Gradient s.r.o., Plzenska 221/130, 150 00 Praha 5, tel+fax +420257216319, www.gradient.cx, [email protected].
4.
WARNING:
The Golden4 paraglider is only built for hill or tow launching. It is not built to
withstand jumping from a plane, balloon, building or for any jumps where there is a belated
opening of the canopy.
4. Adjusting your glider
Before it reaches the customer every Golden4 goes through a final check and test-flight
to verify that its characteristics and measurements correspond to the manufacturer’s
specifications. You may only make adjustments to brake-line lengths or to the speed system
of your Golden4 – and only then in keeping with the recommendations of this manual.
Other adjustments or changes to your Golden4 lead to a loss of guarantee, airworthiness and
validity of the Certification. Amateur modification may endanger yourself and other pilots.
If you do have any suggestions for improvements let us know and our test-pilots will try out
your ideas without risk to yourself.
4.1. Brake-line adjustment
When you receive your new Golden4 the brake-line length is adjusted to be the
same as that used during the flight tests. This length should suit most pilots and is
indicated on the main control line. It is of course possible to adjust the brake-line
length to suit each pilot’s physical build, height of harness hang points, or style of flying.
We recommend that you act wisely when adjusting brake-line length and change the length
in small, successive steps.
If you need to adjust brakes back to the basic position and the marks on the main brake lines
are vague, use the following lengths:
Golden4
22
24
26
28
30
Main brake line
220 cm
230 cm
239 cm
249 cm
259 cm
Brake lines that are too short may:
1) lead to fatigue from flying with your hands in an unnatural position
2) impede recovery from certain unstable manoeuvres
3) will certainly reduce your glider’s speed range.
Brakes that are too long will:
a) hamper pilot control during launch
b) reduce control in extreme flying situations
c) make it difficult to execute a good flare when landing.
Each brake line should be tied securely to its control handle. Use knots which will guarantee
this, for example, a Double Dragon.
4.2. Addition of speed system
The Golden4 is equipped with a very effective foot-operated speed system as standard.
Pressure on the foot stirrup shortens the A and B risers and reduces the angle of attack of
the canopy. Thanks to the relative lengths of lines C and D, near the trailing edge, the profile
is inclined in a way that preserves the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing. The working
range of the speed system pulleys is 14 cm. Make sure you can use the whole of this range
when you attach your speed stirrup.
5. Operation in flight
This manual is intended as a guide to the characteristic features of your new Golden4
paraglider. Under no circumstances should it be used as a “learn-to-fly” manual for
paragliding or as a substitute for a training course.
