Introduction
Thank you for choosing to fly the Puffin. It is essential that you read
the Puffin manual before flying your wing for the first time. This
manual is not replacing the instruction you will get through a pro-
fessional instructor!
Please ensure that the manual always remains with the wing, es-
pecially if it is passed on or sold. The manual outlines the technical
specifications, the recommendations for use and some important
points for your safety. If you have any queries on anything that you
feel hasn’t been covered in the manual, please contact your dealer,
instructor or refer to our website : www.littleCloud.fr
You can also visit our LittleCloud facebook page, or contact us
directly at info@LittleCloud.fr
Enjoy your flying, and never neglect your safety.
The LittleCloud Team
The Puffin
One part of flying is soaring!
“TurboSoaring” is LittleCloud’s version of soaring, but on steroids!
Coastal flying sites are everywhere around the world, which can
sometimes offer even easier flying possibilities than mountain
sites.The LittleCloud family has been exploring TurboSoaring for
a while now, and the boundaries have been pushed pretty far by
our crew in Holland.
To be honest, I was quite skeptical in the beginning, polluted by
some “legends” that it could be safe to fly in strong wind.
After some time and exploring the facts, I now understand that
with the right equipment and techniques, the limits of soaring
could be pushed really far! Through the years we have found that a
special kind of performance was the key to this activity.
Our development has focused on combining high performing glid-
ers with an easy to use a design that has no over-reacting behav-
ior in order to stay safe. Be aware that the wingload variation is
changing the glider behavior.
The more you load your wing, the more dynamic it becomes.
You have to adapt this wingload to your skills. Due to the reduce
area, they are not dedicated to beginner pilots. These gliders are
design to be used for dune soaring. Strong wind soaring require
some specific skills! They can be used in the mountain if the pilots
respect weather conditions and don’t fly in inappropriate condi-
tions.
Risers
The risers are equipped with an accelerator system and trim system.
Note that during accelerated flight the angle of attack is reduced,
hence the chance of collapses increases.
Note that it is possible to steer and control the Puffin with the C
risers, instead of the brakes.
We recommend this type of steering for open trimmers posi-
tion. Be aware of the stalling point on the C risers. They are also
equipped with a trimmer system. Get familiar to it and make sure
they are symmetric before you take off! Note that the speedbar
hooks are located 10 to 15cm higher than usual risers.
First Flight
Before each and every flight you must make a mental check that
your experience, equipment and conditions are appropriate for the
flight you are about to make. Never hesitate to ask your dealer /
instructor for advice.
First flight check-list :
•
Check your harness, helmet and reserve is in order.
•
Prepare the wing on the ground, checking the lines and risers are
clear with no twists.
•
Check your attachment points to the glider, take the controls and
check there are no twists. Make sure your trimmers are symmetric.
•
Check the launch area, air space, and the conditions are suitable for
•
inflation and launch.
•
If there is no wind, use a forward launch (elbows close to the body).
•
The reverse launch should be used when possible. The Puffin has
•
virtually no pitch, so it is unlikely to overshoot when launching. Be-
fore launching, inflate the wing for one final check.
•
Avoid braking too hard when inflating the wing, instead, use forward
momentum to launch the wing, once the wing has achieved enough-
speed you can then adjust with the brakes if necessary.
Important: Practice ground handling as much as possible, not
only is it good fun, but it’s the best way to get a feeling for the
inflation and reactivity of your Puffin in flight. Frequent ground
handling will lead to a more relaxing launch and feeling more
comfortable in the air.
Because of the high wingloading, these Puffin can be very dynamic!
The loss of high in steep turn can be very important!
Puffin Manual
Read the manual before using this product.
More info available on : www.LittleCloud.fr, email : info@LittleCloud.fr
Manual version : 2.0 04/14/2018
4
LittleCloud
Puffin Manual / Manuel Puffin
