Ozone OCTANE, Pilot'S Manual

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In the hands-up position in calm air, your glider will be stable in pitch and roll and
achieve its 'best glide' speed. By applying the brakes approximately 20cm, the
minimum-sink rate will be found. For increased speed or headwind glides, use the
accelerator bar which will give you an increase in speed of up to 10km/h.
Active Flying
Active flying is the technique of using input to keep the wing as stable and
efficient as possible. All good pilots do it. For example, on entering a thermal your
glider will rock back slightly behind you; at this point you should reduce brake to
allow the glider to come overhead again. As you leave the thermal your glider will
try to accelerate and dive forward slightly, so apply a little brake to stabilise the
wing overhead.
When flying in turbulent air, you should be able to sense pressure loss in parts of
the wing through the brake lines. You can then compensate by using a little of the
appropriate brake until you feel the pressure return.
This should all be done smoothly and progressively: over-braking your glider is
dangerous and could lead to a stall.
NORMAL FLIGHT
WING-OVERS
To familiarise yourself with your glider your first turns should be gradual and
progressive.
For efficient coordinated turns: look in the direction of your intended course, then
lean into it. Your first input for directional change should be weight-shift, followed
by smooth application of the brake until the desired bank angle is achieved. To
regulate the speed and radius of the turn the outer brake should be used.
Never initiate a turn at minimum speed (i.e. with full brakes on) as you could risk
entering a spin.
TURNING & THERMALLING USING WEIGHT SHIFT
OZONE paragliders are not designed for aerobatic flying. The limit is tightly
banked S-turns, commonly known as wing-overs. These must not exceed 45
degrees of bank. Uncoordinated wing-overs can lead to large asymmetric
collapses and therefore tight turns should never be executed near the ground.
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