25
USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xduo
EN REV.V01 - 2020
6.7
Pilot/ Passenger Configuration
There are two ways of starting: one behind the other (passenger in front) or side by side.
6.8
Behind Each Other
For the method of starting in succession, it says that the passenger does not swing forward
after the start and can be pushed in right direction during the acceleration phase. In addition,
it can be prevented that the passenger sits down in the harness too quickly by an additional
impulse with the knee.
6.9
Juxtaposition
The advantage of starting next to each other is better possibility for running and freedom of
movement. Even with a reverse start, this technique offers certain advantages. Often a
disadvantage that is mentioned is that the passenger swings in the starting direction after the
start. By holding onto the passenger at the chest belt or the cross bracing of the pilot,
however, this can be prevented and a synchronicity in the running direction can be achieved.
This starting position is more problematic in strong winds as the passenger is less able to
brace himself against the wind. So he cannot exert pressure to the front and take almost no
influence on the paraglider during the mounting process. In such a case, therefore, a reverse
start or help in take-off by two well-versed pilots can be the better choice. At the behind-
each-other starting method the passenger best holds onto the loop of the T-bar i.e. short
above the carabiners. At the Juxtaposition starting method he grabs the pelvis or chest belt
of the pilot.
PAY ATTENTION_
Immediately before take-off, the pilot must again check both
harnesses, carabiners, suspension (T-bar), lines - including the brakes, and the correct position
of the paraglider (5-point-check).
6.10
Inflating the Paraglider
The paraglider is inflated by the pilot as described in the chapter “Flight Practice / The Start”.
This process can be facilitated in particular with the starting method “one behind the other”
in that the passenger grabs the T-bar above the carabiners and thus helps to pull the glider
up. This has the further advantage that the passenger has something in his hand and is actively
involved in the starting process. It is important for the pilot to carefully check whether the
glider is filled correctly or if it has to be aborted. In case of problems an immediate abort
occurs, otherwise now - with properly filled canopy and untwisted lines - the decision to start
with the command “run” to the passenger occurs. After the command “run” a fast acceleration
takes place up to the lifting point. If the passenger runs too timid, the command “run” should
be repeated aloud and the passenger may be encouraged to accelerate by pressure from the
pilot.
