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24
loops designed for climbing to increase
the length of your release system). It is
also very important to fit a bungee to the
system that will keep it from hitting you in
the face in the event of a towing line
failure
BEWARE!
If you are using a
front-mounted reserve system
it is very important to verify
the
unhindered
deployment before every
flight. In case of doubt please
only tow using a textile release
system.
Flight safety
The development of high performance
paragliders from square parachutes has
meant vast improvements in speed, sink
rate and handling. But, at the same time, it
has also led to a requirement on behalf of
the pilot for accurate, sensitive control and
an acute anticipation of possible flying
conditions. Any glider, whether beginner
or competition class, may collapse in
turbulent conditions and you must be able
to react accordingly.
Today you have a wide choice between
different gliders in the UP range. The main
difference between the gliders is in the
stability that each class offers. Beginner
wings react to turbulence less dramatically
and are more forgiving when compared to
top performance gliders, which have more
sensitive, but less forgiving handling.
Making
the
correct
decision
when
choosing a new glider is most important;
you should critically examine your flying
and your level of knowledge.
A safe and efficient way to get used to
your new paraglider is by practising your
ground handling skills. We suggest
finding a suitable area, like a playing field,
and with light to medium wind it is quite
easy to practice inflating the glider and
feel the reaction to brake input, b-line
stall, collapses etc.
Before takeoff and whilst flying it is
very important to anticipate any likely
turbulence and fly accordingly. Look
well ahead, and as well as looking for
areas of likely lift, try and predict, and
avoid, areas of sink and rough air. If
you do find yourself in turbulence then
look for the cause, and adjust your
flight plan to avoid other similar places.
Thermals and
Turbulence
In turbulent air, the UP Kibo should be
flown with a little brake to increase the
angle of attack and provide greater
stability. While flying in strong or
broken thermals, it is important that
you concentrate on keeping the wing
centrally above your head. Do this by
allowing the glider to fly faster while
entering a thermal, and by dampening
the surge of the canopy while exiting
the thermal by braking gently.
Flying fast is useful for getting through
sink or when flying into a headwind.
The UP Kibo possesses a high
inherent stability due to its construction
and design, however an active flying
style in turbulence will help increase
safety by preventing unnecessary
collapses and deformation of the
canopy.
Getting down fast
All rapid descent manoeuvres should
be
practised
initially
in
smooth
conditions with plenty of altitude before
you need to use them 'for real'. It is
important to distinguish between the
three techniques, and to know the
merits of each.
