A-I-R ATOS Series User manual

Version 1.0, 10.6.2015
A-I-R & Co GmbH
Sesselbahnstraße 8
D-87642 Halblech-Buching
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www. A-I-R.de
ATOS-VRS LIGHT Operations Manual
Operations Manual
Page 1
The AIR-Team.
Read First - Then Fly!
Congratulations and welcome to the ATOS family! With the ATOS-VRS LIGHT you have
acquired a high-quality aircraft. In order for your ATOS-VRS LIGHT to give you the
expected fun and, above all, for you to be safe in the sky, it is essential that you study the
following operating instructions carefully. If you have any difficulties or questions, your
A.I.R. team or the nearest ATOS dealer will be happy to help and advise you at any time.

2 Transport ................................................................................................................................... 4
6.2 Flight................................................................................................................................ 12
6.3 Landing ........................................................................................................................... 13
7 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... 15
7.2.1 Spoiler Strings............................................................................................................. 15
7.2.2 Spoiler Stops............................................................................................................... 15
7.2.3 Variable Tail (optional) ............................................................................................... 16
7.3.2 Spoiler Rope, Stops ................................................................................................... 16
7.3.4 Pulleys... ..................................................................................................................... 16
7.2 Adjusting the controls. ....................................................................................................... 15
7.3 Maintenance Intervals ........................................................................................................ 16
7.3.1 Connecting the Spoiler Cables ............ ...................................................................... 16
7.3.3 Control Cables .............................................................................................................. 16
7.1 General information on maintenance and servicing............ .................................................... 15
6.6 Motorized flying.... ............................................................................................................ 14
6.5.1 Stall/Spin .................................................................................................................... 14
6.5.2 Tumble /Tuck................................................................................................................ 14
6.5 Flight Limitations .............................................................................................................. 14
6.4 Trim Speed..................................... ............................................................................... 13
6.2.3 Adjustable Tail (optional) ............................................................................................. 13
6.2.2 Flap Positions...... ......................................................................................................... 12
6.2.1 General....... ................................................................................................................. 12
6.1.4 Weak Link .................................................................................................................... 12
6.1.2 Winch Towing .............................................................................................................. 11
6.1.3 AeroTowing .................................................................................................................. 12
6.1 Take Off ............................................................................................................................ 11
6 Flight Characteristics ............................................................................................................... 11
5 Hang Point................................ ............................................................................................... 10
4 Disassembly. .............................................................................................................................. 9
3.2 Pre-flight check ................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Procedure .......................................................................................................................... 5
3 Assembly ..................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 By Rail........... .................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 By Car......... ...................................................................................................................... 4
1 Device description, intended use .................................................................................................... 4
Contents
7.3.6 Main Bolts & Connections ........................................................................................... 17
7.3.7 D-Spar......................................................................................................................... 17
7.3.5 Checking the ribs and rib connections ............................................................................. 16
7.3.8 Sail Tension ................................................................................................................ 17
7.3.9 Sail/Keel Connection ................................................................................................... 17
7.3.10 Connecting the Flaps .............................................................................................. 17
7.3.11 Flap Bungees ......................................................................................................... 17
7.3.12 Sail ......................................................................................................................... 18
7.3.13 Adjustable Elevator (optional) ................................................................................ 18
Page 2
6.1.1 Foot Launch ................................................................................................................. 11

8 Storing the Glider...................................................................................................................... 18
10 Disposal ................................................................................................................................... 18
9 Environment ............................................................................................................................. 18
11 Operational Limitations............................................................................................................. 19
12 Technical Specifications........................................................................................................... 19
Page 3
13 Air Sports Identification ............................................................................................................ 20

