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Take-off checklist:
1. Check reserve parachute - pin in and handle secure
2. Helmet on and fastened
3. All harness buckles closed - check leg-loops again
4. Karabiners and maillons tight
5. Holding the A's and your brake handles
6. Leading edge open
7. Aligned directly into wind
8. Airspace and visibility clear
Launching
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Forward Launch
Nil to Light winds
When the wind is favourable, whilst gently holding the A risers move
forward positively, your lines should become tight within one or two
steps and the Swift will immediately start to inflate. You should main-
tain 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 Swift is inflated correctly, accelerate smoothly off the
launch.
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Reverse Launch
Light to Strong Winds
Lay out your wing as you would for the forward launch. However, this
time turn to face it, passing one entire set of risers over your head
as you turn. Now you can inflate the glider with the A-risers. Once
the wing is overhead, release the risers, brake gently if necessary,
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 overfly you. This reverse-launch technique
can be used in surprisingly light winds too.
IMPORTANT: Never take off with a glider that is not fully
inflated or if you are not in control of the pitch/roll of your
wing.
Practice ground handling a lot! Not only is it great fun, but it will give
you a much better feel for your wing's flight characteristics. It will
also improve your overall enjoyment of flying by giving you the feeling
of control and making your launches easier and less stressful.
In Flight Characteristics
The Swift shows no unusual flying characteristics, consequently it
is suitable for a very wide range of pilot. Turns are smooth and co-
ordinated, on glide it remains solid and well pressured, even through
the accelerated speed range. It has a very high resistance to both
collapses and stalls. However, to get the most out of your Swift we
advise you to consider the following information:
Normal Flight
Flying at 'trim speed' (hands-up), the Swift will achieve its 'best glide'
speed for still air. You should fly at this speed when gliding downwind
or when the air is not excessively sinking.
For better penetration in headwinds and improved glide performance
in sinking air, crosswinds or headwinds, you should fly faster than
trim speed by using the accelerator system. Using up to half bar
does not degrade the glide angle or stability significantly and will im-
prove your flying performance. You will reach the next thermal faster
and higher. At full speed the Swift is stable; however we recommend
that you do not fly at full speed close to the ground or in turbulence.
By applying the brakes approximately 25cm, the Swift will achieve its
minimum-sink rate; this is the speed for best climb and is the speed
to use for thermalling and ridge soaring.
Turning
To familiarize yourself with the Swift your first turns should be
gradual and progressive.
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