Adjusting Your Glider; Brake-Line Lengths; Addition Of Speed System; Operation In Flight - Gradient Aspen5 User Manual

4.
Other adjustments or changes to your Aspen5 lead to a loss of guarantee, airworthiness and
validity of the certification. Amateur modification may endanger yourself and other pilots. If
you have any suggestions for improvements let us know and our test-pilots will try out your
ideas without risk to yourself.
4.1. Brake-line adjustment
When you receive your new Aspen5 the main brake lines are adjusted to the length set
during the certification test. This length should suit most pilots and is indicated on the main
control line. It is of course possible to adjust the brake-line length to suit each pilot's physical
build, height of harness hang points, or style of flying. We recommend that you act wisely
when adjusting brake-line length and change the length in small, successive steps.
If you need to adjust brakes back to the basic position and the marks on the main brake lines
are vague, use the following lengths for relevant size:
Aspen5 24: 230 cm; Aspen5 26: 240 cm; Aspen5 28: 250 cm.
Brake lines that are too short may:
1) lead to fatigue from flying with your hands in an unnatural position
2) impede recovery from certain unstable manoeuvres
3) will certainly reduce your glider's speed range.
Brakes that are too long will:
a) hamper pilot control during launch
b) reduce control in extreme flying situations
c) make it difficult to execute a good flare when landing.
Each brake line should be tied securely to its control handle. Use knots which will guarantee
this, for example, a Double Dragon.

4.2. Addition of speed system

The Aspen5 is equipped with a very effective foot-operated speed system as standard.
Pressure on the foot stirrup shortens the A and B risers and by this reduces the angle of
attack of the canopy. The working range of the speed system pulleys is 16,5 cm (size 28).
Make sure you can use the whole of this range when you attach your speed stirrup. For some
pilots this will require the use of a two-step speed stirrup.

5. Operation in flight

This manual is intended as a guide to the characteristic features of your new Aspen5 paraglider.
Under no circumstances should it be used as a 'learn-to-fly' manual for paragliding or as a
substitute for a paragliding pilot's training course.
5.1. Standard flight
5.1.1. Pre-flight check
A thorough pre-flight check is essential for safe flying and that's why you should pay special
attention to it. Above all you should check that the canopy, lines and risers are free from
damage and tangles. Also, don't forget to check your harness and your reserve parachute.
Before launch spread the canopy out into a slight arc and check that:
• all cell openings are free
• no lines are looped around or under the canopy
• no lines are tangled or have a knot in them
• any twigs, grass or other objects are not entangled in the lines or the canopy
• risers are not twisted
• control lines run freely through the pulleys
• knots on control handles are secure
• karabiners on risers are tightened
Gradient s.r.o., Plzenska 221/130, 150 00 Praha 5, tel+fax +420257216319, www.gradient.cx, gradient@gradient.cx.