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Section 6
Areas of use
06 Types of use
The Stratus 8 was developed and tested for
use solely as a paraglider for foot launch
and 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.
If a webbing release system is used, there is
an increased risk of lockout, which can be
detected by the fact that the apparatus does
not fly towards the winch and control
pressure by the pilot is not sufficient to
correct this. You should therefore check
regularly the position and alignment of the
glider to the pilot during towing.
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.
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 Stratus 8 may not be towed with a
towline tension of more than 90 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.
