5
Speed system
To fly faster than trim speed the VELVIA is equipped with a foot operated original speed
system. When in use, it lowers the angle of attack. VELVIA is designed with a 4-riser
system to further improve safety.
VELVIA has a very wide speed range. The highly effective speed system of the VELVIA
allows a 10 - 12 km/h gain in speed.
A B C D
Riser
A
B
C
D
Trimposition
48,5 cm
48,5 cm
48,0 cm
49,0 cm
Accelerated
30,0 cm
32,5 cm
40,0 cm
49,0 cm
VELVIA
24, 28
A B C D
6
New glider check and before every flight check
Forward launch
Rear launch
In additional to all the usual pre-flight checks, please pay particular attention to the items
in the following checklist:
1. Inspection of canopy for tears or damage, especially the seams which join the ribs to
the upper and lower surfaces, but also the area of the attachment tapes and brake-line
connections.
2. Inspection of the attachment tapes for damage to the stitches. It is also important to
check the attachment tapes and brake-lines for tangles. The line lengths must be
checked after 50 hours flying time and whenever the flight behaviour of the glider
changes.
3. Inspection of the risers and maillons for faultless condition. Special inspection of the
maillons for traces of corrosion under the lines.
4. Inspection of the knotting of the steering handle to the brake-lines. The brake-lines
must run freely.
5. Inspection of the harness. The harness must show no signs of wear or other damage.
You must also check the harness after a hard landing.
6. Check whether the rescue-system is correctly installed and secured.
7. Inspection of the karabiner. Inspection of the attachment and securing of the karabiner.
Find a suitable take-off spot, from which you can abort the take-off at any point. After
checking the glider, following the checklist, lay it out with the cell-openings upwards so
that the canopy forms the shape of a horseshoe. In a strong wind don't spread the
canopy too far, so that there is less resistance when pulling up.
This is possible in almost all wind conditions except strong headwinds. It is essential to
stand in line with the canopy, especially when the glider has longer lines. Before take-off,
place yourself centrally at the gliders axis. Let the B C and D-risers fall into the crook of
your arm and pull the canopy dynamically up by A-risers. The stronger the headwind the
less run-up you need to pull the canopy up. As soon as the glider is above you, stop
pulling on the A-risers. Now do a visual check upwards, to see if the canopy is completely
open. Otherwise, abort the take-off. Now accelerate continuously until you lift off. In a
weak headwind it is easier to take-off if after reaching minimum flying speed you pull the
brakes slightly. After the take-off, gently release the brakes again.
To be used in moderate to strong headwinds. Please note that in a strong headwind you
may need a helper, as you could easily lose control of the canopy. If the headwind is too
Checklist
Take-off
WARNING!!
Do not use the forward launch in very strong winds. Make sure you don't pull
the risers too much towards yourself or downwards as this can result in a frontal collapse,
or in an asymmetric take-off.
FLYING OPERATIONS
