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21
A thorough pre-flight inspection
should be performed prior to
each flight. A careful pre-
flight check is a must for
any and all airplanes
– also
the UP Kibo. Please apply the
same care and attention before EVERY
flight!
Before every launch you should carry out
the standard 5-point checking procedure.
It is a good idea to do the checks following
the same sequence every time to
minimize the risk of omitting something.
1. Unpack and arrange your glider in a
semi-circular manner. This shape
ensures that the centre cells inflate
before the tips. When unfolding your
glider, observe the wind direction
and arrange your glider so that it is
pointed directly into the wind.
2. The lines must be arranged so that
there are no tangles and the A-lines
are uppermost. Once the lines are
free and untangled, check to make
sure that they all go directly from the
riser to the glider without going over
the top of the wing. Launching with a
line over the wing is extremely
dangerous! It is also important that
the brake lines are free and not
tangled.
3. Next check that you have put the
harness on correctly, and ensure that
both leg straps and the chest strap
are closed and adjusted. Also check
the
rescue
system
pins
and
deployment handle.
4. Right before the launch you should
check the air space (also behind
you).
5. Once again check the wind direction
before take-off.
The start phases
The take-off characteristics of the UP
Kibo are extremely straightforward.
Only a gentle forward pressure on the
A risers is necessary and the glider will
inflate evenly and climb above your
head. The glider has no tendency to
hang back behind you or to overshoot
over your head.
With the A risers and the brakes in
your hands, have another look at your
unfolded glider. By stronger wind the
start can be facilitated if the UP Kibo is
inflated solely with both the internal A-
risers (front A-riser). Make sure that
you are centrally positioned in the
middle of the wing, and that the wing is
facing into wind. The middle of the
canopy is marked by the UP logo at
the leading edge.
Inflate the glider with a steady run and
remember to position your arms so
that they are a continuation of the A
risers. As the glider comes above your
head, you should glance up to see that
the entire canopy is inflated and flying.
The UP Kibo has a low surge
tendency, so there is usually no
necessity to brake to stop the glider
from over-flying you.
Directional control should only be
attempted when the glider is above
your head. Excessive braking will
cause the wing to drop back.
Only after checking that the wing is
properly inflated do you apply slight
brake pressure and accelerate rapidly
down the hill. After a few steps you will
reach flying speed and become
airborne.
NOTE:
The
decision
to
actually take off or not is
only really taken towards
the end of the control
phase. The pilot accelerates
