BASE LITE LITE Owner’s Manual PARAGLIDER EN / LTF B Welcome to Bruce Goldsmith Design BGD is a world leader in the design and production of paragliders. For many years Bruce Goldsmith and his team have been developing products with world-beating performance for pilots who want the best. We apply our Introduction competitive knowledge to design top quality products that combine the highest performance with the safe handling our customers value and respect. BGD pilots appreciate our quality and reliability. BGD´s world-class status is based on the skills and expertise we have developed in combining aerodynamic design with cloth and materials technology. All BGD products are developed and made with the same skill and attention to good design that are synonymous with the ultimate performance and precision required by paragliders. Congratulations on your purchase of the BGD BASE LITE The BASE LITE is a paraglider, designed to a high standard of safety and stability, but it will only retain these characteristics if it is properly looked after. Please read this manual carefully from the first to the last chapter to ensure you get the best out of your BASE LITE. This manual has been prepared to give you information and advice about your paraglider. If you ever need any replacement parts or further information, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest BGD dealer or contact BGD directly. Version 1.0 March 2017...
1 Introduction 1 Introduction The BASE LITE is an entry-level paraglider suitable for intermediate pilots offering a high level of passive safety combined with speed and good performance which make this a wing a real pleasure to fly. The use of this glider is limited to non-aerobatic manoeuvres. This paraglider must not: • Be flown with more than the maximum certified total load • Have its trim speed adjusted by changing the length of risers or lines • Be flown in rain or snow • Be towed with a tow line tension in excess of 200 kg. It is your dealer´s responsibility to test fly the paraglider before you receive it. The test flight record is on page 29 of this manual. Please be sure that it has been completed by your dealer, to prove that the test flight has been done. Failure to test fly a new paraglider may invalidate any warranty. Any modification, e.g. change of line lengths or changes to the speed system, causes a loss of airworthiness and certification. We recommend that you contact your dealer or BGD directly before performing any kind of change. Version 1.0 March 2017...
2 Preparation 2 Preparation 1. Select a suitable take-off area determined by wind and terrain, clear of any obstacles that may catch in the lines or damage the canopy. 2. If your paraglider has been correctly packed, you should take it to the top of the take-off area, and allow the rolled canopy to unroll itself down the hill (if on a slope). This should leave the paraglider with the bottom surface facing upwards, the openings at the downwind end of the take-off area, and the harness at the trailing edge at the upwind side. 3. Unroll the canopy to each side so that the leading edge openings form a semicircular shape, with the trailing edge drawn together as the centre of the arch. The harness should be drawn away from the canopy until the suspension lines are just tight. Version 1.0 March 2017...
3 Pre-flight Inspection 3 Pre-flight Inspection The BASE LITE is designed to be as simple as possible to inspect and maintain but a thorough pre-flight procedure is mandatory on all aircraft. The following pre-flight inspection procedure should be carried out before each flight. 1. Whilst opening out the paraglider, check the outside of the canopy for any tears where your paraglider may have been caught on a sharp object or even have been damaged whilst in its bag. 2. Check that the lines are not twisted or knotted. Divide the suspension lines into six groups, each group coming from one riser. By starting from the harness and running towards the canopy remove any tangles or twists in the lines. Partially inflating the canopy in the wind will help to sort out the lines. 3. It is particularly important that the brakes are clear and free to move. Check the knot which attaches the brake handles to the brake lines. Several knots should be used here or the loose ends may get entangled in the brake pulleys. Both brakes should be the same length and this can be checked by asking an assistant to hold the upper end of the brake lines together while the pilot holds the brake handles. The brake lines should be just slack with the wing inflated when the brakes are not applied. After checking the brake lines lay them on the ground. 4. Always check the buckles and attachments on the harness. Ensure the two main attachment maillons/ karabiners from the harness to the main risers, and the six shackles which attach the risers to the lines, are tightly done up. 5. Before the pilot attaches himself to the harness he should be wearing a good crash helmet, and boots which provide ankle support. Put on the harness ensuring all the buckles are secure and properly adjusted for comfort. Your paraglider is now ready for flight. Version 1.0 March 2017...
