Quick Tip Reminders for Powered Paragliding Pilots

Lines

Paragliders usually have 4 rows of lines from front to back plus brake lines on trailing edge.

“A” near leading edge opening.
“B & C” center.
“D” nearest trailing edge.
Brakes -fastened to trailing edge.

-Toggles in hand or attached to risers.

Wing layout for take off

Inverted crescent moon shape with all lines cleared of tangles.

Trailing edge up wind of leading edge.

Risers laid “A” up several feet apart and slack in lines so as not to pull wing while attaching to carabineers.

1. Separate left and right risers/lines.
2. Always make sure “A” and brake lines are free (preferably all lines are clear)
3. If tangled pick up one “A” line at leading edge and follow back, and loosen tangle down over risers. Then simply pull through twists.
4. Adjust trim all the way down or up to 1″ for take off. Trim can also be used to counter some effects of torque by having one higher than the other.

Mushrooming to transport

Pick up risers and loop lines into a coil like you would a rope, lifting and mushrooming wing. When mushroom is small enough not to drag on ground carry as required or put in quick stuff bag.

When putting in stuff bag keep risers to one side to avoid tangling. When pulling out wing from mushroom, keep riser in your hand to avoid dragging.

Folding for storage/transport.

Wing should be clean and dry. Wipe with damp cloth if required and let dry – use no detergents.

Lay out wing flat on ground (If windy lay one end into wind).

Lay lines on wing leaving clear area for risers at center of trailing edge.

Fold tips into center repeatedly until narrow enough to fit carry bag.

Then fold wing from trailing edge, strap and put in bag.

Evaluation of conditions for launch/kiting – Follow “OWLS”

Obstacles – fences, trees power lines, other possible obstructions

Wind – direction and strength of weather current conditions, but also what it may look like later in the day/week (fronts moving in/out) Set-up for forward or reverse launch? Depending on wind strength and which area of field to take off/kite from to avoid rotors and use all available space in front/behind as necessary depending on which launch/kiting procedure.

Length – length of “run way” may depend on winds, elevation and slope, trees to overcome and rotors.

Surface – look for debris, uneven surface tall grass or things that may hook onto lines or obstruct launch or landing.

Free hand Kiting test

Hold “A’s” in one hand and “C’s” in the other. “milk up” a wall by pulling up and letting down until balanced, then pull up a wall with trailing edge still touching ground. If forced to take step, wind is too strong. Pull down with “C”s, D’s or let go.

Wing

Remember to keep wing out of sun/ultraviolet rays when not in use! Carry a tarp to throw over wing while resting.

Kiting with harness for practice or launching for flight

Reversed launch; clear lines and hold risers A’s face up side by side parallel facing the wing, flip risers over 1/2 TURN to the right and attach to harness (lines crossed in front of you). Follow risers down from attachment point and grasp brakes from outside. Check trim – about 1″. Back up to bring A’s to top by passing underneath A to right hand. Hold both “A’s” in right hand making sure no lines are restricting the free and clear pull up of the A’s (shrapnel behind) and pull up wing. Once up, let go of “A”s and balance by moving to low side or pull on high side brake (same side as you are moving to when facing wing). When the wing is stabile turn around facing launch direction. Take off by running forward and increasing throttle. Remember to lean backwards to shorten launch distance. Do not stop running until well in the air, sudden down draft may cause you to drop.

Forward launch; Clear lines and attach to harness facing launch direction. Pull risers over shoulder with “A”s facing up – attach. Check trim – about 1″. Follow risers down from attachment point and grasp brakes from outside Grasp hold of “A”s from underneath so that “B”s & “C”s are resting on your forearm.. Hold lightly with thumb. Make sure brake handle doesn’t interfere with throttle or kill button. Center and check line tension, take 2 steps back if wind is very light. Hold out arms and run forward to pull up wing, feel balance and tension on lines to center underneath by moving to low side(less tension) or pull lightly on high side brake – remember to let up again. Continue running forward and increasing throttle. Remember to lean backwards to shorten launch distance. Do not stop running until well in the air, sudden down draft may cause you to drop.

At any time during launch, be prepared to abort – you can always start again
!!! Kill engine first !!!

Continue to climb to well over 300ft before getting into seat. Check and make sure that wing, lines and engine is ok. If anything looks out of place prepare to land as soon as possible.

Landing

Check wind conditions on ground – look at wind sock or streamer. Approach for landing straight into wind. At about 100ft switch off engine and get out of seat with one foot forward. Adjust for wind conditions to stay straight. At about 10ft start to flare. Put one foot in front and be prepared to walk/run. When touching ground start applying full brakes and spin around quickly to pull down wing.

Engine

Always make pre-flight inspection, check for leaks, fuel, loose items and check prop. Check harness and cage. * Make sure to keep fingers etc. clear of prop! * Clear away any loose object in a circle of at least 10ft and warm up engine for a few minutes before strapping in. Make sure idle, mid range and full works properly. Warm up only after you have laid out wing. Do engine run ups when strapped in to clear engine if idling very much.

Harness

Check adjustments, propeller should be vertical when hanging from attachment points. Some adjustments can be made to counter torque – longer left shoulder strap. Strap in and secure legs first. Make sure harness is snug but not too tight when standing.

Gas

Keep out of the sun. Don’t let mixture get more than 2 weeks old. Pre-mix properly using premium quality gas.