Gradient s.r.o., Plzenska 221/130, 150 00 Praha 5, tel+fax +420257216319, www.gradient.cx, [email protected].
4.
5. Operation in flight
This manual is intended as a guide to the characteristic features of your new Avax XC5
paraglider. Under no circumstances should it be used as a ‘learn-to-fly’ manual for paragliding
or as a substitute for a paragliding pilot’s training course.
5.1. Standard flight
5.1.1. Pre-flight check
Pre-flight check is essential part of getting ready to fly and that’s why you should pay special
attention to it. Check the canopy and lines for damage, clear the lines of any tangles, check
the riser maillons, speedbar connectors and don’t forget to check your harness and your
reserve parachute.
Before you launch spread the canopy out into a slight arc and check that:
• all cell openings are free
• no lines are looped around or under the canopy
• no lines are tangled or have a knot in them
• any twigs, grass or other objects are not entangled in the lines or in the canopy
• the risers are not twisted
• the brake lines run freely through the pulleys
• the knots on the brake handles are secure
• the karabiners on the risers are tightened
5.1.2. Launching
Launching the Avax XC5 is straightforward, either by a forward launch or by reverse launch.
A dynamic pull of the front risers (A, coloured red) will bring the canopy simply and easily
above the pilot’s head. The canopy inflates from the centre equally and smoothly. The Avax
XC5 has no tendency to outrun the pilot and quickly stabilises above the pilot. Once there,
visually check the canopy and the lines before taking off. Take off can be easier by a light pull
on the brakes.
5.1.3. Flight
The Avax XC5 is trimmed to fly at best glide when the brakes are fully up. Best sink rate is
achieved when both brakes are bulled down equally to about 20-25% of their range.
Turbulent conditions
When flying through severe turbulence, stabilise the canopy with simultaneously applying a
little brake to both sides. Flying with a little brake applied will also help to prevent deflations
and give you more feedback about what the air is doing and how the glider is reacting.
Responding correctly to the paraglider’s movement by means of the brakes and weight shift
is known as ‘active flying’. A pilot demonstrating good active-flying skills will significantly
reduce both the number and severity of collapses he or she experiences.
Turning
The Avax XC5 is very comfortable and pleasant in turns. Handling characteristics are responsive
and accurate and demand no special habits or non-standard procedures. When developing
the Avax XC5 special attention was devoted to the brake pressure. The result is that brake
travel and pressure have been optimised. Brake pressure is reassuringly progressive. In flight,
brakes are firm but responsive and precise and allow for perfect communication with the
canopy. You will find that a harness with fairly loose cross-bracing will help the glider turn.
In an emergency (e.g. a broken brake line) the glider can be steered with the rear risers or
by weight shift.
Using the speed system
Maximum speed is one of the strong points of Gradient paragliders and the Avax XC5 is
no exception. Not only has the glider a very high maximum speed, but unlike some other
