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Section 6
Areas of use
06 Types of use
The APUS RS was developed and tested for
use solely as a paraglider for foot launch
and for winch launch. Any use other than as
intended is prohibited.
Winch launch
The procedure for a winch launch is similar
in its initial stages to a forwards launch. After
the canopy has been pulled up to its highest
point, the pilot rises from the ground by the
tension of the tow line. Under no
circumstances should the “start” command
be given before the glider is completely
under control. Major changes to direction
should be avoided during the launch phase
and before reaching a safe altitude. After
having left the ground, the pilot will be slowly
towed in a flat angle up to the safe altitude
of 50m. During this phase, the pilot must
remain ready to run and must not sit back in
the harness, so that it is possible to land
safely in the event that the winch or tow rope
fails. Ensure that the glider is flown with
open brakes so that the angle of attack is
not increased further by the brakes.
On a winch launch, the glider should if
possible be steered only by weight-shifting.
Brisk, forceful steering input with the brakes
can be used to help correct direction,
without braking the glider too much and
stalling it.
Winch-towing requires special training and
special regulations must be observed. These
are:
The pilot must have completed the
appropriate training and hold a licence.
The winch and release must have a
certificate of compliance which covers
the towing of paragliders.
The
winch
operator
must
have
undertaken training which includes the
towing of paragliders.
The APUS RS may not be towed with a
towline tension of more than 100 daN.
The paraglider must not under any
circumstances be towed by motor vehicle or
motor boat etc if you do not have the
appropriate towing equipment and a suitable
winch operator.
Attaching the towline release system
The optimal attachment point for the towline
release should be as close as possible to
the system’s centre of gravity. On a
paraglider the ideal attachment point is level
with the harness attachment point or directly
on the risers.
It is not essential to use a suitable tow
adaptor, but it is recommended and provides
the pilot with greater safety during the
towing phase.
TIP
For a winch launch too, laying out the
canopy in a half-moon shape will help to
ensure that it fills and rises evenly on
launch.
This considerably reduces the need to
make corrections during launch, allowing
a controlled and safe launch.
WARNING
The most common cause of stall on winch
is releasing the A-risers too early while
the glider is rising. The pilot should
ensure that the canopy is above him
before the “start” command is given.
Any changes to direction using the brakes
should not be carried out until the canopy
is already above the pilot, as too much
brake can cause the glider to fall down
again or be towed in a non-flyable
condition.
