Setting up the APUS RS and test-flying
Section 4
17
04 Setting up the APUS
RS and first-flying
Before the first flight
WARNING
A specialist must test-fly and inspect the
glider before your first flight. The test-
flight must be recorded on the glider
information label.
During production, the APUS RS goes
through several quality control checks
before finally undergoing an exact type
certification test. Conformity with the
reference specimen is checked and certified
before the glider is delivered to the
customer. Extreme care is taken in the
manufacture of all patterns, lines and riser
lengths. They show a high level of precision
and should not be altered under any
circumstances.
WARNING
Any changes or improper repairs to this
paraglider render invalid the certification
and warranty.
Adjusting the main brake lines
The APUS RS is delivered ex factory with a
brake adjustment complying with that of the
test sample. This position is marked on the
steering line.
This adjustment will allow you to steer and
land the paraglider with almost no time lag.
The main brake lines must be checked by
an expert before the test flight, and must be
fastened so that the mark is visible approx.
5mm above the knot.
The length of the break line must not be
altered.
Factory settings
Correctly installed brake lines have about
10cm of feed. This is how far you must pull
down the brakes before the trailing edge of
the paraglider starts to move downwards
and begins to brake. Note that the brake
cascades already cause drag by their
aerodynamic resistance.
The factory setting for the APUS RS is
intended to allow optimum handling. It is
therefore generally not necessary to make
any adjustment to the length.
However, if required, the brake setting can
be altered according to your particular
preferences.
It can on occasions be worthwhile to make
the brakes longer compared to the factory
setting, particularly for teaching, launching
on the flat or winch launching.
If you do adjust the brakes, under no
circumstances should you go above or
below the tolerance levels for the APUS RS
given in the Maintenance and Service book.
Incorrect adjustment
If the brake lines are too long, the paraglider
reacts slowly and is difficult to land. The
brake lines can be adjusted during flight by
wrapping them around your hands which will
improve the flight characteristics. Adjust the
brake lines to the correct length after you
have landed. Changes to the braking
distance should always be made in small
increments of no more than 2 to 3cm and
must be tested on a training slope. The left
and right brakes must be adjusted
symmetrically.
If the brakes are shortened, care must be
taken that the paraglider is not slowed down
in trim and accelerated flight because of the
brake lines being too short. Safety issues
may arise and performance and launch
behaviour may deteriorate if the brake lines
are shortened too much.
