Axis VENUS SC Manual

PILOT ´ S
M A NU A L
VERSION 1 . 1
VENUS SC VERSION 1 . 1 ISSUED
31 . 08 . 21
VENUS SC
PARAGLIDERS

CONTENTS
Introduction
Preflight
Pre-delivery inspection
Brake-line lengths
Weight range
Pre-flight safety
Flying the Venus SC
Normal flight
Pre-flight inspection
Launch
Flight
Landing
Losing altitude
Big ears
B-line stall
Spiral dive
Dealing with turbulence
Asymmetric collapse
Symmetric collapse
Deep stall
Full stall
Negative spin
Care, maintenance and repairs
Ground-handling
UV damage
Storage
Repairs
Technical details
Certification
Technical data
Line plan
Specification of materials
About Axis
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THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME
TO READ THIS BOOKLET

INTRODUCTION1 .
When setting out to design our cross - country glider we had a clear target :
we wanted to create the best paraglider possible for experienced and cross -
country pilots . Pilots who want top performance and sensitive handling , but
who rightly demand security .
The Venus SC has evolved from our highly successful competition glider the
Mercury Sport and shows the same friendly handling that made the Mercury
such a popular glider choice with both cross - country and competition pilots .
The Venus SC is a 3 - line concept .
The combination of unsheathed Liros Dyneema and Cousin Vectraline give
the Venus SC an impressive reduction in drag when compared to the Venus
III with consequent increase in speed and glide .
Performance is at the top of the EN C , LTF C class .
With an internal structure based on the successful Mercury Sport
competition glider the Venus SC includes our unique differential speed
system . This means pilots can achieve a good sink - rate at half or one - third
speed bar and maintain good stability at maximum speed : in short , it gives
the glider excellent usable speed .
The Venus SC is a performance glider ( EN - C ) and is meant for qualified
pilots who hold a full paragliding pilot license . It is designed as an ideal
cross - country glider , suitable for very experienced pilots who fly regularly
and who will enjoy a performance glider with good safety characteristics .
This manual provides information about the glider , which will help you to fly
safely and keep your wing in good condition . If after reading this manual
you have any further questions , please don ’ t hesitate to contact us or any
authorized Axis dealer .
S A ETY NOTICE
By the purchase of this equipment , you are responsible for being a certified
paragliderpilot and you accept all risks inherent with paragliding activities
including injury anddeath . Improper use or misuse of paragliding equipment
greatly increases these risks . Neither Axis nor the seller of Axis equipment
shall be held liable for personal or third - party injuries ordamages under any
circumstances . If any aspect of the use of our equipment remains unclear ,
please contact your localparagliding instructor , Axis dealer or the Axis
importer in your country .
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE VENUS FROM AXIS.
www.axispara.cz

2 . PRE LIGHT
May lead to fatigue from flying with your hands in an unnatural position
May impede recovery from certain maneuvers
Will certainly reduce your glider ' s speed range .
Reduce pilot control during launch
Reduce control in extreme flying situations
Make it difficult to execute a good flare when landing .
PRE - DELIVERY INSPECTION
The Venus SC is delivered with a rucksack , inner bag , compression strap and
this manual . The dealer or your instructor should have made a test inflation
and test flight before delivery to you .
Trimmers
Venus SC is delivered without trimmers .
Brake-line length
When you receive your new Venus SC , the brake - line length is set the same
as the Axis test glider . This length has been finely tuned by Axis test pilots
and it should not be necessary to adjust it .
If you feel it is necessary to adjust the brake - line length to suit physical
build , height of harness hang points , or style of flying we recommend you
test - fly the glider after every 20mm of adjustment .
There should always be free brake travel when the glider is flown hands - up .
This means when you look at your brake lines in flight with your hands up ,
there should be a slight bow , or arc , to the line – the brake lines should not
be tight . This is to prevent the brakes being applied when the speed - system
is used .
Brake lines that are too short:
Brake lines that are too long will:
Each break line should be tied securely to its control handle with a suitable
knot .
Break line travel at maximum weight in flight :
max . weight in flight max . weight in flight max . weight in flight
up to 80 kg 80 to 100 kg greater than 100 kg
approximately constantapproximately constant greater than 55 cm greater than 60 cm greater than 65 cm

Have the appropriate practical and theoretical training
Have the required license and insurance
Be fit to fly and unaffected by stress or drugs
Wear a suitable helmet
Use a suitable harness and emergency parachute
Make a thorough pre - flight check .
Carabiners on risers are closed and / or tightened
Cell openings are free of obstructions
Lines are free of tangles or knots
No twigs , grass or other objects are tangled in the lines
Risers are correctly connected
Brake lines run freely through the pulleys
Knots on brake handles are secure
Carabiners on risers are closed and / or tightened
Other adjustments or changes to your Venus SC lead to a loss of guarantee ,
airworthiness and validity of the certification and may endanger both
yourself and others .
If you have any suggestions on improvements let us know and our test pilots
will try out your ideas in a controlled situation .
WEIGHT R A NGE
The Venus SC must only be flown within the certified weight range as shown
in this manual . The weight range quoted is the total in - flight weight which
includes pilot , glider , harness , clothing and accessories .
PRE - LIGHT S A ETY
Before flying this glider , you should :
3 . LYING THE VENUS SC
We recommend you practice inflating your glider before flying it and make
your first flights in gentle conditions on a familiar flying site .
A. Normal flight
Pre-flight check
A proper pre - flight check is essential for safe flying .
Before launch lay the glider out into a slight arc and check that :
greater than 55 cm greater than 60 cm greater than 65 cm

