SKY PARAGLIDERS ARGOS L, User Manual

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TAKE-OFF, FLIGHT AND FLYING 

TECHNIQUES

ARGOS can be fl own conventionally. However there are several points listed 

below which should allow you to familiarize yourself with your new paraglider 

more quickly. 

1) Checking the paraglider before take-off



  Lastly, check that the brake handles are correctly attached and that each 

line runs freely in its pulley.



  Check the sail for damages to surface, internal structure (ribs, diagonals) 

and seams. 



  Check that the lines are not damaged or tangled. 



  Check that the quick links which connect the lines to the risers are 

undamaged and tightened correctly. 



  Check that the risers are not damaged or twisted. 



  Check that the speed system works freely and that the lines are long 

enough to ensure that the speed system is not permanently on. 



  Lastly, check that the brake handles are correctly attached and that each 

line runs freely in its pulley. 

2) Take-off

Lay the paraglider out with the leading edge in a horseshoe shape. Hold 

the A risers close to the quick links and move forward until the lines get 

stretched. You should now be perfectly centered with your wing. With no 

wind or light headwind, with lines stretched ARGOS infl ates rapidly and 

rises over your head with some dynamic steps. We recommend that you 

do not pull risers too forward or down, which could cause a collapse of 

the leading edge, but simply follow them until your glider reaches its 

angle of fl ight. It is important that the gravity center of your body stays in 

front of your feet during the rise of the glider to constantly load the risers. 

A controlled infl ation allows you to check the wings and lines during the last 

phase as it comes up and thus avoids the need to use brakes. Depending 

on the wind conditions or the slope an adequate use of brakes can help you 

to take-off more quickly.

3) Landing

Because of the exceptional glide, high caution is recommended in the 

stages of approaching and landing. ARGOS is an agile glider, any action on 

the brakes may cause signifi cant reactions. It is therefore recommended to 

execute the fi rst fl ights in a familiar environment and under easy conditions. 

With negative steering there is more time for the maneuvers to be performed 

steadily, which results in reducing the pendulum movements of the 

paraglider.

Reminder:

 Negative steering involves applying the brakes symmetrically by 

about 30% of the maximum range to slow the paraglider and a simultaneous 

turning by means of releasing the outside brake. Speeding up just prior to 

landing allows a more effective fl are and therefore a gentler landing. 

4) Turning

 ARGOS was designed to perform well in turns and will core the thermals 

even without active piloting. Negative steering (see above), on the one hand 

slows the paraglider in certain phases of the fl ight and on the other hand 

reduces excessive rolling during turn reversals. It is not only designed to 

turn (with approx. 30% brake) but also to fl y slowly in order to help identify 

the areas of lift and to keep the paraglider fl atter to minimize the sink rate in 

a turn (with 15% brake). 

 Symmetrical brake-input at 20-30 % enables you to keep your wing under 

control – to brake further when pitching and to release when the canopy 

banks up. 

5) Rapid Descent Techniques

In order to descend, the paraglider must be moved away from the areas of 

lift. In case any diffi culties occur, the following techniques might be used to 

increase the sink rate. 

Big Ears



  Pull in the outside A lines until the wingtips fold back on themselves. 



  It is recommended to fold the wingtips separately and not at the same time.



  Keep the lines taut to stop the wingtips from reopening.



  Depending on the size of big ears, the sink rate can increase up to 3–4 m/s.

As soon as the lines are released, the paraglider should spontaneously reopen. 

However, you can speed up the reopening by „pumping“ the brakes. When 

pumping the brakes it is recommended that one side of the paraglider be 

opened after the other. Pulling both brakes simultaneously can result in a stall.

Spiral Drive

ARGOS is a maneuverable wing that responds to any input easily. To initiate 

the spiral apply one brake progressively to about 35% and hold it in its 

position. The speed of rotation will increase progressively as well as the 

pressure on the brake and the centrifugal force that is perceived. The angle 

or the speed of rotation can be decreased or increased by releasing or 

pulling the brake by several centimeters.

Once mastered, the spiral allows you to descend by more than 10 m/s. 

Movements which are extremely abrupt or badly synchronized, or a very quick 

initiation of the spiral can result in an asymmetrical collapse or a spin. 

CAUTION:

 A deep spiral is a demanding maneuver. The kinetic energy 

obtained must be reduced by slow releasing the inside brake. 

B-line Stall

Grasp the B risers at the quick links and pull them down symmetrically. 

The paraglider will drop backwards before entering in a parachutal stall 

stabilizing overhead. The descent rate increases to 6 - 8 m/s. In order 

to release the B-line stall raise both hands together in a single quick 

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