UP Makalu Light, Owner'S Manual And Service Manual

Page: 22 / 55

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22
Flight practice and
safety
Both of the following chapters (Flight
practise and Flight safety) describe
fundamental aspects of flying paragliders.
In no way do they substitute proper
training, nor should any of the content
therein be unknown to any pilot who has
chosen to fly a performance paraglider like
the UP Makalu Light.
Flight practice
Pre-flight check
Make sure whenever you get your UP
Makalu Light back from somebody else to
check the glider very carefully if you are
not the only pilot flying it. Ask if there was
anything that could have damaged any
part of the glider, if the pilot has found any
part that needs to be replaced or if they
noticed any strange flight behaviour. Make
sure you do the same when you lend your
glider to somebody else.
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 Makalu
Light. 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
Makalu
Light 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
Makalu Light is inflated solely with both
the internal A-risers (front A-riser).
Make sure that you are centrally