2 Transport
1 General
2.1 By Car
Page 4
The ATOS-VRS LIGHT is a class 5 rigid wing. It is a real all-rounder and is suitable for use in
competitions as well as for beginners. It is especially appropriate for lighter pilots up to a body
weight of around 165lbs. The ATOS-VRS LIGHT uses self-supporting CFRP spars to which folding
ribs are attached that hold the sail and ensure the profile of the wing. The ATOS-VRS LIGHT turns
by spoilers that are attached to the upper side of the sail. They are controlled by moving the control
bar side to side. Pitch is controlled with weight shift. To increase pitch stability, the ATOS-VRS
LIGHT is equipped with an elevator.
The carbon fiber spar is sensitive to point loads. It is important the contact surface with any rack is
as large as possible during transport. A ladder and several padded rungs is a good choice. If there
are only two contact surfaces, the rack pad should support at least 8 inches of the spar. AIR has
spar supports especially designed for roof racks. Straps to secure the glider should not be overly
tight. Just enough to keep the glider from moving. It is better to place two straps next to each other
instead of one on top of the other in order to achieve a larger contact surface here as well. Wide
straps are also better. A waterproof cover bag is recommended when the roads are wet and
especially in salty areas. If wet, the ATOS-VRS LIGHT should be dried as quickly as possible to
avoid mold stains on the sail and corrosion of the metal parts. The spars and ribs can also absorb
small amounts of moisture if they are wet for long periodsof time.

2.2 By Rail
3 Set Up
3.1 Procedure
2.) Unzip the glider bag, remove the tail wings and winglets.
3.) Connect the base tube to the downtubes.
Insert and push the plastic pin with the broad end down onto the bolt.
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1.) The ATOS-VRS LIGHT should not be laid directly on rocky surfaces, as this can lead to
pressure points and damage the carbon fiber structure. If setting up on rocky terrain, try to
place the ATOS-VRS LIGHT so that it does not rest in one spot in the middle, but rather rests
on supports at each end. The load is then distributed over 2 points. In very rough terrain, the
nose end should be placed on top of your harness.
4.) Put the ATOS-VRS LIGHT on the basetube by reaching into the hole at the nose of the spar
with one hand and guiding the control frame with the other. Make sure that the control frame
does not tilt to the side. This can damage the first rib on the spar. Be sure the wing is stable
resting on the control frame. If the glider falls over, the upper control frame bracket
connection or the basetube can be damaged.
In principle, the same principles of transport by car apply to transport by railway. Point loads on
the spar must be avoided. Strips of foam mat can be placed inside the bag to cushion the spar
from hard metal beams. The transport shells designed for car racks can also be used as cushions
for railwaytransport. Before flying, these shells can be hooked together and placed as far back as
possible on the keel inside the sail and secured there.
5.) If using two transport bags: attach the right spar, insert and secure the main bolt.
Attention: Close the linch pins and place the safety bungees under the lynch pins.
Take care not to drop the control frame as it could damage the sail, spar or rib 1. Stand behind
the control frame and first thread the flap cord into the guide on the basetube. Connect the
downtubes to the basetube using quick pins.
6.) If using two transport bags: connect the safety string from the right spar to the keel.
7.) If using two transport bags: connect the control cables, close the snap shackle and
secure the threaded quick link.
8.) Take the outer aluminum wing tubes out of the D-spar.
9.) From a wing tip, spread the wings until the keel touches the ground.
10.) Insert the GRP rod on the nose fitting into the guide on the right D-spar.
11.) Insert the connector into the metal stud, then the stud into the plastic guide

12.) Lift the right wing wing tip until the nose fitting engages. When lifting the wing, make sure that
the other wing does not slip backwards.
Page 6
13.) Secure the bolt with a safety ring.
14.) Remove the Velcro straps and wingtip bags and stretch the sail outwards
and insert the wing tube. Reach through the hole under the spoiler with the other hand and
insert the tube into the D-spar. Important: Insert the tube as far as it will go, so the triangle
mark is flush with the spar.
16.) Insert the winglet into the outer tube, making sure that the spring catches engage.
17.) Pull out the carbon shells and press onto the Velcro so the shell is connected to
Take care not to bend the spoilers - they can break!
15.) Insert the aluminum outer wing tubes (green - right, red - left). Open the sail on the wingtip
at the wing tip and D-spar
18.) Reach inside the sail from the wingtip and connect the outermost three ribs.
19.) Unfold and attach the outermost rib on the carbon fiber spar by reaching into the access holes
in the sail. Secure the outermost 4 ribs with bungees.

