S.E.A. Paragliders FireStarter Pilot's Manual page 3

2. Flying FireStarter
Check before takeoff
Lay the wing of the "horseshoe" - the wing center should be further from the pilot than the tips.
Before each take-off, we recommend to do the following check:
- The lines are untied, there are no damages or knots;
- all surfaces of the wing do not have strong scuffing and damage;
- risers are untangled, soft links on them are fixed in working position;
- carabiners is OK, securely locked and stand in the correct position in the main loops of the
harness;
- the harness are OK;
- the rescue parachute is connected, correctly fixed in the harness;
- the parachute lock pin is installed correctly;
- the helmet is locked;
- the buckles of the harness are fastened and tightened to a comfortable position;
- the air intakes of the wing are open, the arc of the wing is directed against the wind;
- brakes are taken correctly;
- wind strength and weather conditions are safe;
- the airspace ahead is free.
Takeoff
To take off the "alpine" start, you need to pull the straps of A-risers and put the wing in a
position vertically above the pilot.
As soon as the wing reaches this position, make sure that the space before the start is free and
begin an dynamic run to the point of take-off.
For the "reverse" start, turn your face to the wing and lift it in this position. To compensate for
the draft of the wing during the ascent, it is necessary to deflect the hull backwards.
In a strong wind you need to be ready to take a few quick steps to the wing. When the wing is
overhead, run vigorously to take-off.
Landing
For a safe landing, select a suitable spot of sufficient size without obstacles on or near it, and
also assess the direction and strength of the wind.
When landing, it is necessary to withstand the direction of flight against the wind.
In advance, take the necessary position in the harness system.
On the final approach before touching it is recommended to keep the brakes released. If there is
some turbulence, for safety reasons, you can keep a slight pull on the brakes for better control of
the wing.
Avoid unnecessary retarding of the wing, as this can lead to excessive acceleration and landing
with a dangerous vertical speed.
At an altitude of about 1 meter, progressively and smoothly tighten the brakes to make a flare.
When landing in a strong wind, it is necessary, after touching, to douse the dome as quickly as
possible - by fast and large pulling of the brakes or straps of the B-Risers. Be ready to run in
direction to the wing.
At the landing, do not allow the paraglider to overtake you and hit the ground with the leading
edge. This leads to a sharp increase of air pressure in the canopy and may cause damage to it.
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