Setting up the SPITFIRE 3 and first-flying
Chapter
04
15
When selecting a rescue parachute,
ensure that the intended take-off
weight is adhered to. The rescue
parachute must be attached according
to the manufacturer's instructions.
Suitable harnesses
Caution: Never use the SPITFIRE 3 with
a harness with a seatboard or even a
recumbent harness!
The SPITFIRE 3 can become extremely
difficult to uncontrollable when
combined with this type of harness!
If you have any questions or doubts
about using your harness with the
SPITFIRE 3, please contact your SWING
dealer or SWING directly.
Riser & Trimmer
WARNUNG
NO FRONTRISER TURNS!
The 3-liner construction does not
allow front riser turns! Pulling on the
front risers inevitably leads to a
clatter, which can have fatal
consequences!
The SPITFIRE 3 has brake handles
(toggles) for steering.
The riser of your SPITFIRE 3 is designed
so that you can operate everything
with gloves on. The SPITFIRE 3 riser has
an anti-rotation device on the B-plane.
In addition, the B-plane is deflected
again to change the profile and angle
of attack more effectively when the
trimmers are opened. This counteracts
any vibration of the canopy. The
SWING Speedflying Team advises every
pilot who wishes to fly his SPITFIRE 3
over the backrisers to do so between
the B- and C-risers on the marked C-
bridge.
The trimmer travel itself has a strong
effect on the "Dive & Speed" of your
SPITFIRE 3.
Therefore, keep the trimmer closed for
your first flights and slowly familiarise
yourself with it.
The trimmer allows you to fly with the
best glide when closed. Open your
trimmer to take advantage of the
"dive" or to lose altitude. To adjust the
trimmers in flight, keep the brake
handles in your hands and operate the
trimmers symmetrically. If you adjust
the trimmers asymmetrically (e.g. if you
open one at a time) your SPITFIRE 3
will fly an aggressive turn to the side of
the closed trimmer. The rubber band
also prevents the trimmer ribbon from
fluttering when the trimmers are
closed, as it fixes it in place.
Fig. 5.
Trimmer
However, also bear in mind that when
opening the trimmers step by step,
they can suddenly snap open
completely without you wanting them
to. Afterwards, simply pull the
trimmers back to the desired position.
Approach fully opening the trimmers
step by step. The "speed & dive"
increases greatly with the trimmers
open. After you have become familiar
with the SPITFIRE 3 with the trimmers
closed, be sure to approach full
trimmer travel slowly and gradually, as
the "Dive" glide angle decreases
sharply. Keep in mind that the turn