26.) Tension the sail carefully up to the mark on the rope. Check that the rope is correctly routed
through the block and tackle. Make sure the rope is secured in the cleat.
secured. Check that the aluminum wing outer tubes are correctly inserted up to the triangle
mark, the carbon shells are correctly positioned and the wind tip rods are still seated.
possible under sail trailing edge near the keel.
30.) Close the upper sail zipper.
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31.) Insert the flap pivot pins into the flaps, setthe flaps to the take-off position.
32.) Connect the spoiler to the spoiler lever with the bungee.
33.) Visually inspect the wing and all the control surfaces.
22.) Repeat steps 15 to 21 on the other wing.
23.) If using split bags: hook up the pulley block of the tensioning rope to the sail. 24.)
Begin to tension the sail, but only partially.
25.) Before fully tensioning the sail, check that the outer 3 ribs are still securely inserted and
27.) Connect the sail ring to the keel and use the lever to attach the other side. Make sure the
push button behind the control frame attachment is out,keeping the lever engaged.
28.) Mount the tail unit. Tighten the bolt hand-tight using the assembly wrench.
29.) Wind up the tension rope and stow it in the tail bag. Then place the bag as far as
Open the rear
edge only as far as
necey.21.) Unfold
and attach the
outermost rib on the
carbon fiber
spar.
20.) Insert the wing tip rod.
21.) Velcro the sail to the winglet.

3.2 Pre-Flight
the retaining rings on the backside of the D-spar.)
4.) Visually inspect the control cable for wear, especially around the cable pulleys.
5.) Check that the outer wing tubes are correctly inserted up to the marking triangle, remember
Page 8
The end to which the carabiner attaches must be inserted through both loops.
red - left side and green - right.
6.) Check the tail assembly, is it secure and does it move when activated?
7.) Open the zipper on the underside of the sail and check the pilot hang strap.
8.) Remove the nose cone. Check all control cables. It is important to ensure that a control cable is
not twisted with the connecting cable and that no signs of wear are visible on the cables or
pulleys. The circulating cable in particular should be carefully checked for broken strands in the
area of the central pulley on the keel.
1.) Visual check: Excessive wrinkling of the sail or a wavy trailing edge indicates an assembly
error.
2.) Check the spoiler lever for ease of movement. Check the bungee holding the lever to the spoiler.
3.) Check that the control cable runs freely. (Important: The control cable must go straight through all
34.) Close the bottom surface zipper of the sail.
35.) Pull on each side control cable to ensure each spoiler activates smoothly and fully. Check control
cable routing and that the spoilers are functioning properly.
36.) Attach the side control cables to the downtubes using quick pins and cover with the rubber tube as
a back up.
37.) Attach the nose cone. Important: The Velcro must match up to the Velcro on the sail. Check
for a tight fit.
A pre-flight check must be carfully completed after eachassembly! It is best to circle the
aircraft completely from the nose so nothing will be missed.

