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Care and maintenance
With care and careful handling, a paraglider can remain in a technically
perfect state for many years – even if used intensively. An exception to
this are lightweight paragliders which degrade more rapidly with inten-
sive use. We recommend the following:
• The wing should not be unnecessarily exposed to UV radiation, for
example if left for a long time in direct sunlight on take-off or landing.
• When folding the glider it is advisable not to bend the rods in the
leading edge.
• If the wing is wet or even only damp when being packed, it should be
fully dried as soon as possible. Storing the glider damp can lead to
permanent damage.
• When landing or groundhandling, try to avoid hitting the leading edge
hard on the ground. This can lead to damage.
• The lines should be protected from dirt and sharp rocks. Never step
on the lines if on stony ground.
• Over a period of time, dampness in combination with dirt can lead to
lines shrinking and the glider going out of trim.
• Salt water (including sweat) and sand damage lines and sail cloth.
This has a negative effect on their durability and strength.
• Do not drag your wing across the ground – particularly not the rods
in the leading edge.
Cravats
If a part of the wing is so tangled in the lines that it cannot free itself
(possibly after a collapse), it is referred to as a cravat. This occurrence
cannot be discounted on any model of paraglider.
In the case of a cravat, we recommend the following:
1. Brake on the opposite side:
In the same way as during an asymmetric
collapse, the wing will try to turn in the direction of the cravatted
side. If the pilot does not use the opposite brake (on the open side),
then the rotation of the wing can quickly turn into a locked-in spiral
dive which either requires great effort or in some cases it is actually
impossible to exit. It is essential to prevent this rotation.
2. Open the cravat by pumping the brake:
A hearty pull of the brake
on the tangled side may release the cravat. A timid pull of the brake
rarely works.
3. Pull the stabilo line:
If a pull of the brake line is unsuccessful, pulling
the stabilo line may work. The stabilo line is the outermost line on
the B-riser and is green in colour.
4. Collapse the cravatted side:
Collapsing the tangled side by pulling
the A-risers may be effective.
5. Full stall:
A pilot who has mastered the full stall manoeuvre has an
effective method of releasing a cravat.
6. Parachute:
Throw your reserve parachute without delay if you have
lost control of your wing and you are unsure whether you have suffi-
cient height for further recovery attempts. If possible, stabilise the
wing by using opposite brake until the parachute is fully open.
Make a habit of mentally rehearsing throwing your parachute by, for
example, practising putting your hand on the parachute handle during
flight. This is useful preparation should the worst happen.
Many clubs or schools offer an opportunity to practise throwing your
reserve parachute on a zip line. The most effective practise is obvi-
ously actually throwing the parachute during an SIV/pilotage training.
Many pilots hesitate
too long to throw
their parachutes or
they fail to use it
completely. Utilising
your rescue para-
chute is preferable
to being under an
uncontrollable wing.
!
Summary of Contents for BANTAM
Page 1: ...Manual _DE _EN ...
