Performance Designs Spire-08M, Owner'S Manual

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3. Presenting the Spire
The Spire is a speedflying wing designed by dedicated engineers at Performance Designs. The Spire’s heritage comes
from the skydiving world, and this shows in its fast and steep glide ratio. Here are a few STRONG recommendations for
using your Spire:
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Receive proper training
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Fly the wing at a wing loading no greater than 1.5 to 1
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Familiarize yourself with the terrain on which you intend to fly
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Always be prepared to land hillside and over uneven terrain. In the event that you have to land your wing hillside,
continue to actively pilot your wing – keep your wing as close into the wind as possible. Note that most hillside
landings will force the pilot to land with crossed wind. Continue to fly even if you are sliding across the hill, as this
will continue to reduce your speed and reduce the risk of injury.
The Spire offers outstanding security for the practice of speedflying and great maneuverability. This allows the pilot to feel
confident while developing the active and dynamic piloting skills needed to get the most out of this sport. Rapid
progression is possible, as the pilot becomes acquainted with the many ways in which airflows can affect the wing.
Who should fly the Spire?
The Spire is an outstanding wing for experienced pilots in both the paragliding and skydiving communities who have had
regular practice and are looking for a fast high performance wing. The Spire was modeled after a very high performance
skydiving parachute, so it is intended for very experienced pilots. Even highly experience paraglider pilots may not be
ready to fly the Spire without some instruction on the differences between the Spire and other speedflying wings.
Cutting-edge design
While creating the Spire, Performance Designs made an emphasis on developing a wing that provides security, even
during what is known in the paragliding world as “passive piloting.” Passive piloting means not making corrections with the
toggles to compensate for internal pressure variations, which often lead to collapses. The Spire’s design also offers
excellent take-offs and safe landings. Designed around the highest performance skydiving wing – the Velocity – the Spire
has extremely similar characteristics including aspect ratio, cross-bracing, low overall profile, and control inputs. To take
full advantage of the Spire’s design, keep it flying fast and smoothly.