Dudek Colt 23 S User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction .......................................................................................3
2. The wing................................................................................................4
For whom the Colt
THE PROJECT
DESIGN
CLOTH
RIGGING
RISERS
SPEED SYSTEM
WHICH HARNESS
3. Flight.....................................................................................................9
PRE-FLIGHT CHECK
LAUNCH
TURNS
THERMALLING AND SOARING
FLYING WITH SPEED SYSTEM ENGAGED
LANDING
WINCHING AND MOTOPARAGLIDING
RAPID DESCENDS
AEROBATICS
WINGOVER
EXTREME FLYING MANOEUVRES
4. Canopy care........................................................................................17
STORAGE
CLEANING
REPAIRS
INSPECTIONS
DETERIORATION: A FEW TIPS!
5. Technical data.....................................................................................19
6. Warranty, AeroCasco..........................................................................20
7. What have you bought........................................................................22
8. Rigging scheme...................................................................................23
9.Risers:designandaccessories.........................................................25
Page

NOTE!
Please read this manual before your first flight

1. INTRODUCTION
CONGRATULATIONS!
We are pleased to welcome you among constantly growing number of
Dudek Paragliders pilots. You've become yet another proud owner of a
cross-country / sport state-of-the-art paraglider. Extensive development, use
of most modern engineering methods and thorough testing resulted in a user
friendly paraglider which provides good performance without neglecting the
very fun of flying.
We wish you a lot of safe and enjoyable airtime with it.
DISCLAIMER
Please read this manual carefully and note following details:
+Purpose of this manual is to offer guidelines for pilots using Dudek
wing. By no means it is intended to be used as a training handbook for
this or any other paraglider in general.
+You may only fly a paraglider when qualified to do so or when
undergoing training by an accredited School or Instructor.
+Pilots are responsible for their own safety and their paraglider's
airworthiness.
+Use of this paraglider is solely at the user's own risk! Manufacturer and
distributor do not accept any liability.
+This paraglider on delivery meets all requirements of the EN-926/1 and
926/2 norms or is certified as airworthy by the manufacturer.Any
alterations to the paraglider will render its certification invalid.
Note
Due to constant perfecting of our designs it is possible that actual paraglider
can slightly differ from the one described in manual. In case of any doubts
please contact us.
3
USER MANUAL

2. ABOUT THE WING
For whom the Colt?
Colt is an EN C category wing with aspect ratio of 5,9 (59 cells). Since it was
designed for actively flying pilots, it is perfectly suited for cross-country
paragliding (competitions included).
THE PROJECT
Three-row canopy with rigid cores (Dudek FlexiEdge technology) capitalizes
on recent knowledge gained while testing three- and two-liner competition
protos. Moreover, the Colt itself was already flown during Polish
Championships with good results. The aspect ratio was carefully calculated
in order to make full advantage of new technologies while retaining optimal
proportion of passive safety and performance, definitely one of the best in
this class.
With great care our experiences with reflex profile have been utilized too. The
airfoil of the Colt has some reflex traits, cautiously applied in regard to
paraglider's class, typical use and flight characteristics.
Inner reinforcements, structural cores and mini-ribs perfectly shape and
stabilize the high-lift aerofoil. Well thought-out three-row rigging markedly
decreases drag, thus enhancing overall performance. Mini-ribs on the trailing
edge keep it slim and decrease ballooning, radically improving the airflow. All
these combined solutions result in glide ratio realistic until now only for high
aspect-ratio competition wings, accompanied by high speed and stability on
speedbar. Colt is obedient and easy to turn - a very important feature, since
coupled with low sink rate it will help you survive in weak and broken lift.
Overall characteristic, agility and nimbleness reminded us of a young, playful
horse, so choosing the name was easy :)
As in other our paragliders, the risers of the Colt constitute a complete,
comfortable and carefully thought out 'control panel', based on narrow
(aramid) risers of 12 mm. Soft steering handles featuring neodymium
magnets, coupled with ball-bearing SmartPulleys in speed system, will be
appreciated on long cross-country flights, for which the Colt was created.
We are sure the Colt is one of the best canopies in its class.
DESIGN
Canopy was designed in our CSG (Canopy Shape Guard)
system, comprising a number of elements resulting in
exceptional coherence and stability of the shape. Below
you will find a short description of CSG subsystems.
4

