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rush or snatch at it. You should have plenty of time to look up and
check your canopy before committing yourself. Once you are happy
that the Octane2 is inflated correctly, accelerate smoothly off the
launch.
Reverse Launch
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Light to Strong Winds
Lay out your wing as you would for the forward launch. However, this
time turn to face it, passing one entire set of risers over your head
as you turn. Now you can inflate the glider with the A-risers. Once
the wing is overhead, release the risers, brake gently if necessary,
turn and launch.
In stronger winds, be prepared to take a few steps towards the
glider as it inflates. This will take some of the energy out of the glider
and it will be less likely to overfly you. This reverse-launch technique
can be used in surprisingly light winds too.
IMPORTANT: Never take off with a glider that is not fully
inflated or if you are not in control of the pitch/roll of your
wing.
In Flight Characteristics
The Octane2 shows no unusual flying characteristics, however it is a
small wing with very dynamic behaviour and is therefore only suitible
for experienced and competent pilots.
Normal Flight
Flying at ‘trim speed’ (hands-up), the Octane2 will achieve its ‘best
glide’ speed for normal air. You should fly at this speed when gliding
downwind or when the air is not excessively sinking.
For better penetration in headwinds and improved glide performance
in sinking air, crosswinds or headwinds, you should fly faster than
trim speed by using the accelerator system. Using up to half bar
does not degrade the glide angle or stability significantly and will
improve your flying performance, as you will reach the next thermal
faster and higher. At full speed the Octane2 is stable; however we
recommend that you do not fly at full speed close to the ground or in turbulence.
By applying the brakes approximately 30cm, the Octane2 will achieve
its minimum-sink rate; this is the speed for best climb and is the
speed to use for thermalling and ridge soaring.
Active Flying
To minimize the likelihood of suffering collapses in turbulent condi-
tions, 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 pres-
sure 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
rough air as you could 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.
