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25
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 the part
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 during flight 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 ² 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 Trango X-light² 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)!
