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start can be facilitated if the UP Trango X-
light² 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 ² 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 the start run and
becomes airborne. Depending on the
inclination of the launch it may make
sense to brake a bit in this phase. Once
airborne and at a safe altitude the pilot
slips into the seated position in the
harness – WITHOUT RELEASING THE
BRAKE HANDLES. If this is not possible
then the pilot may hold both handles in
one hand whilst assisting the seating with
the other.
Speed control
Using the brakes
The UP Trango X-light² has a wide
usable speed range, coupled with
excellent stability at all speeds. The
speed can be set with the brakes to
optimise performance in any situation.
Maximum glide speed is achieved with
the brakes released completely,
whereas minimum sink speed is with
approximately 10-15cm of brake
applied. Further braking will not
improve the sink rate, but the brake
pressure increases noticeably as the
glider reaches minimum speed.
BEWARE! Flying close to
the stall point is very
dangerous and
should be avoided.
At speeds below
minimum sink the
danger of entering an
unintentional stall or spin is increased
dramatically.
Using the Speed System
The UP Trango X-light² is equipped
with a very efficient speed system,
working over a foot stirrup as usual. By
engaging the speed system the true air
speed may be increased by around
17km/h. Being familiar with the use of
the speed system is an important skill
to have in paragliding.
The speed system should be used
when you are flying through sinking
air, when trying to achieve best glide in
a headwind, or when trying to cover
the ground as quickly as possible. But
it is important to remember that the
glider will be more susceptible to
collapses at high speeds, so the speed
system should not be used in extreme