Launch
The key to successful launching is to practice ground - handling on flat
ground as often as possible . The Venus SC inflates easily and steadily using
forward or reverse launch techniques . There is no tendency to overshoot the
pilot . To forward ( alpine ) launch in light or nil wind there is no need to pull
the risers hard . Allow the glider to stabilize overhead and run positively
forward checking the canopy is fully inflated and clear of any knots or
tangles . Reverse launching is recommended in strong wind .
Flight
The best glide speed in calm air is achieved in the hands - up position . The
best sink rate is produced with both brake lines drawn down equally to
about 20 % of their range .
Turning
The handling characteristics of the Venus SC require no special or non -
standard procedures . Brake pressure is progressive . This gives a responsive
and sporty feel to the handling . In an emergency ( e . g . a broken brake line )
the Venus SC can be maneuvered by steering carefully with the rear risers or
by weight shift .
Using the speed system
The speed system on the Venus SC comes supplied with Brummel hooks
ready to attach to your own speed bar of choice . When you have done this ,
check the speed system runs smoothly by hanging in your harness before
flying .
In particular check that the speed system won ’ t be engaged when in normal
flight . Unnecessary knots and loops in a speed system are not
recommended .
Maximum useable speed is one of the strong points of Axis paragliders and
the Venus SC is no exception . However , in spite of this exceptional stability ,
any collapse at full speed will be more severe than the same event
experienced at trim speed . Always keep both hands on the controls when
flying fast and be ready to release the speed system immediately at the first
sign of a collapse . Use the speed system carefully when flying close to the
ground or the terrain .
Landing
On your first flights you may be surprised at how well the Venus SC glides .
Take account of this when making your landing approach and give yourself
the opportunity for S - turns or a longer approach than you might be used to .
For a normal , into - wind landing evenly pull the brakes all the way down
when you are about one meter from the ground . Under nil - wind conditions ,
or if you are forced to make an emergency downwind landing , a wrap on
each brake will allow you to make a stronger flare .
greater than 55 cm greater than 60 cm greater than 65 cm

Big ears
B - line stall
Spiral dive
B . LOSING A LTITUDE
Most pilots will , at some time , want to lose height . This may be because of a
change in the weather , you are at cloud base and don ’ t want to go any
higher , or simply because you want to finish your flight quickly .
Ideally , the best way to lose height is to find an area of sink and stay in it .
This way you can fly normally to the ground . However , if there is no sink , or if
you are in strong lift and want to go down , a rapid descent method may be
needed .
There are three main rapid descent methods :
Each of these descent methods places extra , different stresses on gliders
and should be avoided if you want to extend the life of the glider .
It is important these maneuvers are initially practiced under qualified
supervision and preferably during a safety training course .
Big ears
This is the easiest and safest technique for descent while maintaining
forward speed . Depending on how much of the wingtip you deflate , 3m / s to
6m / s sink rate can be achieved . While in big ears your forward speed can be
increased by using the speed system .
The Venus SC can be steered with big ears in by weight - shift alone .
Initiation: Reach up as high as possible andtake hold of the outer A - line on
each side of the glider . Pull one in first , maintain direction , and then pull in
the second . Hold them in firmly . Make sure the lines are pulled down
equally on each side and your big ears are even .
Recovery: Under normal circumstances the ears will stay in until you
pressurize the glider by slightly pumping the brakes .
This is an effective way of making a rapid descent but doesn ’ t allow any
forward speed .
Initiation: Take hold of the B - risers just below the maillons and smoothly
pull them down , twisting your hands until the canopy shows a span - wise
crease at the B - line attachment points . It is difficult to pull at first but
becomes easier as the aerofoil creases . Your sink rate will increase while
your forward speed will reduce to practically zero . Don ’ t release the lines
immediately - the glider should be left to settle before releasing .
greater than 55 cm greater than 60 cm greater than 65 cm
B-line stall

