B E T R I E B S H A N D B U C H
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PA P I L LO N
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P 4 2
14 | 15
From the command “Run”, the passenger has to put pressure on the paraglider. In case of aborted
take-off, the pilot immediately calls “Stop”. The direction of a possible aborted start must be de
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termined before the start! In particular, the pilot should bear in mind that the higher wing loading
requires a longer take-off distance and a higher flight speed than in single-seater operations. The
further flight phase must also be discussed with the passenger before take-off. It is important to
note that if the passenger refuses to do so, the start must not be forced.
It has also proved helpful to point out to the passenger that he/she should not look downwards,
but should focus attention on other aspects of the flight in order to avoid possible fear of heights.
Also in this phase the pilot actively involves the passenger in all activities, although only the pilot
is responsible for the proper execution. After the lines have been laid out and sorted, the pilot will
assist the passenger in putting on the harness. It is advisable to carry out a seat test, the easiest way
is to use another pilot who lifts the passenger in his harness on the karabiners from the ground. In
this way, the seating position in flight can be controlled and any necessary corrections can still be
made. The control of the leg and the chest straps is of crucial importance! Seatbelts with an airbag
or protector have proven their worth, as many passengers tend to sit in the grass instead of running
out when landing.
Pre-flight check
A thorough pre-flight check is required for each aircraft, including the P42, and our experience has
shown that tandem paragliders are often flown by several people. Please double-check if you are
not the only pilot using this paraglider. If you lend your glider, please inform the lender of this fact
as well. Also make sure that the lender knows the operating limits of the P42 and has the necessary
qualification certificate. Before every take-off check the lines, risers and canopy for damage. Even in
the case of small defects it is not advisable to start. After the paraglider has been unpacked and laid
out in a semicircle, the following must be observed:
The paraglider should be laid out in such a way that the lines in the centre of the paraglider are ten
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sioned a little earlier than the lines at the wingtips when the A-risers are pulled. This ensures an easy
and directionally stable start. When laying out the glider, please pay attention to the wind direction,
so that both halves of the paraglider are loaded symmetrically when being pulled up against the
wind. Carefully separate the lines and arrange the risers. The A-lines deserve special attention. They
must run freely and without entanglement from the A-risers to the canopy. It is also important that
the brake lines are completely unobstructed and cannot get stuck during the launch. If the risers are
not twisted, the brake lines run freely through the eyelet to the rear edge of the glider. Make sure
that no lines run under the canopy. A line throw-up at the start can have fatal consequences. It is
highly recommended to involve the passenger in the pre-flight check to familiarize him/her with the
equipment.
