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Landing
Similarly to the take-off, the Queen 3 landing characteristics are
easy. In turbulent conditions it is advisable to apply about 15% of
brake input, to increase stability and the feeling of the glider.
Before landing, adopt the standing position as this is the most
effective and the safest way to compensate the touch down with
your legs. Again we recommend training the landing manoeuvre,
as it might be useful to be able to land in small places, especially
in an unknown cross country terrain. Learn to evaluate the wind
direction by observing the signs on the ground and also your drift
while making turns. This is useful for cross country flying, when
landing outside of your usual landing field. Another advice we
suggest taking into account in stronger winds is to go higher for
the landing fields and thus assuring that you reach them. Likewise,
always look for possible alternatives downwind.
Maintenance
General advice
Careful maintenance of your glider and the following simple
guidelines will ensure a much longer airworthiness and performance
of your wing:
• Pack your glider after you land and do not unnecessarily expose
it to UV radiation by leaving it on the landing site unpacked.
The sun UV radiation degrades the cloth and line materials.
• Fold your glider like recommended under”packing instructions”.
• If the glider is damp or wet when you pack it, partially unfold it
at home to allow it to dry. Do not dry it in direct sunlight.
• Avoid exposing the glider to violent shocks, such as the leading
edge hitting the ground.
• Avoid dragging the glider on the ground or through rocky terrain
as you might damage the lines or canopy.
• Avoid stepping on the lines or canopy, especially when they
are lying on a hard surface.
• Avoid exposing the glider to salt water, as it damages the lines
and the canopy material (wash with fresh water).
• Avoid bending your lines, especially in a small radius.
• Avoid opening your glider in strong winds without first untangling
the lines.
• In general, avoid exposing your glider to very hot or humid
environments, UV radiation or chemicals.
Packing instructions
It is important to correctly pack your glider as this prolongs its
lifespan. We recommend that you fold the glider like an accordion,
neatly aligning each cell profile with the next one and laying the
leading edge reinforcements side by side. The wing should then be
folded in three or two folds. The wing should be packed as loosely
as possible. While packing be careful not to trap any grasshoppers
inside your canopy as they will tear the canopy cloth. Adhering to
these simple rules will make your glider last longer and ensure its
best performance.
Storage
Correctly packed, store your glider in a dry place at room
temperature. The glider should not be stored damp, wet, sandy, salty
or with objects inside the cells of the glider. Keep your equipment
away from any chemicals.
Cleaning
If necessary always clean your glider with fresh water and a cloth
only, without using any cleaning chemicals. This includes the lines
and canopy. More importantly, always remove any stones or sand
from the canopy as they will gradually damage the material and
reduce the glider’s lifespan.
Repair
To repair small damages (less than 5cm) on the canopy, you can
use the rip stop tape. Greater damages, including stitches and
lines, must be repaired by a qualified repair shop. Damaged lines
should be replaced by a Triple Seven dealer. When replacing a line
it should always be compared with the counterpart for adjusting
the appropriate length. After replacing a line, the wing should be
inflated before flying, to ensure that everything was done correctly.
Major repairs, such as replacing panels, should only be carried
out by a Triple Seven distributor or Triple Seven. If you are unsure
about the damage or in any doubt please contact Triple Seven.
Checks and control
To ensure the wing’s airworthiness the Queen 3 should be
periodically serviced and checked to guarantee that it continues
to fulfil the EN certification results, and to extend your glider’s
life span. We recommend a line check and trim inspection every
100 hours or 12 months, depending on what happens first. After
that, the glider needs to be fully checked after 150 hours or 24
months of usage, whichever comes first. This inspection includes
checking the suspension lines, line geometry, riser geometry and
the permeability of the canopy material. A certified inspector can
then define the check interval depending on the glider’s condition.
Please note that the condition of the glider can vary considerably
depending on the type of usage and environment. Salty coastal
air or dunes will considerably affect your wing’s material. For more
information please visit our website.
