Types of Use
Section 6
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06 Types of use
The TWIN RS was developed and tested for
use solely as a paraglider for foot launch and
winch launch. Any use other than as
intended is prohibited.
Winch launch
The procedure for a winch launch is similar in
its initial stages to a forwards launch. After
the canopy has been pulled up to its highest
point, the pilot rises from the ground by the
tension of the tow line. Under no
circumstances should the “start” command
be given before the glider is completely
under control. Major changes to direction
should be avoided during the launch phase
and before reaching a safe altitude. After
having left the ground, the pilot will be slowly
towed in a flat angle up to the safe altitude of
50m. During this phase, the pilot must
remain ready to run and must not sit back in
the harness, so that it is possible to land
safely in the event that the winch or tow rope
fails. Ensure that the glider is flown with open
brakes so that the angle of attack is not
increased further by the brakes.
On a winch launch, the glider should if
possible be steered only by weight-shifting.
Brisk, forceful steering input with the brakes
can be used to help correct direction, without
braking the glider too much and stalling it.
In general, Swing recommends winch
launching with a slightly accelerated glider so
as to increase further the safety reserves for
towing.
The trimmers should therefore be half-open
on a winch launch.
After release, return the trimmers to a
position which suits the conditions.
Winch-towing requires special training and
special regulations must be observed. These
are:
The pilot must have completed the
appropriate training and hold a licence
(which includes tandem flights).
The winch and release must have a
certificate of compliance which covers
the towing of (tandem) paragliders.
The winch operator must have
undertaken training which includes the
towing of (tandem) paragliders.
The TWIN RS may not be towed with
more than the permissible towline
tension.
WARNING
The most common cause of stall on winch
is releasing the A-risers too early while the
glider is rising. The pilot should ensure
that the canopy is above him before the
“start” command is given.
Any changes to direction using the brakes
should not be carried out until the canopy
is already above the pilot, as too much
brake can cause the glider to fall down
again or be towed in a non-flyable
condition.
WARNING
If a webbing release system is used, there
is an increased risk of lockout, which can
be detected by the fact that the apparatus
does not fly towards the winch and control
pressure by the pilot is not sufficient to
correct this. You should therefore check
regularly the position and alignment of the
glider to the pilot during towing, because
the towing rope hangpoint located well in
front of the pilot encourages the glider to
turn towards the pilot, and this may not be
detected.