4 Flight Characteristics 4 Flight Characteristics This manual is not intended as an instruction book on how to fly the BASE LITE. You should be a qualified pilot or under suitable supervision, but the following comments describe how to get the best from your BASE LITE. Weight range Each size of the BASE LITE is certified for a certain weight range. The weight refers to the ‘overall take-off weight’. This means the weight of the pilot, the glider, the harness and all other equipment carried with you in flight. We recommend to fly the BASE LITE in the middle of the weight range. If you fly the BASE LITE in the lower half of the weight range, the turning agility decreases and the glider will be more damped. In strong turbulence the wing tends to deform and to collapse slightly more than with a higher wing loading. If you mainly fly in weak conditions you should consider flying the BASE LITE towards the lower end of the weight range. If you fly the BASE LITE in the upper half of the weight range, the agility and the stability in turbulence will increase. Also the speed will increase slightly. The self damping will decrease in turns, as well as after collapses, so if you fly in bumpy conditions and you want a dynamic flight characteristic you should go for the top of the weight range. Active Piloting Even though the BASE LITE is designed as an easy glider, ‘active piloting’ is a tool that will help you fly with greater safety and enjoyment. Active piloting is flying in empathy with your paraglider. This means not only guiding the glider through the air but also being aware of feedback from the wing, especially in thermals and turbulence. If the air is smooth the feedback can be minimal but in turbulence feedback is continuous and needs to be constantly assessed Version 1.0 March 2017...
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4 Flight Characteristics by the pilot through the brakes and the harness. Such reactions are instinctive in good pilots. Maintaining contact with the glider through pressure on the brakes is essential and allows the pilot to feel the loss of internal pressure, which often precedes a collapse. The BASE LITE is highly resistant to collapse without any pilot action at all, but learning how to fly actively will increase this safety margin even further. Harness The BASE LITE is tested with a ‘GH’ (without diagonal bracing) type harness. The GH category includes weight shift harnesses as well as ABS style (semi stable) harnesses. Approved harness dimensions This glider has been tested with a harness that complies with the EN standard harness dimensions. These are laid out in section 3.5.6 and are: Seatboard width: 42cm; The horizontal distance between the attachment points of the paraglider risers (measured from the centreline of the karabiners) must be: • Up to 50kg = 38cm • 50-80kg = 42cm • 80kg or more = 46cm Take-off The BASE LITE is easy to inflate in light or stronger winds and will quickly rise overhead to the flying position. The best inflation technique is to hold one A-riser in each hand. The ‘big-ear’ risers could be also held for the best inflation. Forward launch Inflation is best done by taking the A-risers one in each hand. The A-risers are marked with red cloth to make them Version 1.0 March 2017...
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4 Flight Characteristics easier to find. In nil or very light wind, stand with all the A-lines taut behind you, then take one or two steps back (do not walk all the way back to the canopy) and begin your launch run pulling gently and smoothly on the A-risers. As soon as the canopy starts to rise off the ground, stop pulling so hard on the A-risers but pull all the risers evenly through the harness. Maintaining gentle pressure on the A-risers always helps in very calm conditions. Have your hands ready to slow up the canopy with the brakes if it starts to accelerate past you. Reverse Launch In winds over 10 km/h it is probably better to do a reverse launch and inflate the canopy whilst facing it using the A-risers, without the ‘Baby-A risers’ to prevent the glider from inflating the wingtips first. The BASE LITE has little tendency to overshoot but releasing pressure on the A-risers when the canopy is at about 45° will help to avoid overshooting. The stronger the wind and the greater the pressure on the A-risers, the more quickly the canopy will rise. Turning The BASE LITE does not require a strong-handed approach to manoeuvring. For a fast turn smoothly apply the brake on the side to which the turn is intended. The speed with which the brake is applied is very important. If a brake is applied fairly quickly the canopy will do a faster banking turn, but care must be taken not to bank too severely. To attain a more efficient turn at minimum sink, apply some brake to the outside wing to slow the turn and prevent excessive banking. The BASE LITE flies very well like this, but care must be taken not to over-apply the brakes as a spin could result, although the BASE LITE has a very low spin tendency. The BASE LITE will turn far more efficiently if the pilot weight-shifts into the turn. Remember that violent brake application is dangerous and should always be avoided. Straight Flight The BASE LITE will fly smoothly in a straight line without any input from the pilot. With a pilot weight of 70 kg on the medium size without the accelerator the flying speed will be approximately 39 km/h. Version 1.0 March 2017...
