Weight Range; Flying The Mentor 3; Launch - Nova MENTOR 3 Manual

Weight range

Each size of the MENTOR 3 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.
If you fly the MENTOR 3 on the lower half of the weight range, the agility
decreases and the glider will be more damped. In strong turbulences the wing
tends to deform and to collapse slightly more than with a higher wing loading.
If you mainly fly in weak conditions and you are not a fan of a very dynamic
flight behaviour, you should consider flying the MENTOR 3 in this weight
range.
If you fly the MENTOR 3 on the upper half of the weight range, the agility and
the stability in turbulences will increase. Also the speed will increase slightly.
The self damping will decrease in turns, as well as after collapses, so if you
often plan to fly in bumpy conditions and you want a dynamic flight
characteristic you should go for the top of the weight range.

Flying the MENTOR 3

We suggest performing your first flights with a new wing in calm conditions to
get used to the flight behaviour without any stress. We also recommend to do
some take-offs on a training hill or some ground handling to get a good feeling
for your glider from the very beginning.

Launch

Before every take off the pilot has to ensure that the equipment is in a proper
condition, especially the glider, the harness and the reserve system.
Just before launch we recommend a check routine, which should be performed
carefully. (Many accidents at take off could be avoided by a proper check!)
We recommend the following routine:
1.) Strapped up (Leg strap and chest strap on the harness and helmet strap
all done up)
2.) Clipped in (Risers untwisted and connected to the karabiners, speed
system attached and karabiners properly closed)
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