Setting up the Scorpio and test-flying
Section 4
19
IMPORTANT
Alterations to the main brake lines
should be carried out by a flying
instructor or by an experienced pilot.
Always have the trimmers closed when
carrying out alterations to the main
brake lines.
It is essential to check the adjustment
of the main brake lines after changing
the drive system.
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.
WARNING
The glider must not under any
circumstances be pre-accelerated as a
result of the adjustments to the brakes
(even with open trimmers). The glider
should first be inflated and checked
after any alteration.
Be aware that the available braking
distance is reduced if the main brake
line runs through the lower pulley as
well.
If the brake lines are too short, the
following risks could arise:
•
there could be an early stall
•
the paraglider does not launch
well and there is a risk of deep
stall
•
the paraglider exhibits dangerous
behaviour in extreme flying
•
the trailing edge of the paraglider
is braked in accelerated flight
which, in an extreme case, could
cause a frontal collapse
If there is more than 10cm left over
below the knot after making an
adjustment, then cut off the extra
length.
