Ozone LiteSpeed 15, Pilot'S Manual

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EN
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or headwinds, you should fly faster than trim speed by using the accelerator system. Using up to half
bar does not degrade the glide angle or stability significantly and will improve your flying performance.
You will reach the next thermal faster and higher. At full speed the Litespeed is stable; however we
recommend that you do not fly at full speed close to the ground or in turbulent air.
By applying the brakes approximately 30cm, the Litespeed will achieve its Minimum-Sink rate; this is the
speed for best climb and is the speed to use for thermalling and ridge soaring.
Turning
To familiarize yourself with the Litespeed your first turns should be gradual and progressive. To make
efficient and coordinated turns with the Litespeed first look in the direction you want to go, then lean
into it. Your first input for directional change should be weight-shift, followed by the smooth application
of the brake until the desired bank angle is achieved. To regulate the speed and radius of the turn,
coordinate your weight shift and use the outer brake.
Active Flying
To minimize the likelihood of suffering collapses in turbulent conditions, it is essential to use active
flying. These are skills that are best learnt by playing with the glider on the ground. Flying with a small
amount of brake applied (approx. 20cm) will allow you to feel the feedback from the wing. In turbulent
conditions the internal pressure of the wing is constantly changing and only by using a small amount
of brake will you feel these changes. The aim of active flying is to maintain a constant pressure through
the brakes, If you feel a reduction or loss of pressure apply the brakes until you feel normal pressure
again. Once you have normal pressure, raise the hands quickly back to the original position. Avoid flying
with continuous amounts of deep brake in rough air as you could inadvertently stall the wing. Always
consider your airspeed.
These movements can be symmetric or asymmetric; you may have to apply both brakes or just one.
These subtle adjustments will keep the glider flying smoothly and directly above you and dramatically
reduce the chances of a collapse. If the glider pitches in front of you, use the brakes to slow it down.
Equally, if the glider drops behind you, release the brakes to allow it to speed up. The goal is to always
keep the wing directly overhead.
IMPORTANT
Always keep hold of
your brakes. Do not fly
in turbulent conditions
No pilot and no glider are immune to collapses however active flying will virtually eliminate any tendency
to collapse. When the conditions are turbulent, be more active and anticipate the movements of your
wing. Always be aware of your altitude and do not over-react. We strongly advise you to always keep
hold of your brakes. Do not fly in turbulent conditions.
Landing
The Litespeed shows no unusual landing characteristics but as a reminder, here are some tips:
• Always set up for your landing early, give yourself plenty of options and a safe margin for error.
• Once below 30 metres avoid turning tightly as the glider will have to dive to accelerate back to normal
flight. If you are at low altitude, or if you hit sink, this could mean you hit the ground harder than
necessary.
• Lean forward out of your harness before the actual landing (especially if it’s turbulent), with your
weight leaning forward against the chest strap, and make sure your legs are ready for the landing and
a possible PLF (parachute landing fall).
• Allow the glider to fly at hands up (trim) speed for your final descent until you are around 1 metre
above the ground (in windy or turbulent conditions you must fly the glider actively all the way). Apply
the brakes slowly and progressively to slow the glider down until groundspeed has been reduced to a
minimum and you are able to step onto the ground.
• In light winds/zero wind you need a strong, long and progressive flare to bleed off all your excess
ground speed. In strong winds your forward speed is already low so you are flaring only to soften the
landing. A strong flare may result in the glider climbing upwards and backwards quickly, leaving you in
a vulnerable position.
• If the glider does begin to climb, ease off the brakes (10-20cm) - do not put your hands up all the way
- then flare again, but more gently this time. Keep the brakes at mid speed, stand up, be ready to run
and make sure you brake fully as you arrive on the ground.
• Choose the appropriate approach style in function of the landing area and the conditions.
• In strong winds you need to turn towards the glider the second your feet touch the ground. Once
facing the wing pull smoothly and symmetrically down on the brakes to stall the wing. If the glider pulls
you, run toward it.
• If the wind is very strong, and you feel you might be dragged, or lifted again, stall the glider with the C
risers. This stalls the wing in a very quick and controllable way and will drag you less than if you use
the brakes.
• Always land heading into wind!
IMPORTANT
Never initiate a turn at
minimum speed (i.e.
with full brakes on) as
you could risk entering
a spin.