Ozone Swift Six - BASIC FLIGHT TECHNIQUES; Launching Techniques; Speed to Fly

BASIC FLIGHT TECHNIQUES
08
IMPORTANT
Never take o with
a glider that is not
fully inated or if you
are not in control of
the pitch/roll of your
wing.
Launching
Your Swift 6 will launch with either the forward or reverse technique. The wing should be laid out in a
pronounced arc, with the centre of the wing higher than the tips.
Forward Launch - Nil to Light winds
When the wind is favourable, whilst gently holding the A risers move forward positively, your lines should
become tight within one or two steps and the Swift 6 will immediately start to inate. You should maintain
a constant pressure on the risers until the wing is overhead. Do not pull down or push the risers forward
excessively, or the leading edge will deform and possibly collapse making taking-off more difcult and
potentially dangerous.
Move smoothly throughout the entire launch, there is no need to Swift or snatch at it. You should have
plenty of time to look up and check your canopy before committing yourself. Once you are happy that the
Swift 6 is inated correctly, accelerate smoothly off the launch.
Reverse Launch - Light to Strong Winds
Lay out your wing as you would for the forward launch. However, this time turn to face it, passing one
entire set of risers over your head as you turn. Now you can inate the glider with your body weight and
the A-risers. Once the wing is overhead, release the risers, brake gently if necessary, turn and launch.
In stronger winds, be prepared to take a few steps towards the glider as it inates. This will take some of
the energy out of the glider and it will be less likely to overy you. This reverse-launch technique can be
used in surprisingly light winds too.
Speed to Fly
Flying at trim speed (hands-up), the Swift 6 will achieve its ‘best glide’ speed for still air. You should y
at this speed when gliding downwind or when the air is not excessively sinking. For better penetration in
headwinds and improved glide performance in sinking air, crosswinds or headwinds, you should y faster
than trim speed using the accelerator system. Using up to half bar does not degrade the glide angle or
stability signicantly and will improve your ying performance. You will reach the next thermal faster and
higher. At full speed the Swift 6 is stable, however we recommend to always pilot the wing with the ACR
risers when accelerated and to not y at full speed close to the ground or in turbulent air.