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Turns
Accelerated flight
The LT 1 is very sensitive, responding instantly to turn commands. Leveled turns
can be achieved with the shifting of weight on the risers with minimum aitude loss.
A combination of weight shifting and breaking technique is the most efficient way
of executing turns in any situation. The given brake utilized determines the radius of
turns.
By activating the brakes on the outside edge of the turns, as well as applying maximum
weight shifting on the risers, the efficiency and resistance to collapse in turbulences (at
the edge of thermals) is increased.
In case it becomes necessary to perform turns in a constrained space we recommend
to release the outside brake in the given turn and pull a little more the brake on the
inside of the turn. The paraglider glides best when no brakes are applied.
It is recommended to use the accelerator when flying against the wind or in zones with
descending air. Due to a decreased angle of attack, the canopy may collapse easier than
when set at the normal position. The pilot must remember that the higher the speed, the
more dynamic the collapse response or symmetric closing will be.
- Exercise the use of the accelerator during calm conditions.
- Be cautious flying accelerated in difficult and turbulent conditions.
- Remember: The higher the speed the higher the descent rate.
- Check always on all accelerator parts for good function and signs of wear.
By pulling either brake too strongly or suddenly, there is a danger of creating a
negative spiral!
Active flying
B-Riser control
For best performance during your flight, it is important to be always sensitive to
what your canopy is trying to communicate. The key elements of active flying are:
controlling the canopy advancement and the canopy pressure. If you apply gently the
brakes (about +- 15cm) you are getting a good feedback about the canopy pressure,
which can alter easily in turbulent air. You can feel it very well on the brakes. The
general idea: keep the pressure constant.
Avoid flying excessively with the brakes on, cause you might brake to the point of stopping
the canopy from flying. Always consider your aerodynamic speed. Your movements can
be symmetric or asymmetric and both or one brake can be applied. This corrections
control your flight and reduce the risk of collapses. We suggest that you practice on the
ground. Canopy advancement and pressure loss can be simulated well on the ground.
The LT 1 responds very nicely to B-riser control. With the speed system applied the
B-risers can be pulled backwards towards the pilot to directly control the angle of
attack of the glider. Pulling backwards pitches the wing nose-up, increasing the angle
of attack, and reduces the chordwise compression in the sail from the lines, making
the wing more tuck-resistant.
The control movement is subtle and fluid, and only small movements are required. It
is important to recognize how much B-riser movement is needed to return the glider
to trim speed.
The riser-limiters provide a good indicator of when trim speed is approached, making
it clear when the maillons are getting close to level (which is a sensible limit to the
amount of B-riser control that should be applied). B-riser control can be used to
fluidly pilot the wing through turbulence by controlling pitch.
The aim should be to control pitch so that the wing stays directly above you. B-riser
control can also be used for steering. It is good practice to always glide with gentle
tension applied to the B-risers (pulling them backwards about 5cm) so that you can
feel the inputs from the wing. Those inputs warn you when turbulence is coming,
but also allow you to feel the lifty side of the wing – when the tension on the B-riser
on one side increases, pull back on that side to turn slightly towards the lifting air.
Following lifting lines using the B-risers this way can make a huge difference to flight
performance and gives the LT 1 pilot a very satisfying feeling of being connected to
the air movements.
A pilot fully in tune with the LT 1 can use these B-riser inputs to follow the lifty lines
that lead to the cores of thermals.
