
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This is also very straightforward. The trim speed of the Horizon ET is slightly
faster than the speed that will give you the best climb rate in a thermal. Once you
have centered a thermal push out as much as possible without stalling. Maintain
anywhere from 10 to 50 degree bank angle, depending on the nature and diameter
of the thermal. The Horizon ET will maintain a certain bank angle and radius
without further input. The Horizon ET feels very good in turbulence and it does not
get displaced very easily even by strong turbulence. The Horizon ET's handling
characteristics have been designed to give you the optimum that you need to
achieve your personal longest cross-country flight. The Horizon ET is probably the
least tiring glider on the market to fly, because of its ideal combination of light
control inputs and inertia. There is not a lot of work involved in flying a Horizon
ET.
