Pilot’s manual for BiGolden4 8
Initiation: Slow down by braking to nearly minimum speed. Then pull a brake on one side all the way down while
simultaneously releasing the brake on the other side. Because the stalled side falls back, the canopy suffers airflow
disruption over one half of the wing which results in a spin and a rapid loss of altitude.
Recovery: Under normal circumstances BiGolden4 is capable of recovering from a spin automatically when the
brakes are released.
Caution: In general, when there is a very fast or a long-lasting rotation and when the brakes are released too quickly,
the canopy may shoot in front of the pilot followed by a massive asymmetrical collapse.
Warning: Whenever a paraglider is not in normal flight and airflow is disrupted there is always a rapid increase in
sink rate and therefore a substantial loss of altitude.
Remember: When practising SIV the wrong manoeuvre at the wrong time may change a fairly easy situation into a
dangerous problem. You are also exposing your glider to forces that may damage it. Practise SIV manoeuvres only
under the supervision of an instructor and with a reserve parachute.
6. MAINTAINING YOUR GLIDER
If you handle your glider with care and store it in a suitable place it can last you a very long time. On the other hand,
neglecting maintenance, bad storage and the use of unsuitable cleaning products can reduce the lifespan of your
glider significantly or may even make it dangerous.
You must keep to these rules:
Choose a suitable area for your launches. Lines caught on roots or rocks lead to unnecessary strain on the
attachment tabs during inflation. Snagging the lines may rip the canopy tissue or damage lines.
When landing, never let the canopy fall on its leading edge in front of the pilot. The effect of these forceful
collisions and the sudden pressure increase can severely damage the air-resistant coating of the canopy as well
as weaken the ribs and seams.
Protect the canopy from unnecessary strain. Inconsiderate handling of your glider – pulling it over grass, soil,
sand or rocks – will significantly reduce its lifetime and increase porosity.
When preparing the paraglider for a launch or when ground handling, be sure not to step on any of the lines or
the canopy.
Don't tie any unnecessary knots in the lines. Packing methods where special knots are made in the lines as used
on parachutes and reserve parachutes are not suitable for packing the lines used on paragliders.
Protect your canopy and lines from unnecessary exposure to sunlight. UV-rays can damage many parts of a
paraglider.
Try not to pack your glider when wet. If it’s unavoidable then dry it as soon as possible but away from direct
sunlight. Be careful to avoid storing your canopy wet - this is the most common reason for cloth degradation,
and is easily preventable.
Don't let your glider come into contact with seawater. If it does, rinse the lines, canopy and risers with fresh
water and dry before storing.
After flight or when storing always use the inner protection sack.
When storing or during transport make sure your glider isn't exposed to temperatures higher than 50 degrees
Celsius.
Never let the paraglider come into contact with chemicals. Clean the glider with clean lukewarm water only.
When packing the glider we recommend concertina folding the reinforced leading edge to avoid damaging the
plastic reinforcements.
For long-term storage don't pack the glider too tightly. Store it in a cold, dry and well-ventilated room.
After tree- or water-landings always examine the glider carefully. If you suspect that the flight features of your
paraglider have changed, contact an authorised Gradient supplier as soon as possible.
7. CHECKING YOUR GLIDER
After 200 flying hours or two years your BiGolden4 must be thoroughly checked and tested by the manufacturer or
by a Gradient authorised service centre. This check is primarily focused on:
measuring of porosity
measuring of tear strength of fabric
sewing of panels, attachment points, cell openings, etc.
condition of lines and risers
line strength
geometry of the suspension system
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