flight
13
Turns
Turns on the Run&Fly are dynamic, but exceptionally stable. The
wing eagerly reacts to even smallest steering inputs. Handling is
pleasant, and the steering forces grow linear with the pull. Adding
some weight shift will make the paraglider turn really quick and
tight.
The combined technique (weight shifting and brake input) is by far
the most efficient method of turning. Turn radius is then determined
by the amount of inside brake used and weight shift. Additional
application a little outside brake after initiating the turn with
maximum weight shift increases turn efficiency and the outboard
wing’s resistance to collapse (in turbulence, the edge of a thermal
etc).
In case of necessary turning in confined area at slow speed (e.g.
slope soaring), it is recommended to steer the decelerated canopy
by loosening the brake at the outside of the turn while applying just
a little more brake on the inside.
Caution:
when entering a turbulent area you should brake a
little to put up the tension. It will allow you to react instantly
in case of a problem. Too hard or too quick pulling of one
brake can cause the wing to enter a spin.
Thermalling and soaring
Although the Run&Fly was not designed with this in mind, thermal
flying is well possible. During thermalling the wing will be intensively
communicating to the pilot everything what’s going on around. Still,
perfect autostabilization will instantly bring the canopy back to its
place over your head when necessary.
When flying minimum sink is reached with brake pressure applied
(about 10 cm).
In turbulent conditions the canopy should be flown with a small
amount of brake applied. This improves overall stability by
increasing the angle of attack of the canopy. The canopy should
neither rock back nor surge forwards, but stay above the pilot. In
order to achieve it, the pilot should accelerate the canopy by letting
off the brakes when entering a thermal (according to its strength)
and brake it on exiting. This is part of basic active flying that can
spare you many potential collapses.
Hang flying is pure fun on the Run&Fly. You will stay afloat even at
relatively low windspeed. Remember that in order to minimize the
canopy weight we’ve resigned on the speed system, so you don’t
have the usual margin of increased penetration in case of gusts in
turbulent winds.
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