UP Makalu Light, Owner'S Manual And Service Manual

Page: 26 / 55

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26
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 Makalu Light
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 Makalu Light 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.
WARNING! All other
manoeuvres, such as full
stalls and spins, should be
avoided as fast descent
techniques. They are not
very efficient, and incorrect
recovery
can have
dangerous consequences (as with any
paraglider)!