P
APILL
ON P
AR
A
GLID
ER
S
|
R
A
QOON
|
O
W
N
ER´S M
ANU
AL
8
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THE FLIGHT
FLYING EXPERIENCE
This manual is only focusing on the points of
the technique of flying that are important for
the Papillon
RAQOON
. It cannot and should
not replace a profound flight training in an
approved flying school! Without flight training
and according experience paragliding is
life-endangering!
THE LAUNCH
The list of a 5 point pre-launch check must
be performed before each flight. It is helpful
to have the check conducted additionally by a
second pilot (partner check).
1.
Pilot
: All buckles, straps and clips of the
harness closed! Leg straps closed! Carabi-
ner untwisted and closed properly! Helmet
on! Radio on!
2.
Lines
: Lines free! A–lines on top and no
tangled lines under! Risers untwisted!
Speed system attached and untwisted!
Control lines free and not twisted!
3.
Canopy
: Laid out in an arch position! All
chambers open!
4.
Wind
: From the right direction! Is the wind
speed right?
5.
Airspace
: Free on all sides!
FORWARD LAUNCH
The paraglider is laid out symmetrically
in an arch, so that you can fill the canopy
symmetrically from the center. The center of
the Papillon
RAQOON
is marked on the leading
edge.
You stand with loose, W-shaped bent arms
and launch the wing by pulling gently the A
(front) risers laterally upward, while you are
running against the wind.
Note: Unlike other gliders, it is not neces-
sary to inflate the PAPILLON Raqoon with
aggressive pulling or even fast running.
That is also true when there is little to zero
wind. Measured pulling up is the simplest
and safest way to launch the PAPILLON
Raqoon.
Once the canopy is above you, you let go of
the risers and only keep the break lines in
hand. Keep running quickly, but not too fast,
adapted to the wind situation. After a visual
check of the canopy, for which you apply some
brake pressure to stabilize the wing, the ac-
celeration phase begins. With big, bold steps
and calm arms you reach take-off speed. You
take off the ground but remain ready to run in
order to react to an unexpected drop. Only sit
down with sufficient ground clearance. Never
release the break lines. While sitting into the
harness keep slight break pressure.
In flat start areas you must pay attention to
the acceleration phase. Large and long steps
with little brake are ideal here. In steep terrain,
on the other hand, you pull gently and apply
brake pressure to stabilize. The glider must
not be allowed to over shoot as it may collapse
in the lift-off phase. Since take off is very
quick in steep terrain, it is a good idea to have
an experienced pilot friend who observes and
checks the take-off during the lift-up phase.
REVERSE LAUNCH
In strong winds and challenging conditions, a
reverse launch is recommended, as this allows
better control of the canopy. Possible cravats
and disorders of the canopy can be detected
in the launch phase already. Thus, the control
phase is simpler and an asymmetric rising of
the wing can be corrected early on.
To perform a reverse launch, face the canopy
and cross the risers when clipping in. If you
want to turn to the right, turn the risers 180°
to the right before hooking-in Make sure that
the green loop is hooked into the carabiner on
the right and the red loop into the carabiner
on the left side.
Always untwist in the direction in which the
upper riser is attached to the harness. Before
lifting the wing, take the brake lines and make
sure that they are not twisted or reversed!
Thereafter, take all A-risers in one hand and
launch the wing. With the second hand, the
rising of the canopy is controlled with the
brake line. To perfect the reverse launch tech-
nique, we recommend taking part in a reverse
launch training.
TURNING
The Papillon
RAQOON has a high agility and
reacts to steering inputs directly and instantly.
You can fly flat turns with little altitude loss by
shifting your body weight. A combined steer-
ing technique of appropriate pull on the inner
brake line and shift of body weight is the best
way for a coordinated turn. The turn radius
depends on the amount of pulling on the brake
line. At about 75 % of the brake line travel, the
Papillon
RAQOON increases the inclination
significantly and performs a fast-steep turn
that can lead to a spiral dive.
ACTIVE FLYING
The Papillon
RAQOON
should be flown with
light braking on both sides when there is
turbulent air. An increased angle of attack
provides better stability. When entering heavy
thermals or strong turbulences be careful
that the canopy does not get behind you. To
avoid that, release the brakes a bit to get an
increase in speed when entering the updraft.
If the canopy gets in front of you when leaving
an updraft or entering a downdraft, the brakes
must be applied to counter that. Accelerated
flight, however, is advisable when flying
through downdraft zones.
The Papillon
RAQOON is naturally very stable
due to its unique way of construction. Active
flying in turbulent air (as described above)
significantly increases safety. Collapsing
and deforming of the canopy can be avoided
through active flying.
Summary of Contents for RAQOON
Page 1: ...RAQOON OWNER S MANUAL...
