Ozone SwiftMax Manual Download

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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. The
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 of active flying is to maintain
the internal pressure whilst keeping the wing directly overhead.

No pilot and no glider are immune to collapses however active flying will virtually eliminate any tendency
to collapse. When the conditions are turbulent, return the trimmers to the white line position and fly
actively anticipating the movements of the wing. Always be aware of your altitude and never over-react.
We strongly advise you to always keep hold of your brake handles and to not fly in turbulent conditions.

Landing

The SwiftMAX 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 you and your passenger are ready for the landing

and a possible PLF (parachute landing fall).

• Return the trimmers to the white line position and fly hands up 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

Always keep hold of

your brakes. Do not fly

in turbulent conditions