paratech P43 Series, Manual

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For lowest sink rate brake with approx. 8 – 12 inches. To fly slow in thermals to gain
altitude is senseless and extremely dangerous.
The speed system works as follow:
Stepping on the speed bar pulls down the A-Riser which pulls down 2/3 of the B-
Riser. This causes the C-Riser to shorten half the length of the B-Riser. The D-Riser
stays unaffected.
The effect of this action causes the penetrating angle of the glider to become smaller
and increases speed. The glide stability of the P43 stays the same do to special ad-
justed geometry of the speed system which is very important for its practical use on
the P43.
4.1.2 Accelarated Flying
Please use the integrated speed system sparingly. The more turbulent the conditions,
the less distance to the ground, the less one should use the speed system. The
speed reached using the speed system is great and can not be underestimated!
Attention : It is absolutely senseless and even danger to accelerate and
brake at the same time. Because of a small penetration angle in accelerated
flight, the leading edge of the glider becomes more sensitive to turbulence.
Simultaneous braking causes the lift to shift to the trailing edge and unloading
the leading edge.
When turbulence induced unloading of an accelerated canopy occurs gently release
speedbar and only after complete stop of acceleration start working with the brakes.
4.2 Preflight Check and Preparation
Careful pre-flight check is mandatory for any flight equipment including the P43. Fol-
lowing points need special attention:
1) While opening you glider check cells and cell walls for damage. Even check
while folding your glider because after the last flight some damage could have
occurred during transportation.
2) Check lines for knots or twisted lines. Check for damaged or frayed lines.
Have your lines measured and compared to the line chart on a regular basis to
make sure the lines have not stretched or shrunk.