Recovery: Let go of the risers smoothly but determinedly and symmetrically .
The Venus SC automatically returns to normal flight without any deep stall
tendencies but may dive slightly forward . If the risers are released slowly
and very unevenly the glider could start to spin .
Spiral dive
The spiral dive is the most effective way of making a fast descent . During the
spiral dive the pilot and glider will experience strong centrifugal forces
which strain the glider . As such it should be considered an extreme
maneuver .
Initiation: Weight shift and smoothly pull on one brake so the glider goes
from a normal 360 - degree turn into a steep turn and from there into a spiral
dive . Once established in the spiral the descent rate and bank angle can be
controlled with weight shift and the outer brake .
Recovery: The Venus SC should recover from a spiral spontaneously as soon
as the brakes are released , and weight shift returns to neutral . To exit allow
the spiral to slow for a turn or two by applying outer brake and weight shift
then release smoothly . Always finish a spiral dive at a safe altitude .
Important notice!: A pilot who is dehydrated and / or not accustomed to
spiraling can lose consciousness in steep spiral dive ! | As with all types of
aircraft , we advise to assist the glider to exit from spiral dive in a controlled
manner . Due to its long lines the VENUS SC can generate extremely high G -
force in spiral dive . You should use only moderate spirals so as not to put
unnecessary load on you and your lines .
C . LYING IN TURBULENT CONDITION
Deflations can occur when flying in turbulence but in most situations the
Venus SC will stabilize without pilot input . Flying with a little brake applied
equally will help to prevent deflations and allow you to experience more
direct feedback .
Active flying will help avoid deflations . The aim is to keep the glider above
your head in all situations by responding correctly to the glider ' s movements
by using the brakes and weight shift .
It is important these maneuvers are initially practiced under qualified
supervision and preferably during a safety training course .
greater than 55 cm

Asymmetric collapse
The Venus SC will normally re - inflate after an asymmetric collapse without
input from the pilot , but the wing will turn towards the collapsed side . You
should always maintain course and direction by weight - shifting away from
the collapsed side . This can be reinforced by applying a small amount of
brake on the opposite side to the deflation . If the collapse stays in , the
collapsed side can be re - inflated by pumping the brake on the collapsed
side in a firm and smooth manner .
If you experience a big collapse while accelerated the canopy will fall
behind , you due to the difference in inertia between you and the canopy .
You must wait until your pendulum back under the canopy before dealing
with the deflation . Reacting too early can risk stalling the glider completely .
Release the speed - bar immediately if you have a big collapse during
accelerated flight and , while keeping weight shift neutral , apply slight brake
to the open side . Let the glider enter a turn if space allows in order to avoid
a spin or stall .
Symmetric collapse
A symmetric , or frontal , collapse will normally reopen without any pilot
input . The Venus SC will regain airspeed with a surge . Be careful not to
brake while the glider is behind you as this could induce a stall .
Deep stall
The Venus SC has no tendency to either get into , or stay in , a deep stall . If
the glider does enter a deep stall , accelerate the glider out of the deep stall
by either pushing on the A - risers or by using the speed bar . Never try to
steer out of a deep stall . A wet glider has a higher tendency to deep stall , so
if you pass through rain accelerate a little and avoid using big ears until the
glider is dry .
Full stall
This is an extreme maneuver that should rarely , if ever , be required . To
induce a full stall , take one or two wraps of the brake lines and pull both of
them down smoothly . Hold them down , locking your arms under your seat
until the canopy falls behind you and deforms into a characteristic crescent
shape . In a stable full stall , the canopy will oscillate back and forth . Be
careful not to release the brakes prematurely or asymmetrically .
The Venus SC recovers from a full stall automatically after the brakes are
released . During correct recovery , where the brakes are let up a little to
allow air to enter the glider prior to being released when the glider is in
front of you , the Venus SC may surge slightly in front of the pilot .
If the brakes are released prematurely or too quickly there is a possible
tendency for the glider to surge strongly . This can be corrected by
simultaneous equal braking on both sides . Be careful not to release the
brakes asymmetrically as this can cause a large asymmetric collapse
followed by a tendency to enter a spin .
greater than 55 cm

Negative spin
Should a spin occur the Venus SC is capable of recovering automatically
when the brakes are released . As the glider surges forward slow it down with
the brakes to avoid the possibility of an asymmetric collapse . Always wait for
the glider to be in front of you or above you - never brake while it is behind
you as this can risk a stall .
Procedure for steering in case of failure of primary controls
Should you find yourself in the situation where the brake handles are
unusable the Venus SC can be steered with weight shift or by gently pulling
down on the rear risers . You should reattach both brake handles to the risers
hold the rear risers in each hand and steer using weight shift and the
appropriate C riser . It is important to remember that the effective travel of
the C - line for steering is much shorter than with the brakes .
Remember: A wrong maneuver at the wrong time may change a
straightforward situation into a dangerous problem . Extreme
maneuvers also expose your glider to forces which may damage it .
Practice these techniques under adequate supervision preferably
during a safety training course .
There are no any special flying procedures or configuration needed for this
Venus SC . Venus SC is designed for single seat flying and should not be used
for tandem flying !
Tow launch
The Venus SC is suitable for towing by pilots who have the relevant towing
rating . The Venus SC has no tendencies towards deep stall / parachuting .
There is sufficient margin to counter steer the glider in a normal towing
situation .
Make sure you use proper equipment , experienced personnel , the
recommended techniques and all relevant safety precautions for towing .
Motorized flight
The Venus S is not certified for motorized flight . Our current range of gliders
suitable for paramotoring can be found in the paramotoring section on
www.axispara.cz .
greater than 55 cm