Ozone Power FREERIDE 15, Pilot'S Manual

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BASIC FLIGHT TECHNIQUES
EN
15 14
Launching
Your Freeride will launch with either the forward or reverse launch techniques. To improve the
inflation characteristics, it is advised to adjust the trimmers to the white line.
When taking off under power, make sure there is enough clear space upwind of you to launch
and climb out safely, avoiding trees, power lines and any other obstacles that may affect you
should you have a power failure. Always fly with a safety margin so that power failures do not
leave you compromised. You should always be able to glide power off to a suitable landing
place.
Once clipped in, and you have gone through the take-off check list (above), stand central to
the wing to ensure an even and progressive inflation. Whilst inflating your wing, you should
hold both of the A risers on each side.
Run in an upright position so that the motor is generating forward thrust, do not lean too far
forward otherwise the power of the motor will attempt to push you into the ground! When you
have enough airspeed a gentle application of brake will help you lift off. Do not stop running
until your feet have left the ground and you are sure of a safe climb out.
Forward Launch - Nil to Light winds
When the wind is favourable, move forward positively: your lines should become tight within
one or two steps. The Freeride will immediately start to inflate. You should maintain a constant
pressure on the risers until the wing is overhead.
Do not pull down or push the risers forward excessively, or the leading edge will deform and
possibly collapse making taking-off more difficult and potentially dangerous.
Move smoothly throughout the entire launch, there is no need to rush or snatch at it. You
should have plenty of time to look up and check your canopy before committing yourself.
Once you are happy that the Freeride is inflated correctly, progressively apply full power and
accelerate smoothly for the launch.
During a forward launch we advise to NOT use the power launch technique. During the
inflation the power should be progressively applied once the wing is half way up. Applying the
power too early may inhibit the inflation characteristics of the center part of the wing, causing
the wing tips to come up faster.
Reverse Launch -Light to Strong Winds
Lay out your Freeride as you would for the forward launch. However, this time face the
wing, and attach the risers in the correct manor (half a turn in each riser, and crossed in the
direction you want to turn). Now you can pull up the Freeride by its A-risers. Once the wing
is overhead, brake it gently, turn and launch.
In stronger winds, be prepared to take a few steps towards the glider as it inflates. This will
take some of the energy out of the glider and it will be less likely to over-fly you. Once stable
and above your head apply progressive power and accelerate smoothly for a controlled take
off.
Practice ground handling and launching as much as possible! It is great fun, and will give you
a much better feel for your Freerides flight characteristics. It will also improve your overall
enjoyment of flying by making your launches easier and safer.
The Climb Out
Once in the air you should continue flying into wind whilst gaining height. By setting the
trimmers to the first white line position you will achieve the best climb rate. Do not attempt
to climb too steeply or too quickly by using the brakes or slow trim. The wing already has a
high angle of attitude, coupled with a higher AoA (if you use the brakes) plus the engine’s
full thrust acting on the pilot, this could contribute to make the glider more prone to stall.
Furthermore, in the event of an engine failure the resulting backward pendulum motion of
the pilot and the forward dive of the wing may bring you back to the ground very hard. Do
not initiate turns until you have sufficient height and airspeed. Avoid low turns downwind with
insufficient airspeed.
IMPORTANT
The trimmers should
be set to the white
line position for better
inflation behaviour
during take-off. This is
especially important in
light winds and/or at
high altitudes.
IMPORTANT
Never take off with
a glider that is not
fully inflated or if you
are not in control of
the pitch/roll of your
wing.