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4 Flight Characteristics Thermalling To attain the best climb rate the BASE LITE should be thermalled using a mild turn, as described above, keeping the wing´s banking to a minimum. In strong thermals a tighter banking turn can be used to stay closer to the thermal´s core. Remember that weight-shifting in the harness will make the turn more efficient and reduce the amount of brake required. Care must be taken not to apply so much brake as to stall. This is however very easy to avoid as the brake pressure increases greatly as you approach the stall point. Only fly near the stall point if you have enough height to recover (100m). Wing Tip Area Reduction (Big Ears) The ‘baby A-riser’ allows the BASE LITE to be ‘big-eared’ simply and easily. The big-ear facility does not allow you to fly in stronger winds, but iwhich allows you to descend quickly without substantially reducing the forward speed of the canopy (as is the case with B-lining). To engage big ears the pilot will need to lean forward in the harness and grasp the big-ears risers (one in each hand) at the maillons, keeping hold of both brake handles if possible. Pull the risers out and down at least 30 cm so as to collapse the tips of the glider. It is very important that the other A-lines are not affected when you do this as it could cause the leading edge to collapse. Steering is possible by weight-shifting with big ears in. If the big ears do not come out quickly on their own, a pump on the brakes will speed things up. Before using the big-ears facility in earnest it is essential to practise beforehand with plenty of ground clearance in case a leading edge collapse occurs. Always keep hold of both brakes in order to retain control. Putting your hands through the brake handles so they remain on your wrists is a good method of doing this. Version 1.0 March 2017...
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4 Flight Characteristics B-Line Stall This is a fast descent method and is a useful emergency procedure. With both hands through the brake handles, the pilot takes hold of the tops of the B-risers, one in each hand, and pulls them down by around 50 cm. This will stall the canopy and forward speed will drop to zero. Make sure you have plenty of ground clearance because the descent rate can be over 10 m/sec. To increase the descent rate pull harder on the B-risers. When you release the B-risers the canopy will automatically start flying again, normally within two seconds. Sometimes the canopy will turn gently when it exits from the B-line stall. It is normally better to release the B-riser fairly quickly, as doing so slowly may result in the canopy entering deep stall. Always release the risers symmetrically, as an asymmetric release from a B-line stall may result in the glider entering a spin. This manoeuvre is useful when you need to lose a lot of height quickly, perhaps when escaping from a thunderstorm. It should not be performed with less than 100 m of ground clearance (see also Chapter 5). Spiral Dive A normal turn can be converted into a strong spiral dive by continuing to apply one brake. The bank angle and speed of the turn will increase as the downward spiral is continued. Be careful to enter the spiral gradually as too quick a brake application can cause a spin or cause you to enter an over-the-nose spiral. BGD gliders are designed and tested to recover from normal spirals with a descent rate inferior to 16 m/s, automatically without pilot input. If the pilot increases the descent rate of the spiral to over 16 m/s or initiates what is known as an over-the-nose spiral, the glider may require pilot input to recover. In this case all the pilot needs to do is to apply some outside brake and steer the glider out of the turn. The over-the-nose spiral is an extreme type of spiral dive where the glider points almost directly at the ground. You can enter it by making a sudden brake application during the spiral entry so that the glider yaws around and the nose ends up pointing at the ground. At this point the glider picks up speed very quickly. This technique is very similar to Version 1.0 March 2017...
