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the start run and is airborne. Depending
on the inclination of the launch paddock it
may make sense to brake a bit in this
phase. Once airborne and at a safe
altitude the pilot slips into the seated
position in the harness
– WITHOUT
RELEASING THE BRAKE HANDLES. If
this is not possible then the pilot may hold
both handles in one hand whilst assisting
the seating with the other.
Speed control
Using the brakes
The UP Kibo has a wide useable speed
range, coupled with excellent stability at all
speeds. The speed can be set with the
brakes to optimise performance in any
situation.
Maximum glide speed is achieved with the
brakes released completely, whereas
minimum sink speed is with approximately
10-15 cm of brake applied. Further braking
will not improve the sink rate, but the
brake pressure increases noticeably as
the glider reaches minimum speed.
BEWARE!
Flying close to the
stall point is very dangerous
and should be avoided. At
speeds below minimum sink
the danger of entering an
unintentional stall or spin is
increased dramatically.
Using the Speed System
The UP Kibo is equipped with a very
efficient speed system, working over a foot
stirrup as usual. By engaging the speed
system the true air speed may be
increased by around 11 to 13 km/h. Being
familiar with the use of the speed system
is an important skill to have in paragliding.
The speed system should be used when
you are flying through sinking air, when
trying to achieve best glide in a
headwind, or trying to cover the
ground as quickly as possible. But it is
important to remember that the glider
will be more susceptible to collapses at
high speeds, so the speed system
should not be used in extreme
turbulence. If a collapse occurs with
the speed system applied then it
should be released immediately. Some
warning of an imminent collapse is
afforded by the tension felt in the
speed system; should the tension
suddenly reduce then the stirrup
should be released and the glider
returned to normal trim speed.
BEWARE!
All
extreme
flight situations, such as
collapses,
happen
more dramatically at
increased
speed.
Therefore
the
speed
system
should
not
be
operated near the ground or
in noticeable turbulence.
Turning
The UP Kibo has been developed to
meet the demands of intermediate
pilots. The brakes have been designed
so that the first 15 to 20 cm of travel
will cause a soft and direct turning,
whereas larger movements will give
the glider an agile and nimble feel.
Brake input and amount of weight shift
induced will define the radius and bank
angle on the UP Kibo, and will allow it
to be controlled with ease. Using
weight shift in combination with brake
input will result in flat turns with
minimum height loss and is in fact
always the most efficient control
method. The radius of the turn is then
controlled with the brake line whereas
