Skywalk ARAK - User Manual

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Summary

6 FLIGHT TECHNIQUES AND CHARACTERISTICS

7 DESCENT TECHNIQUES

BIG EARS

Detailed steps for performing the 'Big Ears' descent maneuver for rapid altitude loss.

9 HOMOLOGATION

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS AND LIMITATIONS

Details on LTF/EN certifications and limitations of homologation test results.

11 LINE SCHEMATIC

LINE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

Illustrative diagram showing the paraglider's line layout and connections.

15 TEST PROTOCOL

CANOPY AND LINE VISUAL INSPECTION

Detailed visual checks of the canopy's surfaces, profiles, lines, seams, and connection points.

LINE AND CANOPY MEASUREMENT AND EXAMINATION

Assessment of line/riser lengths, canopy firmness, porosity, and line condition.

CONDITION ASSESSMENT AND REPAIRS

Evaluation of the glider's overall condition and recording of any necessary repairs.

The Skywalk ARAK is a paraglider designed for intermediate pilots, offering a blend of easy handling, performance, and fun. It is suitable for occasional pilots, ambitious thermal flyers, and XC pilots.

Function Description

The ARAK is a paraglider intended for flight, utilizing a foot-operated acceleration system for increased speed. It is also well-suited for winch towing, provided certified winches are used and the pilot has proper towing instruction. The glider is designed for controlled descent techniques such as "Big Ears" to quickly leave dangerous areas or lose altitude, and "B-line Stall" for rapid descent without forward flight.

Important Technical Specifications

The ARAK is available in XXS, XS, S, M, and L sizes, all featuring 57 cells. Key specifications vary by size:

Size	Area flat (m²)	Wingspan flat (m)	Aspect ratio flat	Area projected (m²)	Wingspan projected (m)	Aspect ratio projected	Weight (kg)	Take-off weight from - to (kg)	Extended weight range (kg)	Maximum speed bar travel (mm)	Brake line travel max. (cm)
XXS	21.40	10.75	5.40	18.30	8.60	4.03	4.3	65-85	85-90	150	60
XS	23.30	11.22	5.40	20.00	8.98	4.03	4.5	70-95	95-100	150	62
S	24.80	11.58	5.40	21.30	9.26	4.03	4.7	85-105	105-110	170	64
M	26.40	11.94	5.40	22.60	9.55	4.03	5.0	95-120	120-125	170	66
L	28.60	12.42	5.40	24.50	9.93	4.03	5.0	95-120	120-125	170	69

The glider features JET FLAP Technology and is Accelerator certified. It is winch certified but not certified for paramotor homologation. The homologation for size XXS is still in progress.

The ARAK is certified to LTF 09 and EN926-1, EN926-2 in the category B. It is defined as a lightweight sport aircraft with an empty weight of less than 120kg in the paraglider category. Certification maneuvers were carried out with a harness in the group GH with a carabiner distance (middle to middle) of 42-46 cm.

Usage Features

The ARAK's line system is designed for optimal load distribution and longevity, using a mix of durable, low-stretch, and low-drag materials. It features 3 A-, 3 B-, 3 C-, and 1 stabilo line, with the main-stabilo connected to the B-riser. Brake lines are non-load-bearing and lead from the trailing edge over the main brake lines through pulleys on the C-risers to the brake handles. A marking on the main brake line indicates the handle attachment position, which should not be altered.

For easier sorting and overview, the lines are color-coded:

A-lines and A-risers: Red
B-lines and B-risers: Yellow
C-lines: Blue
Stabilo lines: Orange
Brake lines: Orange

The ARAK has 4 risers per side:

Two inner A-mainlines lead to the inner A-riser.
The outer A-line leads to the outer A-riser.
B-lines and stabilo lines lead to the B-riser.
C-lines lead to the C-riser.

The acceleration system affects the A1, A2, and B-risers, none of which are equipped with trimmers.

Descent techniques:

Big Ears: Involves pulling down the outer A-lines (or risers) below the line shackles. Brake handles and outer A-lines are held during the maneuver, allowing control with weight shifting. The speed bar can be used to increase sink rate and forward speed. Recovery is achieved by releasing the A-lines, with light braking to speed up opening, preferably one side at a time to minimize stall risk.
B-line Stall: Achieved by symmetrically pulling down the B-lines 15-20cm, keeping brake handles in hand. This detaches airflow, causing the paraglider to descend without forward flight. Pulling harder on the B-risers decreases wing area and increases sink rate, but also increases the risk of the wing forming a rosette. Recovery is by quick and symmetric release of the B-lines. Brakes should not be used during recovery; gentle braking can speed up opening if the wing doesn't reopen.

Maintenance Features

The manual includes a "TEST PROTOCOL" for recording various checks and inspections of the paraglider. This protocol covers:

Customer Information: Name, address, date, phone.
Glider Information: Size, serial number, type certificate number, date of first flight, date of last check, year of construction.
Accomplished Checking: Identification, results, description of failure, suggested repairs.
Visual Check of Canopy: Upper surface, lower surface, profiles, line flares, leading edge, trailing edge, crossports. Each item is checked for condition (positive or negative result).
Visual Check of Lines: Seams, abrasion spots, core withdrawals.
Visual Check of Connectionparts: Suspension line screw locks, risers.
Length Measurement: Risers, lines.
Examinations of the Canopy: Firmness of canopy, porosity.
Examinations of the Lines: Firmness of main lines, visual check of trimming, checkflight necessity, type certificate patch, identification plate.
Condition Assessment: Options include "New," "Very good condition," "Good condition," "Well used," "Heavily used, but within homologation standards, frequent checks required," and "No longer airworthy, outside of the limit values."
Repairs Made: A section to document any repairs.
Signature of Tester: With date and firm stamp.

The glider is manufactured from high-quality materials, with the upper sail made of Porcher Skytex 38g / Dominico Dokdo 32g, lower sail of Dominico Dokdo 32g, and ribs of Dominico Dokdo 32g hard. Lines are made from Liros PPSLS 180/125, Liros PPSLS 125, Liros DC 60, and Liros DFLP 200/32. Risers are made of 12mm webbing, chosen for high stretching values, strength, and stability.

The ARAK comes standard with an inner bag, compression strap, glider backpack, riser bag, and a "BASIC GUIDE" for general safety-relevant information. The latest version of the manual can be found on www.skywalk.info.