Ozone SPARK Manuel page 10

Forward Launch - Nil to Light winds
When the wind is favourable, move forward positively: your lines
should become tight within one or two steps. The Spark will im-
mediately start to inflate. 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 difficult and potentially dangerous.
Move smoothly throughout the entire launch, there is no need to
rush 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 Spark is inflated correctly, progressively apply full power
and accelerate smoothly for the launch.
Reverse Launch -Light to Strong Winds
Lay out your Spark as you would for the forward launch. However,
this time face the wing, and attach the risers in the correct manor
(half a turn in each riser, and crossed in the direction you want to
turn). Now you can pull up the Spark by its A-risers. Once the wing
is overhead, brake it gently, turn and launch.
In stronger winds, be prepared to take a few steps towards the
glider as it inflates. This will take some of the energy out of the
glider and it will be less likely to over-fly you. Once stable and
above your head apply progressive power and accelerate smoothly
for a controlled take off.
IMPORTANT: Never attempt to take off with a glider that is
not fully inflated, directly overhead or if you are not fully in
control of the pitch/roll of the wing.
Practice ground handling and launching as much as possible! It
is great fun, and will give you a much better feel for your Sparks
flight characteristics. It will also improve your overall enjoyment of
flying by making your launches easier and safer.
The Climb Out
Once in the air you should continue flying into wind whilst gaining
height. By setting the trimmers to the standard (certified) position
you will achieve the best climb rate. Do not attempt to climb too
steeply or too quickly by using the brakes. The wing already has
a high angle of attitude, coupled with a higher AoA (if you use the
brakes) plus the engine's full thrust acting on the pilot, this could
contribute to make the glider more prone to stall. Furthermore,
in the event of an engine failure the resulting backward pendulum
motion of the pilot and the forward dive of the wing may bring
you back to the ground very hard. Do not initiate turns until you
have sufficient height and airspeed. Avoid low turns downwind with
insufficient airspeed.
The Spark is well damped in roll but under certain circumstances
it is possible for the pilot to induce oscillations. This is caused by
a combination of the engine/propeller torque and pilot weightshift
and/or brake inputs. To stop oscillations it is best to reduce the
power slightly and ensure that you remain static with weight-
shift and brake inputs. Once settled you can once again apply full
power.
Under full power the torque effect will attempt to gently turn the
wing, using weightshift or adjusting the trims asymmetrically is the
best method to correct this.
NOTE: Using the trims asymmetrically will invalidate certifi-
cation
The handling characteristic of the Spark is truly amazing. We have
worked hard on tuning the wing so that it turns tightly but also
efficiently, as the ability to climb in a turn is very important for
powered and free flight, making the climb out fun and thermalling
easy.
8