11
Echo-PPG-manual-EN-1-2
June 2019
Take-off
Your paraglider is easy to inflate in light or stronger winds and will quickly rise overhead to the flying position. The
best inflation technique is to hold one A-riser in each hand. The easiest take-off is usually obtained with the trimmers
fully closed, maillons level. We recommend the trimmers are partially released for launching in strong-wind (more
than 10km/h) conditions.
Never try to launch if the wing is not fully inflated and above your head, and if you do not have full control of pitch
and / or roll.
Initial climb
Once in the air, you should continue to face into the wind while you gain altitude. Leave the trimmers in the take-off
(closed) position to attain the best climb rate. Do not attempt to increase your climb rate by braking, as using the
brakes combined with the engine’s thrust can increase the angle of attack to the point where the wing can stall. In
addition, this high angle of attack can result in a big dive if the motor suddenly dies, which could be dangerous if you
are near the ground.
Do not initiate a turn until you have sufficient height and speed to do so.
In certain circumstances, a pilot can induce unintended oscillations. This can be due to a combination of the engine/
propeller and pilot’s weightshift and / or action on the brakes. To stop these oscillations you should reduce the
power, ensure that you are seated centrally and not accidentally applying weightshift, and that you are not acting on
the brakes. Once the oscillations have stabilised you can gently reapply power.
Straight flight and trimmers
After take-off, once you have gained a safe altitude, if you want to increase your speed you can open up the trimmers
4. Flight Characteristics