6. Harness
The Garuda has been developed and authorised with harnesses according to the LTF type “GH”. Nearly all
harnesses recently produced are type GH harnesses and suitable for the Garuda. They differ from the GX
harness due to their low suspension and not very effective (if at all included) cross straps. Cross straps have
not proven themselves in combination with modern paragliders.
7. How to check your paraglider:
Every paraglider delivered is tested and measured by us. Nevertheless we advise you to check your paraglider
for the following criteria. You should also follow these instruction after a long intensive flight, hard manoeuvers
or an accident on landing, eg: tree landing.
Check:
the seams where the lines attach, at the the risers and at the canopy for any damage.
that all the lines have been sewn correctly and are free of damage
that all the line locks have been screwed up properly and the plastic inlets are tight
that all width of cloth, the ribs and V-attachments are free of rips
Every fault no matter how small must be checked and repaired by a professional. A damaged
paraglider is not air-worthy.
8. Adjusting the brake-/steering-line
The two main steering/brake lines lead up to a line cascade which is fixed to the trailing edge. On the risers
the steering lines run through a pulley and are connected to a handle. These handles are fixed to the risers
with a magnetic clip when not in use. The length of the steering lines is set correctly at the factory and
should not be changed. The brake-lines have to have at least 5cm of free play (before the brake gets
effective). The improper adjustment of the steering lines can cause severe changes to inflight behaviour.
9. In-flight:
The following pages are not intended to describe how to fly a paraglider. Rather we want to show you the
Garuda’s specialities and give you important information regarding in-flight behaviour.
9.1. Take-off preparation:
Before every take-off you have to do an accurate pre-flight check. You have to check the risers, lines and the
canopy is not damaged in any way. Also you have to make sure that the line locks (maillon rapide shackles) are
closed firmly and are fixed against turning by it´s plastic inlays.
The harness has to be put on with a maximum of attention. After you have put your harness on you have to
check again if all buckles are closed correctly. Also you have to make sure that the rescue-container is closed
correctly and the release-handle of the rescue-system is placed correctly. (see in the manual of the harness!!)
If there is any defect, you are definitely not allowed to take-off!
The easiest way to take off with the Garuda is to lay it out in an arc. You have to lay it out against the wind.
The line-levels as well as the brake-lines have to be sorted accurately, also the risers have to be sorted. All lines
have to run free without any twistings or knots. No lines are allowed to lay under the canopy.
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When all preparations are done the main carabiners of the harness are connected to the risers. You have to take
care that the carabiners are closed correctly. If you are using a speed-bar, also the brummel-hooks of the speed-
bar´s line are connected to the brummel-hooks of the speed-system on the risers. You have to take care that the
speed-system is free running.
Checklist:
Paraglider:
- Canopy free of damages?
- Risers free of damages?
- line locks closed tightly and fixed against twisting by it´s plastic inlays?
- Lines free of damages?
-All lines including brake-lines free running and without any twists?
Harness:
- Rescue-container closed?
- Release-handle of the rescue-system attached correctly?
- All buckles closed correctly
- Main carabiners closed correctly ?
Take-off:
- Risers mounted correctly? Without twists!
- Speed-system mounted correctly? Without twists!
- Brake-handle and the correct level of riser taken in hand?
- Pilot in the middle of the canopy, that all lines are streched symmetrically?
- Winddirection o.k.?
- Obstacles on the ground?
- Airspace free?
9.2. Take-off:
The take-off with the Garuda is quite easy. Generally we recommend to take both A-risers ( A and A´) for
starting the Garuda. Depending on the starting-technique, the wind-situation and the terrain you can
alternatively use only the inner A-risers (A) for lifting up the glider.
For a better orientation the different risers are marked with different colours.
The pilot, who is ready for take-off, holds the A-risers and the brake-handles of each side in his hands. The A-
lines are already streched a little bit. On flat take-off areas or at low-wind conditions you can also go one step
backwards to the canopy, to lift up the glider with more impulse. During the take-off run the arms of the pilot are
first streched sideways backwards in elongation of the A-risers. When the glider then lifts up, the arms are
moving upwards. The most important thing during the take-off is, like at all other gliders too, not the force but
the constancy of the pull. Because the Garuda is very easy to lift up, you have to brake it a little bit on steep take-
off areas or in strong wind conditions, to avoid that the glider is overtaking you.
If you are starting the glider backwards (face the glider while lifting it up) in strong wind conditions, you can
avoid a too early take-off if you simply go along with the glider. The best way to train for taking off in strong
wind conditions is by regular ground handling practice.
9.3. Level flight:
With loose steering lines, depending on the wing loading, the Garuda reaches a flying speed of 37 to 39 km/h. In
calm conditions the Garuda flies at minimum speed if the pull on the brake-lines is approx. 55 - 60 cm. In
turbulent air we advise flying with the brakes pulled down 5 - 15 cm. The angle of attack is higher and this makes
the wing more stable. All mentioned cm-values are refering to the point at which the trailing edge is pulled down,
that means without the free run of the brake-line.
gliders for real pilots
independence
www.independence-world.com
gliders for real pilots
independence
www.independence-world.com
