User manual / Handbuch / Návod k obsluze
KEA 2
on the wind conditions or the slope, an adequate use of brakes
can help you to take-off more quickly.
4.2. Towing
KEA 2 may be tow-launched. It is the pilot’s responsibility to
use suitable harness, attachments and release mechanism. Tow
pilot should be qualified to tow.
When towing pilot must be certain that the paraglider is com-
pletely over your head before you start. In each case the maxi-
mum tow force needs to correspond to the body weight of the
pilot.
4.3. Landing
Because of the exceptional glide, high caution is recommended
in the stages of approach and landing. KEA 2 is an agile glider,
any action on the brakes may cause significant reactions. 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 maneuvers to be performed steadi-
ly, which results in reducing the pendulum movements of the
paraglider.
Reminder: Negative steering involves applying the brakes sym-
metrically 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.
4.4. Turning
KEA 2 was designed to perform well in turns and will core the
thermals even without active piloting. Negative steering (see
above), on the 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 ap-
prox. 30% brake) but also to fly slowly in order to help identify
the areas of lift and to keep the paraglider flatter to minimize the
sink rate in a turn (with 15% brake). Symmetrical brake-input
at 20-30 % enables you to keep your wing under control – to
brake further when pitching and to release when the canopy
banks up.
4.5. 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 tech-
niques can be used to increase the sink rate.
Big Ears
Pull at the outside A lines until the wingtips fold back on them-
selves. It is recommended to fold the wingtips separately 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. However, you can
speed up the reopening by „pumping“ the brakes. When pump-
ing the brakes it is recommended that one side of the paraglider
be opened after the other. Pulling both brakes simultaneously
can result in a stall.
Spiral Dive
KEA 2 is a maneuverable wing that responds to any input eas-
ily. To initiate the spiral apply one brake progressively to about
35% and hold it in its position. The speed of rotation will in-
crease progressively as well as the pressure on the brake and
the centrifugal force that is experienced. The angle or the speed
of rotation can be decreased or increased by releasing or pull-
ing the brake by several centimeters. Once mastered, the spiral
allows you to descend by more than 10 m/s. Movements which
are extremely abrupt or badly synchronized, or a very quick
initiation of the spiral can result in an asymmetrical collapse
or a spin.
CAUTION: A deep spiral is a demanding maneuver. The kinetic
energy obtained must be reduced by slowly releasing the inside
brake and using at least one whole 360 degrees turn to bleed
off this energy.
B-line Stall
Grasp the B risers at the quick links and gently pull them down
symmetrically. The paraglider will drop backwards before en-
tering in a parachutal stall stabilizing overhead. The descent
rate increases to 6 - 8 m/s. In order to release the B-line stall,
raise both hands together in a single quick movement. Once
you have released the B-risers, KEA 2 shall, in principle, resume
flight immediately. An error of control (slow release) or special
meteorological conditions may lead to a prolonged phase of
parachuting. The recovery of the paraglider could be then ini-
tiated by using the speed bar. In case there is no speed bar, a
short pull (squeeze) on the A risers (4 – 5 cm) will achieve the
same result.
Caution: unlike the big ears and the spiral (see above), in a
B-line stall the glider is in a stalled state. Therefore, a B-line stall
should never be performed close to the ground and in stronger
head winds, a negative ground speed may be experienced.
4.6. Performance & Use of Brakes
KEA 2‘s best glide is at trim speed (no brakes) – about 37 km/h.
The minimum sink rate is achieved by applying approx. 15%
of the brakes. When using more than 30% of the brakes the
aerodynamics and the performance of the glider are likely to
deteriorate and the effort to maneuver will increase quickly. In
case of extremely high brake pressure there is a great risk of
an impending stall, which occurs at a full brake travel (100% of
the brakes). In normal flying conditions the optimal position for
the brakes, in terms of performance and safety is within the first
30% of the braking range.
4.7. Use of Speed Bar
KEA 2 is equipped with a speed system. For fitting and posi-
tioning the speed bar consult the instructions of the harness
manufacturer. Before every take-off check that the speed bar
works freely and that its lines are long enough to ensure that
it is not engaged permanently. If the harness is fitted with a
front mounted reserve the speed bar lines must pass under
the reserve container and the reserve bridle so that it can be
deployed easily. Using the speed bar can increase the maxi-
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Summary of Contents for KEA 2 L
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