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4 Flight Characteristics SAT entry technique, and like the SAT it is an aerobatic manoeuvre, which is outside the normal safe flight envelope. Please do not practise these manoeuvres as they can be dangerous. Care should be taken when exiting from any spiral dive. To pull out of a steep spiral dive release the applied brake gradually, or apply opposite brake gradually. A sharp release of the brake can cause the glider to surge and dive as the wing converts speed to lift. Always be ready to damp out any potential dive with the brakes. Also be ready to encounter turbulence when you exit from a spiral because you may fly though your own wake turbulence, which can cause a collapse. CAUTION: SPIRAL DIVES CAN CAUSE LOSS OF ORIENTATION (black out) AND SOME TIME IS NEEDED TO EXIT THIS MANOEUVRE. THIS MANOEUVRE MUST BE EXITED IN TIME AND WITH SUFFICIENT HEIGHT! Speed System The BASE LITE is sold with accelerator risers and a speed stirrup as standard but can be flown without the speed stirrup attached. Launching and general flying is normally done without using the accelerator. The accelerator bar should be used when higher speed is important. A 70 kg pilot on the BASE LITE medium size should be able to reach a speed of 55 km/h using the accelerator system. Glide angle is not as good in this format, so it is not necessarily the best way to race in thermic conditions and the canopy is slightly more susceptible to deflations. Using the stirrup can require some effort and the pilot´s balance in the harness can be affected. It may be necessary to make some adjustments to the harness. We recommend you only fly in conditions where you can penetrate with the risers level so that you have the extra airspeed should you need it. To fly at maximum speed the stirrup should be applied gradually until the upper pulley on the A riser butts against the pulley at the riser base. The accelerator system is designed to give maximum speed when the pullies of the accelerator touch each other. Please do not go beyond this point by using excessive force to attempt to make the glider go faster as this may result in the glider collapsing. Version 1.0 March 2017...
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4 Flight Characteristics IMPORTANT: • Do practise using the speed system in normal flying. • Be careful flying fast in rough or turbulent conditions as deflations are more likely to occur at speed. The speed increase is achieved by reducing the angle of attack, so the canopy has slightly more collapse tendency. • Remember that your glide deteriorates at higher speeds. Best glides are achieved when the risers are level and the brakes are off. Check the component parts regularly for wear and tear, and ensure that the system always works smoothly. Landing Landing the BASE LITE is very straightforward. Flare in the normal way from an altitude of around 2 m when landing in light winds. It may sometimes help to take wraps on the brakes to make the flare more effective. Strong wind landings require a different technique. If you use the brakes to flare in a strong wind the BASE LITE tends to convert this to height. This can be a real problem. The best method is to take hold of the C-risers at the maillons just before landing, and collapse the canopy using these when you have landed. The glider will collapse very quickly using this method. The glider can also be steered using the rear-risers but be careful not to cause a premature stall. After landing the B-risers can also be used to collapse the canopy, although it is more difficult to control the collapsed canopy on the ground using this method. Version 1.0 March 2017...
5 Recovery Techniques 5 Recovery Techniques Stalls Stalls are dangerous and should not be practised in the course of normal flying. Stalls are caused through flying too slowly. Airspeed is lost as brake pressure increases and as the canopy approaches the stall point it will start to descend vertically and finally begin to collapse. Should this occur it is important that the pilot releases the brakes at the correct moment. The brakes should never be released when the wing has fallen behind the pilot; the brakes should be released fairly slowly, to prevent the forward dive of the canopy from being too strong. If you do release the brakes quickly you should brake the canopy strongly during the surge forward, to stop the dive. All pilots who fly the BASE LITE are advised never to attempt this manoeuvre unless under SIV instruction. This manual is not intended to give instruction in this or any other area. Deep Stall (or Parachutal Stall) The BASE LITE has been designed so that it will not easily remain in a deep stall. However, if it is incorrectly rigged or its flying characteristics have been adversely affected by some other cause, it is possible that it could enter this situation. In the interests of safety all pilots should be aware of this problem, and know how to recover from it. The most common way to enter deep stall is from flying too slowly, from a B-line stall or even from big ears. When in deep stall the pilot will notice the following: • .Very low airspeed • .Almost-vertical descent (like a round canopy), typically around 5m/s. • .The paraglider appears quite well inflated but does not have full internal pressure. It looks and feels a bit limp. Recovery from deep stall is quite simple: Version 1.0 March 2017...
