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Especially when you are towing at an unknown field, make sure that you are fully aware of
any local conditions and peculiarities. Ask the local pilots if you are at all unsure.
During the launch, ensure that the glider is completely inflated and over your head before
giving the 'start towing' signal. If the glider is not central over your head do not continue with
the tow. Any corrections attempted through the brakes during this critical phase may result in
the canopy deflating again, or in the tow progressing with a non-flying wing; if tow tension is
applied when the glider is not correctly positioned then a 'lock out' or a stall could occur.
Try to avoid large brake inputs until you are reasonably high. Emphasize weight shift if
course correction is necessary close to the ground.
Do not try to climb steeply during the first part of the tow. Good airspeed is essential.
Do not use a towline tension greater than 90 daN at any time during the tow.
All persons involved with the towing operation should be suitably qualified and experienced.
All equipment used should, where necessary, be certified, and a tow permit should be valid
for the field being used.
Attaching the towline release system
The optimal attachment point for the towing line release is always in the system’s centre of
gravity. On a paraglider that means the connection point between the risers and the harness,
preferably right onto the lower end of the risers. UP International has developed special tow-
release connectors for the UP Ascent
4
to ensure the optimal connection between the pilot and the
towing line. For safety reasons we suggest that you always use these connectors when towing the
UP Ascent
4
.
When using towing line release systems incorporating distance-tubes between the risers it is
important to ensure that the risers are not pulled together by the system (use webbing loops
designed for climbing to increase the length of your release system). It is also very important to fit
a bungee to the system that will keep it from hitting you in the face in the event of a towing line
failure
BEWARE!
If you are using a front-mounted reserve system it is very important to verify
the unhindered deployment before every flight. In case of doubt please only tow using a
textile release system.
Flight safety
The development of high performance paragliders from square parachutes has meant vast
improvements in speed, sink rate and handling. But, at the same time, it has also led to a
requirement on behalf of the pilot for accurate, sensitive control and an acute anticipation of
possible flying conditions. Any glider, whether beginner or competition class, may collapse in
turbulent conditions and you must be able to react accordingly.
Today you have a wide choice between different gliders in the UP range. The main difference
between the gliders is in the stability that each class offers. Beginner wings react to turbulence
less dramatically and are more forgiving when compared to top performance gliders, which have
more sensitive, but less forgiving handling. Making the correct decision when choosing a new
glider is most important; you should critically examine your flying and your level of knowledge.
A safe and efficient way to get used to your new paraglider is by practising your ground handling
skills. We suggest finding a suitable area, like a playing field, and with light to medium wind it is
quite easy to practice inflating the glider and feel the reaction to brake input, b-line stall, collapses
etc.
