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that the entire canopy is inflated and flying. The UP Guru 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 the start run and is airborne. Depending on the
inclination of the launch paddock it may make sense to brake a bit in this phase. Once
airborne and at a safe altitude the pilot slips into the seated position in the harness ā
WITHOUT RELEASING THE BRAKE HANDLES. If this is not possible then the pilot may
hold both handles in one hand whilst assisting the seating with the other.
Speed control
Using the brakes
The UP Guru has a wide useable speed range, coupled with excellent stability at all speeds. The
speed can be set with the brakes to optimise performance in any situation.
Maximum glide speed is achieved with the brakes released completely, whereas minimum sink
speed is with approximately 10-15 cm of brake applied. Further braking will not improve the sink
rate, but the brake pressure increases noticeably as the glider reaches minimum speed.
BEWARE! Flying close to the stall point is very dangerous and should be avoided. At
speeds below minimum sink the danger of entering an unintentional stall or spin is
increased dramatically.
Using the Speed System
The UP Guru is equipped with a very efficient speed system, working over a foot stirrup as usual.
By engaging the speed system the true air speed may be increased by around 11 to 13 km/h.
Being familiar with the use of the speed system is an important skill to have in paragliding.
The speed system should be used when you are flying through sinking air, when trying to achieve
best glide in a headwind, or trying to cover the ground as quickly as possible. But it is important to
remember that the glider will be more susceptible to collapses at high speeds, so the speed
system should not be used in extreme turbulence. If a collapse occurs with the speed system
applied then it should be released immediately. Some warning of an imminent collapse is afforded
by the tension felt in the speed system; should the tension suddenly reduce then the stirrup
should be released and the glider returned to normal trim speed.
BEWARE! All extreme flight situations, such as collapses, happen more dramatically at
increased speed. Therefore the speed system should not be operated near the ground or
in noticeable turbulence.
Turning
Brake input and amount of weight shift induced will define the radius and bank angle on the UP
Guru, and will allow it to be controlled with ease. Using weight shift in combination with brake
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