The spoilers should move easily and deflect 80-90°. The outer spoiler should deflect at least
70°.
The glider bags, wingtip bags, etc can be stowed in the D-spar. Doing so will give the ATOS only a
slightly rear-heavy static balance. However, it should be noted that this will change the trimming
speed (see also chapters 5 and 6.4).
4 Disassembly
Page 9
and the safety bungees must be placed around the main bolt and pushed under the lynch
pin.
14.) Place the flaps in the take-off position (see 6.1) and check whether the linkage rope shows
signs of wear. The rope must run freely in the rope pulley. Also check the return rope and the
bungee coming out of the keel for wear. The right and left flaps should have the same
deflection slightly pulled and should not touch each other in the 0° position (flaps not deflected)
and should be in contact with the keel.
Open the Velcro on the rear edge only as far as necessary and fold rib 8 (outermost rib on the
spar) through the next inner one onthe spar. Lay the ribs against the spar. Do not lay the
glider on the ribs when it is folded up.
6.) Disconnect the flap pivot pins from the flaps nect to the keel.
7.) Loosen the sail tension lever on the keel, then unhook the sail ring.
8.) Disconnect the sail tension rope from the cleat and slowly release the sail tension.
9.) Separate the sail velcro from the winglet,
10.) Unhook the 3 outermost ribs, fold in the last rib on the carbon fiber spar.
11.) Loosen the wingtip tension rod and place it in the sail parallel to the trailing edge.
12.) Slide the carbon shells onto the D-spar.
13.) Detach the winglet from the outer aluminum wing insert.
14.) Remove the wing outer tube. Check again whether the carbon shell is completely on the spar
or it may be damaged during packing.
15.) Fold the sail with ribs against the D-spar so that the flap is on the underside of
the D-spar. Attach Velcro straps.
16.) Be careful not to bend the spoiler!
Best practice is to first fold over the outer segment of the inner spoiler so that the white
sides of the spoiler come together. Then place the outer spoiler on top of the inner one.
Important: If damage to any cable is found, do not fly! A damaged cable must be replaced
before flying! Close the lower sail zipper.
9.) Check that the nose fittings are secured with lynch pins and bungees.
10.) Check the main pin lock: Check all the safety rings. All lynch pins must be closed
11.) Attach nose fairing.
12.) All push pins on the control frame must be secured with a rubber tube cover.
13.) Test the spoilers by lifting a wing or moving the control frame.
In principle, dismantling is carried out in the reverse order of assembly.
Important! It is essential to unhook the control cables from the downtubes before de-tensioning
the sail. Since the sail slides outward when you de-tension, the cables will tear the sail!
1.) Remove the nose cone.
2.) Unhook the control cables from the downtubes.
3.) Unzip the bottom surface of the sail.
4.) Unzip the upper surface of the sail and remove the tail bag.
5.) Remove the two pieces of the tail wing and place them in the tail bag along with the nose cone.

17.) Check whether the tip rod is still parallel to the trailing edge in the sail, otherwise the shell may
be damaged during further packing.
19.) Repeat steps 10.) to 19.) on the other side.
20.) For split bag transport: Loosen the rope pulleys of the tensioning mechanism on the sail and
Pull tension cord taut to prevent rollers from tangling.
21.) Remove the beta plug on the nose fitting and the plastic pin with the narrow end down
put on the metal stud.
5 Positioning the Hang Point
18.) When transporting in one cover bag, open and cover the wing. For split transport: Pull the
bag over the wingtip of the glider.
22.) Lay the left wingtip on the ground, grab the right wingtip and move it forward and upward until
the metal bolt on the nose fitting falls out of the guide.
23.) Bring the D-spars together.
24.) Put on the keel protector pad.
25.) Stow the outer wing aluminum tubes in the D-spar.
26.) For two bag transport: Unhook the control wire on the right-hand D-spar.
27.) For two bag transport: Unhook the keel connection on the right and secure.
28.) For two bag transport: Remove the right spar, then replace the main bolt.
29.) Place the glider bags over the D-spars.
30.) Turn the bar and lay it on the ground. (Caution: Pay attention to the ground. On
Page 10
to the keel.
The pilot hang point scale is located on the right side of the keel in front of the downtube connection
rocky terrain, the nose of the glider should be placed on your harness.)
31.) Detach the basetube and stow it inside theD-spar.
32.) Stow the downtubes in the padding attached to the keel protector.
33.) Put tail wings, mount and winglets in their bags.
34.) Zip closed the glider bags..