SKY PARAGLIDERS ANTEA 2, User Manual

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TAKE-OFF, FLIGHT AND FLYING
TECHNIQUES
ANTEA 2 is flown conventionally. However there are several points below
which may help the pilots to familiarise themselves with the new paraglider
more quickly.
1) Checking the Paraglider Before Take-Off

Check that the wing is not torn and that the internal structure (ribbing) is not
damaged.

Check that the lines are not damaged or tangled.
 Check that the quick links which connect the lines to the risers are
undamaged and tightened correctly.
 Check that the risers are not damaged or twisted.

Check that the speed system works freely and that the lines are long
enough to ensure that the speed system is not permanently on.

Lastly, check that the brake handles are correctly attached and that each
line runs freely in its pulley.
2) Take-Off
Lay the paraglider out with the leading edge in a horseshoe shape. Hold the
A risers close to the quick links and move forward until the lines get stretched.
You should now be perfectly centred with your wing. In no headwind or light
headwind with the lines stretched ANTEA 2 inflates rapidly. It is important that
the risers be kept in a correct direction to the pilot‘s body. If the risers are kept
too close or too far, the take-off is very unlikely to be smooth.
A controlled inflation allows you to check the wings and lines during the last
phase as it comes up and thus avoids the need to use brakes. Depending on
the wind conditions or the slope an adequate use of brakes can help you to
take-off more quickly.
3) Landing
Because of the exceptional glide, extreme caution is recommended in the
stages of approaching and landing. ANTEA 2 is an extremely agile glider
which is sensitive to a small input – overbraking can result in significant
responses. It is therefore recommended to execute the first flights in a familiar
environment and under easy conditions.
With negative steering there is more time for the manoeuvres to be performed
steadily, which results in reducing the pendulum movements of
the paraglider.
Reminder: Negative steering involves applying the brakes symmetrically by
about 30% of the maximum range to slow the paraglider and a simultaneous
turning by means of releasing the outside brake. Speeding up just prior to
landing allows a more effective flare and therefore a gentler landing.
4) Turning
ANTEA 2 was designed to perform well in turns and will centre in thermals
even without active piloting. Negative steering (see above) on one hand
slows the paraglider in certain phases of the flight and on the other hand
reduces excessive rolling during turn reversals. It is not only designed to
turn (with approx. 30% brake) but also to fly slowly in order to help identify
the ares of lift and to keep the paraglider flatter to maximise the sink rate in
a turn (with 15% brake).
5) Rapid Descent Techniques
In order to descend the paraglider must be moved away from the areas of
lift. In case any difficulties occur, the following techniques might be used to
increase the sink rate.
Big Ears
Pull at the outside A lines until the wingtips fold back on themselves. It is
recommended to fold the wingtips seperately and not at the same time. Keep
the lines taut to stop the wingtips from reopening. Depending on the size of
big ears, the sink rate can increase up to 3 – 4 m/s.
As soon as the lines are released, the paraglider should spontaneously
reopen. The process can be speeded up by pumping the brakes. When
pumping the brakes it is recommended that one side of the paraglider be
opened after the other. Pulling both brakes simultaneusly can result in a stall.
Spiral
ANTEA 2 is a manoeuvrable wing that responds to any input easily. To initiate
the spiral apply one brake progressively to about 35% and hold it in its position.
The speed of rotation will increase progressively as well as the pressure on
the brake and the centrifugal force that is perceived. The angle or the speed
of rotation can be decreased or increased by releasing or pulling the brake
by several centimetres.
Once mastered the spiral allows you to descend by more than 10 m/s.
Movements which are extremely abrupt or badly synchronised or very quick
initiation of the spiral can result in a spin.
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