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5 Recovery Techniques The normal method is to simply initiate a mild turn. As the canopy starts to turn it will automatically change to normal flight, but it is very important not to turn too fast as this could induce a spin. The second method is to pull gently on the A-risers. This helps the airflow to re-attach to the leading edge, but be careful not to pull down too hard as this will induce a front collapse. If the deep stall is particularly stubborn and the previous methods do not work then a full stall will solve the problem. To do this apply both brakes again fairly quickly, as if to do a strong stall, then immediately release both brakes and damp out the surge forward in the normal way. The canopy will swing behind you then automatically reinflate and surge forward in front of you before returning to normal flight. It is the surge forward that exits the canopy from deep stall. Spins Spins are dangerous and should not be practised in the course of normal flying. Spins occur when the pilot tries to turn too fast. In a spin the pilot, lines and canopy basically stay vertical and rotate around a vertical axis. The BASE LITE will resist spinning, but if a spin is inadvertently induced the pilot should release the brake pressure but always be ready to damp out any dive as the glider exits the spin. If the pilot does not damp the dive on exiting the spin the glider may have an asymmetric deflation. Symmetric Front Collapse It is possible that turbulence can cause the front of the wing to symmetrically collapse, though active piloting can largely prevent this from occurring accidentally. A pilot can reproduce the effect by taking hold of both the A-risers and pulling down sharply on them. The BASE LITE will automatically recover on its own from this situation in around 3 seconds. During this recovery period it is advisable not to apply the brakes as this could stall the wing. Version 1.0 March 2017...
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5 Recovery Techniques Asymmetric Front Collapse The BASE LITE is very resistant to deflations; however if the canopy collapses on one side due to turbulence, the pilot should first of all control the direction of flight by countering on the opposite brake. Most normal collapses will immediately reinflate on their own and you will hardly have time to react before the wing reinflates automatically. The act of controlling the direction will tend to reinflate the wing. However, with more persistent collapses it may be necessary to pump the brake on the collapsed wing using a long, strong, smooth and firm action. Normally one or two pumps of around 80 cm will be sufficient. Each pump should be applied in about one second and smoothly released. In severe cases it can be more effective to pump both brakes together to get the canopy to reinflate. Be careful not to stall the wing completely if this technique is used. Releasing a trapped tip (cravat) On the BASE LITE it should be very difficult to trap the tip so that it will not come out quickly. However, following a very severe deflation any canopy could become tied up in its own lines. If this occurs then first of all use the standard method of recovery from a tip deflation as described in Asymmetric Front Collapse above. If the canopy will still not recover then pull the rear risers to help the canopy to reinflate. Pulling the stabilo line is also a good way to remove cravats, but remember to control your flight direction as your number-one priority. If you are very low then it is much more important to steer the canopy into a safe landing place or even throw your reserve. NOTE: Test pilots have tested the BASE LITE well beyond the normal flight envelope, but such tests are carried out in a very precise manner by trained test pilots with a back-up parachute, and over water. Stalls and spins on any paragliders are dangerous manoeuvres and are not recommended. Version 1.0 March 2017...
6 Storage and Servicing 6 Storage and Servicing Storage & Care If you have to pack away your canopy wet, do not leave it for more than a few hours in that condition. As soon as possible dry it out, but do not use direct heat sources as it is inflammable! Always store the canopy in a dry, warm place. Ideally this should be in the temperature range of 5 to 13 degrees centigrade. Never let your canopy freeze, particularly if it is damp. The BASE LITE is made from high quality nylon, which is treated against weakening from ultraviolet radiation. However, UV exposure will still weaken the fabric, and prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight can severely compromise the safety of your canopy. Therefore once you have finished flying, put your wing away. Do not leave it laying in strong sunshine unnecessarily. If you are concerned about any aspect of the integrity of your paraglider please contact your nearest BGD dealer or talk to BGD directly. Do not treat your canopy with chemical cleaners or solvents. If you must wash the fabric, use warm water and a little soap. If your canopy gets wet in sea water, wash it with warm water and carefully dry it. Servicing / Inspection It is important to have your glider regularly serviced. Your BGD BASE LITE should have a thorough check / inspection every 24 months or every 150 flight hours, whichever occurs first. This check must be made by the manufacturer, importer, distributor or other authorised persons. The checking must be proven by a stamp on the certification sticker on the glider as well in the service book. Version 1.0 March 2017...
