Landing - Gradient BRIGHT4 User Manual

Pilot's manual Bright4 November 2010
Turning
The Bright4 is very comfortable and pleasant in turns. Handling characteristics
are responsive and accurate and demand no special habits or non-standard
procedures. When developing the Bright4 special attention was devoted to the
brake pressure. The result is that brake travel and pressure have been optimised.
Brake pressure is reassuringly progressive. In flight, brakes are firm but
responsive and precise and allow for perfect communication with the canopy. You
will find that a harness with fairly loose cross-bracing will help the glider turn. In
an emergency (eg a broken brake line) the glider can be steered with the rear
risers or by weight shift.
Using the speed system
Maximum speed is one of the strong points of Gradient paragliders and the
Bright4 is no exception. Not only has the glider got a very high maximum speed,
but unlike some other paragliders the full speed range is useable. In spite of this
exceptional stability at high speed don't forget that any collapse at full speed will
be more severe than the same event experienced at normal trim speed. Always
keep both hands on the controls when flying fast in turbulence and be ready to
release the speed system immediately at the first sign of a collapse. Use the
speed system very carefully or not at all at low altitude.

5.1.4 Landing

Landing the Bright4 is very simple and should offer no difficulty. On your first
flights you may be surprised at how well it glides. Take account of this when
making your landing approach! Into wind, at about one metre above the ground
pull the brakes down all the way. In nil-wind conditions, or if forced to make an
emergency landing downwind, you may prefer to take a wrap of each control line
to enable a more dynamic flare.
5.2. Rapid descent
Practise these manoeuvres under the supervision of an instructor
and with a reserve parachute. Never compromise your safety.
Sooner or later every pilot will need to descend quickly. It might be because of a
sudden and unexpected change in the weather, reaching cloud base and not
wishing to enter cloud, or simply because you need to finish your flight quickly.
Additionally, if where you are landing is thermic, it is often very difficult to land
without using a rapid descent method. There are three main methods for
achieving a rapid descent and they are: Big Ears, B-Line Stall and Spiral Dive.
Web: www.gradient.cx Mail: gradient@gradient.cx Tel+Fax: +420 257 21 63 19