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38 Flight techniques and characteristics
REVERSE LAUNCH
Hold the A-Riser where the split to the B-Riser is located. This way the
FLARE LINE inflates in a nice and smooth way. If the wind is strong
enough, only hold your control handles and release them and pull with
your hips. this way the FLARE LINE inflates perfectly.
If your parakite is overshooting, you have two options. The first one is to
let it overshoot and don’t stop it at all with your control handles. The reflex
profile will stop it for you. The second option is to stop it rapidly with a
quick and far pull on the control handles. If the control handles are pulled
too slowly, the FLARE LINE may collapse.
DO NOT HESITATE TO STOP IT, OTHERWISE IT COULD COL-
LAPSE. DEPENDING ON THE SIZE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS,
THE TAKE-OFF DISTANCE CAN BE EXTREMELY LONG OR RE-
QUIRE A HIGH TAKE-OFF SPEED. BE AWARE OF THE RESULTING
RISKS AND CONSIDER YOUR CHOICE OF TAKE-OFF SITE.
TURNING
The FLARE LINE has a unique behavior during turns. For flat turns, fly at
about the ‘best glide’ position and use weight shifting. Only release the
outside control as much as needed.
For steep turns, use weight shifting and release the outside control handle
(be prepared for a very steep turn and a high flying speed).
WHEN FLYING CLOSE TO THE STALL SPEED, ONLY RELEASE THE
OUTSIDE CONTROL IN ORDER TO KEEP YOUR LINE FROM SPIN-
NING! PULLING THE control LINES TOO FAR AND TOO FAST CAN
CAUSE A STALL! YOU CAN RECOGNIZE AN IMPENDING NEGATIVE
SPIN BY THE HIGH CONTROL LINE PRESSURE AND SLIGHT BACK-
WARDS FOLDING OF THE WING TIP. IF THIS HAPPENS, RELEASE
THE INSIDE CONTROL IMMEDIATELY.
ACTIVE FLYING
Active flying means flying in harmony with your parakite. That means in-
stead of flying with the controls always in the same position, be aware of
the slightest disturbances in the air to react accordingly, especially in
turbulent conditions.
Never let go of the control handles, especially in turbulent conditions!
Correct turbulences by using the control handles and by shifting your body
weight accordingly.
Flight techniques and characteristics 39
With a light tug on the controls you can constantly keep in contact with the
canopy and feel its internal pressure. That way you can recognize and react
early to a pressure drop and impending collapse.
Collapses, while flying in ‘full speed’ position, in general tend to be more
sudden and require increased attention on the part of the pilot. As you gain
experience, these reactions will become intuitive. However, maintaining an
active flying style will greatly increase your margin of safety.
The neutral position for active flying is slightly above the best glide position
at the left and right marks on the ‘FLARE SYSTEM’.
Examples:
> To avoid large changes in the angle of attack, release the controls when
flying into strong updrafts and pull them when flying into downdrafts.
> When flying in turbulent air, if you feel a drop in pressure in parts of
your parakite, pull the control handle briefly and progressively until the
pressure becomes normal again. If you control the wing too quickly and
too far, you risk stalling it!
NEVER FLY IN FULL SPEED POSITION WITHOUT APPLYING LIGHT
PRESSURE ON THE CONTROL HANDLES IN TURBULENT AIR!
NEVER LET GO OF THE CONTROL HANDLES!
LANDING
The FLARE LINE can flare for a very long distance in flat terrain. Make sure
to choose a big landing space if you have no headwind.
We recommend doing the final approach slightly above the ‘best glide’
position; this way, you have enough flare left for a smooth flared landing.
PACKING
Conscientiously packing your parakite guarantees consistently high quali-
ty. First, remove all leaves, grass, sand, etc. and always ensure the parakite
is dry and clean before you pack it. Then sort the lines and lay them on the
parakite. Place your FLARE LINE on top of the opened LINECATCHER Bag.
Gather all the fabric and close your LINECATCHER Bag with the rope.
A hint to increase the life of your parakite even more:
Don’t pack your parakite too tightly. Treat the leading edge with care de-
spite its robustness, and open up your wing if you store it for a more ex-
tended period.
EN
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