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The development of high performance
paragliders from square parachutes has
meant vast improvements in speed, sink
rate and handling. But, at the same time, it
has also led to a requirement on behalf of
the pilot for accurate, sensitive control and
an acute anticipation of possible flying
conditions. Any glider, whether beginner
or competition class, may collapse in
turbulent conditions and you must be able
to react accordingly.
Today you have a wide choice between
different gliders in the UP range. The main
difference between the gliders is in the
stability that each class offers. Beginner
wings react to turbulence less dramatically
and are more forgiving when compared to
top performance gliders, which have more
sensitive, but less forgiving handling.
Making the correct decision when
choosing a new glider is most important;
you should critically examine your flying
and your level of knowledge.
A safe and efficient way to get used to
your new paraglider is by practicing your
ground handling skills. We suggest
finding a suitable area, like a playing field,
and with light to medium wind it is quite
easy to practice inflating the glider and
feel the reaction to brake input, b-line stall,
collapses etc.
Before takeoff and whilst flying it is very
important to anticipate any likely
turbulence and fly accordingly. Look well
ahead, and as well as looking for areas of
likely lift, try and predict, and avoid,
areas of sink and rough air. If you do
find yourself in turbulence then look for the
cause, and adjust your flight plan to avoid
other similar places.
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In turbulent air, the UP Kantega XC
should be flown with a little brake to
increase the angle of attack and
provide greater stability. While flying in
strong or broken thermals, it is
important that you concentrate on
keeping the wing centrally above your
head. Do this by allowing the glider to
fly faster while entering a thermal, and
by dampening the surge of the canopy
while exiting the thermal by braking
gently.
Flying fast is useful for getting through
sink or when flying into a headwind.
The UP Kantega XC possesses a high
inherent stability due to its construction
and design, however an active flying
style in turbulence will help increase
safety by preventing unnecessary
collapses and deformation of the
canopy.
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All rapid descent manoeuvres should
be practiced initially in smooth
conditions with plenty of altitude before
you need to use them 'for real'. It is
important to distinguish between the
three techniques, and to know the
merits of each.
:$51,1* All other
manoeuvres, such as full
stalls and spins, should be
avoided as fast descent
techniques. They are not very
efficient, and incorrect recovery
can have dangerous consequences
(as with any paraglider)!
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