8
Landing
The Mojo4 shows no unusual landing characteristics but as a reminder, here
are some tips:
•
Always set up for your landing early, give yourself plenty of options and a
safe margin for error.
•
Once below 30 metres avoid turning tightly as the glider will have to dive to
accelerate back to normal flight. If you are at low altitude, or if you hit sink,
this could mean you hit the ground harder than necessary.
•
Lean forward out of your harness before the actual landing (especially if it’s
turbulent), with your weight leaning forward against the chest strap, and
make sure your legs are ready for the landing and a possible PLF (para-
chute landing fall).
•
Allow the glider to fly at hands up (trim) speed for your final descent until
you are around 1 metre above the ground (in windy or turbulent conditions
you must fly the glider actively all the way). Apply the brakes slowly and
progressively to slow the glider down until groundspeed has been reduced
to a minimum and you are able to step onto the ground.
•
In light winds/zero wind you need a strong, long and progressive flare to
bleed off all your excess ground speed. In strong winds your forward speed
is already low so you are flaring only to soften the landing. A strong flare
may result in the glider climbing upwards and backwards quickly, leaving
you in a vulnerable position.
•
If the glider does begin to climb, ease off the brakes (10-20cm) - do not put
your hands up all the way - then flare again, but more gently this time. Keep
the brakes at mid speed, stand up, be ready to run and make sure you
brake fully as you arrive on the ground.
•
Choose the appropriate approach style in function of the landing area and
the conditions.
•
In strong winds you need to turn towards the glider the second your feet
touch the ground. Once facing the wing pull smoothly and symmetrically
down on the brakes to stall the wing. If the glider pulls you, run toward it.
•
If the wind is very strong, and you feel you might be dragged, or lifted
again, stall the glider with the C risers. This stalls the wing in a very quick
and controllable way and will drag you less than if you use the brakes.
•
Always land heading into wind!
Active Flying
To minimize the likelihood of suffering collapses in turbulent conditions it is
essential to use active flying.
Flying with a small amount of brake applied (approx. 20cm) will give you
feedback from the wing. In turbulent conditions the internal pressure of
the wing can change and you will feel this through the brakes. The aim
is to maintain a constant pressure through the brakes. If you feel a loss
in pressure apply the brakes until normal pressure is resumed then raise
hands back to original position (this must be done quickly). Avoid flying with
continuous amounts of deep brake in turbulent air as you may inadvertently
stall the wing. Always consider your airspeed.
These movements can be symmetric or asymmetric; you may have to apply
both brakes or just one. These subtle adjustments will keep the glider flying
smoothly and directly above you and dramatically reduce the chances of a
collapse. If the glider pitches in front of you, use the brakes to slow it down.
Equally, if the glider drops behind you, release the brakes to allow it to
speed up. The goal is to always keep the wing directly overhead.
These are skills that are best learnt by playing with the glider on the ground!
IMPORTANT: No pilot and no glider are immune to collapses
however active flying will virtually eliminate any tendency
to collapse. When the conditions are turbulent, be more ac-
tive and anticipate the movements of your wing. Always be
aware of your altitude and do not over-react. We strongly
advice you to always keep hold of your brakes. Do not fly in
turbulent conditions.
