User manual / Handbuch / Navod k obsluze
APOLLO 2
Towing
The APOLLO 2 may be tow-launched. It is the pilot’s
responsibility to use suitable harness, attachments and release
mechanism. Tow pilot should be qualified to tow.
When towing pilot must be certain that the paraglider is
completely over your head before you start. In each case the
maximum tow force needs to correspond to the body weight
of the pilot.
4.3. Landing
Because of the exceptional glide, high caution is recommended
in the stages of approach and landing. APOLLO 2 is an agile
glider, any action on the brakes may cause significant reactions.
It is therefore recommended to execute the first flights in a
familiar environment and under easy conditions. With negative
steering there is more time for the maneuvers to be performed
steadily, which results in reducing the pendulum movements of
the paraglider.
Reminder
: Negative steering involves applying the brakes
symmetrically by about 30% of the maximum range to slow
the paraglider and a simultaneous turning by means of releasing
the outside brake. Speeding up just prior to landing allows a
more effective flare and therefore a gentler landing.
4.4. Turning
APOLLO 2 was designed to perform well in turns and will core
the thermals even without active piloting. Negative steering
(see above), on the one hand slows the paraglider in certain
phases of the flight and on the other hand reduces excessive
rolling during turn reversals. It is not only designed to turn (with
approx. 30% brake) but also to fly slowly in order to help identify
the areas of lift and to keep the paraglider flatter to minimize the
sink rate in a turn (with 15% brake).
Symmetrical brake-input at 20-30 % enables you to keep your
wing under control – to brake further when pitching and to
release when the canopy banks up.
4.5. Rapid Descent Techniques
In order to descend, the paraglider must be moved away from
the areas of lift. In case any difficulties occur, the following
techniques can be used to increase the sink rate.
Big Ears
Pull at the outside A lines until the wingtips fold back on
themselves. It is recommended to fold the wingtips separately
and not at the same time.
Keep the lines taut to stop the wingtips from reopening.
Depending on the size of big ears, the sink rate can increase
up to 3–4 m/s.
As soon as the lines are released, the paraglider should
spontaneously reopen. However, you can speed up the
reopening by „pumping“ the brakes. When pumping the brakes
it is recommended that one side of the paraglider be opened
after the other. Pulling both brakes simultaneously can result
in a stall.
Spiral Dive
APOLLO 2 is a maneuverable wing that responds to any input
easily. To initiate the spiral apply one brake progressively to
about 35% and hold it in its position. The speed of rotation will
increase progressively as well as the pressure on the brake and
the centrifugal force that is experienced.
The angle or the speed of rotation can be decreased
or increased by releasing or pulling the brake by several
centimeters.
Once mastered, the spiral allows you to descend by more
than 10 m/s.
Movements which are extremely abrupt or badly
synchronized, or a very quick initiation of the spiral can result
in an asymmetrical collapse or a spin.
CAUTION
: A deep spiral is a demanding maneuver. The kinetic
energy obtained must be reduced by slowly releasing the inside
brake and using at least one whole 360 degrees turn to bleed
off this energy.
B-line Stall
Grasp the B risers at the quick links and gently pull them
down symmetrically. The paraglider will drop backwards before
entering in a parachutal stall stabilizing overhead. The descent
rate increases to 6 - 8 m/s.
In order to release the B-line stall, raise both hands together in
a single quick movement. Once you have released the B-risers,
APOLLO 2 shall, in principle, resume flight immediately. An error
of control (slow release) or special meteorological conditions
may lead to a prolonged phase of parachuting.
The recovery of the paraglider could be then initiated by
using the speed bar. In case there is no speed bar, a short pull
(squeeze) on the A risers (4 – 5 cm) will achieve the same result.
Caution
: unlike the big ears and the spiral (see above), in a
B-line stall the glider is in a stalled state. Therefore, a B-line stall
should never be performed close to the ground and in stronger
head winds, a negative ground speed may be experienced.
4.6. Performance & Use of Brakes
APOLLO 2‘s best glide is at trim speed (no brakes) – about 37
km/h. The minimum sink rate is achieved by applying approx.
15% of the brakes.
When using more than 30% of the brakes the aerodynamics
and the performance of the glider are likely to deteriorate and
the effort to maneuver will increase quickly.
In case of extremely high brake pressure there is a great risk of
an impending stall, which occurs at a full brake travel (100% of
the brakes). In normal flying conditions the optimal position for
the brakes, in terms of performance and safety is within the first
30% of the braking range.
4.7. Use of Speed Bar
APOLLO 2 is equipped with a speed system. For fitting and
positioning the speed bar consult the instructions of the
harness manufacturer. Before every take-off check that the
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