6. Tandem-specific features
The following chapter is not meant to be a guide for biplace flying. Rather, we would like to address some special
features of biplace flying that were already taught during the training as a tandem pilot.
6.1. Harness
The Airtaxi² was tested with harnesses of the LTF type GH and approved with a chest strap width of 46 cm.
For biplace flying, a special biplace harness should be used for the pilot due to the rescue parachute. Such
harnesses are optimized for biplace flying in terms of function and comfort.
A harness with a certified protector should always be used for the passenger. Especially "pedestrians" who are flying
for the first time like to sit down too early during take-off and landing. This risk of injury can be significantly reduced by
using a harness with a protector.
In practice, a normal "solo harness" is often used for the passenger. There is nothing wrong with that. Only the
rescue parachute has to be removed from the harness so that the passenger does not pull on the deployment handle
unintended or out of panic during the flight.
6.2. Rescue parachute
For biplace flying a special rescue system is necessary. It must be ensured that the rescue system is approved and
has at least the same maximum payload as the respective take-off weight. This note is important for the reason that
most Biplace rescue systems are only approved up to 200 kg, while the Airtaxi² M is approved up to 235 kg take-off
weight.
A rescue parachute with a smaller maximum payload than the paraglider can be used at any time, but the maximum
take-off weight is then reduced according to the maximum payload of the rescue parachute!
Under no circumstances may two single-seat rescue parachutes be used whose maximum take-off weight has been
simply added together. This can lead to uncontrollable situations in case of an emergency release!
6.3. Suspension point rescue parachute
In general, the rescue parachute may only be connected on both sides of the T-bar at the suspension points provided
for this purpose. The Airtaxi² is delivered with a T-Bar. This already has an integrated reserve bridle (pos. 2), which is
usually long enough to mount the reserve in the pilot's harness. Attention: the left and right connecting bridle of the T-
Bar must always be connected to the rescue parachute by a suitable connecting link!
If a T-Bar other than the one supplied by the manufacturer is used, make sure that it is type-tested. The eventual
special attachement point of the rescue reserve can be found in the manual of the T-Bar.
Unsuitable as attachment points/possibilities of the parachute are always:
!
Attachment to the pilot's harness, since in an emergency the passenger hangs approx. 1 m lower than the pilot and
the pilot falls with his knees on the passenger's back during an impact.
!
One-sided mounting, no matter at which point
As a general rule: the installation of the rescue parachute with the harness/T-Bar may only be carried out by a
qualified person!
6.4. T-bar attachment points
6
7
The T-Bar supplied as standard has the following attachment points:
Pos. 1: Attachment point for the paraglider (karabiner not included)
Pos. 2: fixed connection bridle for the rescue parachute (length 200 cm)
Pos. 3: Attachment point pilot
Pos. 4: Upper attachment point passenger (normal attachment)
Pos. 5: lower attachment point passenger (alternative attachment point for light passengers)
If there is any doubt about which attachment point is chosen for the passenger, this must always be tried out on a
simulator before the first flight.
6.5. Take-off technique
There are two different, common techniques for take-off:
a) Passenger in front of the pilot:
This take-off technique has the advantage that the pilot, together with the passenger, can build up more tension
when pulling up the glider. This take-off technique is mainly suitable for stronger winds. When there is little wind, the
take-off path is naturally longer and fast running one after the other is not possible with this technique. Think also of
the risk of injury due to accidental kicks by the pilot into the passenger's heel, stumbling or sitting down too early by
the passenger, who can no longer be "pulled along" by the pilot with this take-off technique. The pilot will then
probably fall over the passenger without being able to abort the take-off in a controlled manner.
b) Passenger beside the pilot:
As during take-off, the landing can be done much better and more unhindered. This is especially important when
there is only little headwind. Even in the event of a fall, the pilot does not necessarily fall fully on the passenger, which
can prevent injuries. If you land beside each other, you have to plan the final approach long enough so that you can
push the passenger to the side with your leg. This sideways shifting should also remind the passenger that the last
flight phase has started and he has to raise up. The disadvantage of this method is that the passenger hangs
sideways, which may cause a slight turn, which has to be corrected with the brake lines.
6.6 Landing technique
As with the take-off, there are two different landing options:
a) Passenger in front of the pilot:
in case of strong headwinds this landing method is easy, because there is no need to run out on the ground.
Otherwise, the same problems can occur as during take-off.
b) Passenger beside the pilot:
As with take-off, you can also run out much better and more unhindered during landing. This is especially important
when there is only little headwind. Even if the passenger is falling during running, the pilot does not necessarily fall on
the passenger, which can prevent injuries. If you land beside each other, you have to plan the final approach long
enough so that you can push the passenger to the side with your leg. This sideways shifting should also remind the
passenger that the last flight phase has started and he has to stand up. The disadvantage of this method is that the
passenger hangs sideways, which may cause a slight turn, which has to be corrected with the brake lines.
7. Checking the paraglider
Every paraglider delivered is checked and measured several times by us before delivery. Nevertheless, we
recommend that you check the new paraglider thoroughly according to the following points.
These instructions should also be followed if the paraglider has to be checked after intensive flight, hard manoeuvres
or tree landings.
!
!
Are all lines free of damage and correctly sewn?
The seams on the line suspension loops, on the risers and on the canopy must be checked for damage.
Pos.1
Pos.2
Pos.3
Pos.4
Pos.5
