Java
140
Owner`s Manual
The 'luff lines on a hang glider are very important and should not be altered by the
pilot. A glider with 'luff lines that are too long could be dangerous. However this
glider might feel the same, in flight, as a glider with the correct length 'luff lines.
A glider with 'luff lines that are shorter than normal might feel difficult to turn and
heavy in pitch. This happens if the 'luff lines are so short as to be tight in normal
flight. (This can be checked by getting a friend to look at your 'luff lines in flight.
e.g. as you take off.) In normal flight the 'luff lines should have a bow in them.
Rigging Cables
The main danger with the rigging lies in kinking the cable. This is usually caused by
careless rigging and de-rigging or by over tightening the bolts that attach the tangs to
the airframe. (It should be possible to swivel the tangs with light thumb pressure.)
Once a cable has a kink the strands are damaged and replacement is the only cure.
The side cables are particularly important and should receive a frequent detailed
inspection. Check for cable damage along the length but the main failure area lies
immediately adjacent to the swaged fitting. Look carefully for signs of strand
fracture at this position. Corrosion shows itself as a white powdery deposit.
Corrosion cannot be cured and the only answer, again, is replacement.
Cross tube tensioner
The stitching on the cross tube tensioner is easy to see and should be inspected
frequently. The rest of the tensioner strop is hidden in the sail and keel pocket so that
any damage is more difficult to see. Thus do take time to inspect this thoroughly,
particularly around the base of the kingpost and where the strop passes around the
cross tube centre junction shackle. If any damage to the strop is found (fraying,
abrasions, cuts or wear to the stitching) the strop should be changed before flying.
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