Archive for month: June, 2013
June 4/13 – Ground handling with Graham, Greg and Kiarash
Forecast called for 20 km/h steady to 10 pm which would be acceptable for flying. Graham, Greg and Kiarash all have 4 flights in their respective log books and we were hoping to add more. At 5 pm when Kiarash has arrived we had nice breeze, bit too gusty but that was to be expected 4 hrs before sunset. We started with kiting as last time Kiarash flew was in Sep 2012. He did not forget anything. I guess once you know how to kite, it is like riding bicycle – you will never forget. After 30 min wind started to pick up and becoming gustier which was quite unusual especially since the wind was coming from SW which usually guarantees great flying. Not this time. By the time Greg and Graham showed up we had gusts up to 30 km/h. We all ground handled for an hour or so. At one pont we had to sit out as it was quite gusty. I looked at the forecast again and it has changed, current conditions were going to stay till 10 pm. That was it. No chance to fly. Bummer.
Kiarash kiting
These puppies stayed in the trailer ;-(
June 3/13 – How to deploy rescue parachute
Once you have decided to deploy your rescue parachute you must follow the following sequence of operations as calmly, yet as quickly as possible:
Look at the rescue parachute deployment handle pass your thumb through the rescue parachute handle and close your fist around it open the rescue parachute outer container by pushing the handle aggressively forward to extract the rescue parachute inner container – the inner container will be attached to the release handle by 5 inch strap and will dangle under your hand aggressively swing and throw the rescue parachute inner container towards clear air pull in the D risers of your paraglider to disable it prepare yourself for the landing impact – do not use legs, stay seated and let the machine take the impact. Looking at the deployment handle is vital so that you will be certain to get hold of it on your first attempt. A second try will cost precious time.
1. Hooking the thumb through the handle is the only way that guarantees you will get hold of it, especially when flying with gloves. Practice the first two steps in the deployment procedure frequently during regular flight so that it becomes second nature. Be careful not to cause an accidental deployment.
2. Pushing the deployment handle forward allows the container to be opened progressively and completely, and to extract the rescue parachute inner container using the least possible effort.
3. An aggressive throw brings the parachute to full line extension in minimum time. The parachute must be thrown into clear air to reduce the chance of entanglement with the paraglider. If the paraglider still has forward speed in a more or less uniform direction, it is desirable to throw the parachute down and back. In the probable case that your paraglider is spinning with an asymmetric closure, throw the pod in the direction you are spinning and outwards from the center of rotation: centrifugal force will assist in getting the parachute away from you and your wing. If you are wrapped in your glider, all effort must be made to find open air before throwing. Remember that your decision to pull and throw your rescue parachute will also very much depend on your height above ground. If you are very high above ground you have time to try to regain control of your paraglider, or let it sort itself out with your pod in hand, waiting for the most favorable moment. If you are close to the ground, every millisecond is precious: act immediately. Remember that a very fast rotation can ultimately lead to your unconsciousness.
4. Pulling in the D risers, if you have enough height, will disable forward movement of your paraglider, otherwise it may have the opportunity to interfere with your parachute reducing its stability and increasing your sink rate. If you hold the Ds in one hand – always above the quick-links to be sure to do it symmetrically. If your lines are twisted – impossible to pull in the D – you can pull in as much brake lines as possible to collapse your wing; be careful to pull in both brakes symmetrically to avoid inducing your glider to spin which could be highly dangerous once your parachute has been deployed.
5. Prepare for landing by maintaining your composure and focus. Stay seated with legs as high as possible. Allow the paramotor stand, cage take the hit.
Good luck and let’s hope that you will never need this advice.
June 3/13 – Cima K 2 line plan
If you chop line on your CIMA K 2, just email me size of your glider and the line code – see below.
I will make you temporary line if you want to go back to flying ASAP.
If you are willing to wait 2 weeks, then I send you original replacement from Sky Paragliders when it arrives.
