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IMPORTANT: Never initiate a turn at minimum speed (i.e.
with full brakes on) or under full power in a steep climb as
you may risk entering a spin.
Active Flying
To minimize the likelihood of suffering collapses in turbulent condi-
tions, it is essential to use active flying.
All good pilots react to the feedback the gliders send them, and
are constantly adjusting their speed and pitch to match the move-
ments of the air. The key elements of active flying are pitch control
and pressure control:
As the glider pitches in front of you, use the brakes to slow it
down. Equally, as the glider drops behind you, release the brakes
to allow it to speed up.
Flying with a small amount of brake applied (approx. 20cm) will
give you tension in the brakes and feedback from the wing. In
turbulent conditions the internal pressure of the wing can change
and you can feel this through the brakes. The aim is to maintain a
constant pressure through the brakes. If you feel a loss in pressure
apply the brakes until normal pressure is resumed then raise hands
back to original position (this must be done quickly).
Avoid flying with continuous amounts of brake in rough air as you
could inadvertently stall the wing. Always consider your airspeed.
IMPORTANT: No pilot and no glider are immune to collapses
however active flying will virtually eliminate any tendency
to collapse. When the conditions are turbulent, be more
active and anticipate the movements of your wing. Always
be aware of your altitude and do not over-react. We advice
you to keep hold of your brakes. Do not fly in turbulent
conditions.
Landing
The Viper shows no unusual landing characteristics. We recom-
mend the trimmers be returned to the normal slow position for
landings. You can land un-powered or powered, here are some
tips:
•
Always set up your landing early, give yourself plenty of op-
tions and a safe margin for error and make sure you are head-
ing INTO wind.
•
Once below 30 metres avoid turning tightly as the glider will
have to dive to accelerate back to normal flight.
•
Allow the glider to fly with speed for your final descent until
you are around 1 metre above the ground. Apply the brakes
slowly and progressively to slow the glider down until the
glider stalls and you are able to step onto the ground.
•
It is safest to perform un-powered landings as this reduces the
likelihood of propeller damage caused by either falling over
or allowing the lines to foul the prop. Turn off the engine at
around 30m and glide in like a normal paraglider.
•
Powered landings offer the chance to power up and continue
with the flight if you misjudge your final approach, but can be
more expensive if you get it wrong!
•
Choose the appropriate approach style in function of the land-
ing area and the conditions.
•
In light winds you need a strong, long and progressive flare to
bleed off all your excess ground speed. In strong winds your
forward speed is already low so you are flaring only to soften
the landing. A strong flare may result in the glider climbing
upwards and backwards quickly, leaving you in a vulnerable
position.
•
In strong winds you need to turn towards the glider the
second your feet touch the ground. Once facing the wing pull
smoothly and symmetrically down on the brakes to stall the
wing. If the glider pulls you, run toward it.
•
If the wind is very strong, and you feel you might be dragged,
stall the glider with the C risers. This stalls the Viper in a very
quick and controllable way and will drag you less than if you
use the brakes.
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