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6 Storage and Servicing Please print out the service pages from this manual, fill in the number of flights and hours flown in the Service Record and send together with your glider when it goes for inspection or servicing. The manufacturer will only accept responsibility for paraglider lines and repairs which we have produced and fitted or repaired ourselves. Environmental protection and recycling Our sport takes place in the natural environment, and we should do everything to preserve our environment. A glider is basically made of nylon, synthetic fibres and metal. At the end of your paraglider’s life span, please remove all metal parts and put the different materials in an appropriate waste/recycling plant. Version 1.0 March 2017...
7 Technical Data 7 Technical Data Materials BGD’s BASE LITE is made from the following quality materials: Top sail: Dominico D20 34g/m Lower surface: Porcher Skytex 27g/m Internal structure: Porcher Skytex HARD 32-27g/m Nose reinforcement: Plastic wire 2.3mm and 2.7 mm Risers: 12 mm black Kevlar/nylon webbing Accelerator pulleys: Harken PA18 Brake pulleys: P-18 Harken pulleys Gallery lines: Liros DC60 Top lines: Liros DC60 Main lines: Edelrid 8000U-130,90,70 Lower lines Liros PPSL 200,160,120 Brake lines: Liros DSL70 Spare parts can be obtained directly from BGD or though our network of registered BGD repair shops. For a full list check www.flybgd.com. Version 1.0 March 2017...
1 Introduction Specifications Linear scaling factor 0.95 1.025 Projected area 18.72 20.74 21.79 Flat area 22.56 25.00 26.27 Glider weight Total line length Height 7.10 7.24 7.40 Number of main lines 3/4/3 3/4/3 3/4/3 A/B/C Cells 80/46/90 80/46/90 80/46/90 Flat aspect ratio 5.68 5.68 5.68 Projected aspect ratio 4.09 4.09 4.09...
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4 Flight Characteristics Overview of the glider parts Leading edge Openings Trailing edge Top lines Mid lines Brake lines Lower lines Risers Harness Version 1.0 March 2017...
SERVICE BOOKLET Test Flight Record Model Size Serial Number Colour Date of test flight Company signature and stamp Version 1.0 March 2017...
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Service Record Service No 1: Date : Stamp - Signature : No flights : Type of service : Service No 2: Date : Stamp - Signature : No flights : Type of service : Service No 3: Date : Stamp - Signature : No flights Type of service : Version 1.0 March 2017...
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Owner Record Pilot No 1 First name Family name Street City Post code Country Telephone Email: Version 1.0 March 2017...
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Owner Record Pilot No 2 First name Family name Street City Post code Country Telephone Email: Version 1.0 March 2017...
8 Closing words 8 Closing Words Your BASE LITE is an advanced, stable glider that promises you many hours of safe and enjoyable flying, provided you treat it with care and always keep a respect for the potential dangers of aviation. Please always remember that flying can be dangerous and your safety depends on you. With careful treatment your BASE LITE should last for many years. The BASE LITE has been tested internationally under current airworthiness standards, and these represent the current knowledge concerning the safety of a glider. However, there are still some unknowns, for example the effective lifespan of the current generation of gliders and the acceptable aging of materials without affecting airworthiness. We are sure that there are natural forces that can threaten your safety seriously, regardless of the quality of construction or the condition of your glider. Your security is ultimately your responsibility. We strongly recommend that you fly carefully, adapt to the weather conditions and keep your safety in mind. Flying in a club or a school with experienced pilots is highly recommended We recommend that you fly with a standard harness with a back protection and a reserve parachute. Always use good equipment and an approved helmet. See you in the sky! BGD GmbH Am Gewerbepark 11, 9413 St. Gertraud, Austria Tel: +43 (0) 4352 20477 e-mail: sales@flybgd.com www.flybgd.com Version 1.0 March 2017...
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