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21
A thorough pre-flight inspection
should be performed prior to each
flight. A careful pre-flight check
is a must for any and all
airplanes
– also the UP Trango
XC³. Please apply the same care
and attention before EVERY flight!
Before every launch you should carry out
the standard 5-point checking procedure.
It is a good idea to do the checks following
the same sequence every time to
minimize the risk of omitting something.
1. Unpack and arrange your glider in a
semi-circular manner. This shape
ensures that the centre cells inflate
before the tips. When unfolding your
glider, observe the wind direction
and arrange your glider so that it is
pointed directly into the wind.
2. The lines must be arranged so that
there are no tangles and the A-lines
are uppermost. Once the lines are
free and untangled, check to make
sure that they all go directly from the
riser to the glider without going over
the top of the wing. Launching with a
line over the wing is extremely
dangerous! It is also important that
the brake lines are free and not
tangled.
3. Next check that you have put the
harness on correctly, and ensure that
both leg straps and the chest strap
are closed and adjusted. Also check
the
rescue
system
pins
and
deployment handle.
4. Right before the launch you should
check the air space (also behind
you).
5. Once again check the wind direction
before take-off.
The start phases
The take-off characteristics of the UP
Trango
XC³
are
extremely
straightforward. Only a gentle forward
pressure on the A risers is necessary
and the glider will inflate evenly and
climb above your head. The glider has
no tendency to hang back behind you
or to overshoot over your head.
With the A risers and the brakes in
your hands, have another look at your
unfolded glider. By stronger wind the
start can be facilitated if the UPTrango
XC³ is inflated solely with both the
internal A-risers (front A-riser). Make
sure that you are centrally positioned
in the middle of the wing, and that the
wing is facing into wind. The middle of
the canopy is marked by the UP logo
at the leading edge.
Inflate the glider with a steady run and
remember to position your arms so
that they are a continuation of the A
risers. As the glider comes above your
head, you should glance up to see that
the entire canopy is inflated and flying.
The UPTrango XC³ has a low surge
tendency, so there is usually no
necessity to brake to stop the glider
from over-flying you.
Directional control should only be
attempted when the glider is above
your head. Excessive braking will
cause the wing to drop back.
Only after checking that the wing is
properly inflated do you apply slight
brake pressure and accelerate rapidly
down the hill. After a few steps you will
reach flying speed and become
airborne.
NOTE:
The
decision
to
actually take off or not is
only really taken towards
the end of the control
phase. The pilot accelerates