Colt has an elliptic shape with slightly back-swept wingtips. The canopy is
made of doubled cells, with ribs supported by VSS (V-Shaped Supports)
system. Such design guarantees that the canopy stays rigid, the upper
surface is smooth with correctly reproduced aerofoil, and what is most
important we have fewer suspension points (thus reducing overall lines'
length and drag).
Inside the canopy there is RSS (Reinforcing Strap System) applied on the
lower surface. RSS is a ballooning-independent reinforcement system made
entirely of paragliding fabric, stiffening and stabilizing the canopy.
The aerofoil was perfected with DOA technology
(Dudek Optimized Airfoil). It merges all our experiences
stemming from previous designs and as a special
feature is optimized with dedicated CFD engineering
software.
The suspension points areas are additionally reinforced with laminated fabric
so that loads are equally distributed on three planes: vertically (with the ribs),
diagonally (with VSS system) and level through RSS.
All crossports have been prepared with application of OCD (Optimised
Crossports Design). Carefully designed shapes of the openings and their
optimal placement between stress lines guarantee efficient pressure
distribution in the canopy and its quick inflation. These openings are scaled
together with the ribs, so that their replicability is flawless and they do not
disturb the aerofoil in any way.
Another feature of the Colt is the Flexi-Egde
technology. The leading edge is closed to the
airflow, and its precise shape is kept with laminated
cloth reinforcements, incorporating synthetic rods.
The rods make the leading edge stiffer and
smoother, bringing improvements in many areas - from easier inflation,
through stiffening the canopy in flight to improved general airflow.
The intakes are located on the undersurface in the vicinity of leading edge.
Their position was chosen very carefully, so that they got maximum ram
effect in possibly many flight situations.
The wing tips additionally feature ACS (Auto
Cleaning Slots) – as the name suggests, these are
dedicated openings automatically removing dirt from
inside the canopy.
Careful selection of modern fabrics and design solutions brings about great
strength and durability of the Colt. All materials used come from marked
production batches, and each production step can be verified down to
identification of specific worker and controller.
5
USER MANUAL

Colt is manufactured under new technology,
utilizing precision of the laser cutter. All stages of
production process take place in Poland under
strict supervision of the designer himself, thus
ensuring highest European quality.
CLOTH
Each kind of cloth has its own special qualitites. We merged them so that
they blend into a perfect composition.
The upper surface is made of 38-gram Dominico
Tex cloth. Basically it's a nylon material, covered
with PU impregnate. Such covered fabric is not
very stiff and - what's most important - has
increased tear, stretch and UV resistance. It is
not siliconised, so minor repairs can be easily made with self-adhesive
strips.
Lower surface is made of 34-gram Dominico Tex cloth, contributing to low
weight of the canopy. The ribs must be as rigid and stretch-resistant
as possible. We found these qualities in Porcher
Hard Finish cloth with E29A impregnate (40
g/m2). All suspension points and leading edge reinforcements are made of
SR-Scrim fabric.
RIGGING
All of the Colt lines are unsheathed. Due to low number of the lines we made
sure they are strong enough by using Technora cores, featuring high
strength and stretch-resistance.
The rigging system consists of individual lines
looped and stitched at each end.
The upper level lines start at the attachment points. Cascade-wise they are
joined to main suspension lines, either directly or via middle layer lines. Main
lines are attached to the risers with triangular quick links (maillons). To
prevent their slipping off, the lines are kept together with a rubber 'O ring'
twisted in eight. All maillons are made of corrosion resistant, polished
stainless steel, ensuring excellent strength and
durability. We use only the best quality, certified
maillons by Peguet.
Stabilo lines run from the outer suspension points to
6

7
the maillons through consecutive cascades as well. The same story goes
for the steering lines. They run from the trailing edge through several layers
to the main lines, which are lead through the pulleys connected to the rear
risers and then fixed to the brake handles. Steering lines do not carry any
load.
RISERS
Colt features three-way risers, equipped with:
+ELR (Easy Launch Riser). This is a specially markedA
riser (yellow ribbon)
+speed-system affectingA and B risers when engaged.
For quick and easy recognition some of the risers are distinguished with
coloured band as follows:
A - yellow (used during launch),
B - red (used for B-stall)
C - grey (needed to keep the glider down in strong wind - aborted launch)
Main A row suspension lines connect to an A riser (yellow) and A'. B row
and stabiliser lines go to B riser (red) and C lines to C’ and C riser (grey) as
well as steering lines (through their pulleys).
Brake handles are attached to the steering lines at optimal point,
guaranteeing safe and effective operation. It is marked black on the main
brake line and this setting should not be changed. Fixing brake handles
above that point causes permanent braking of the paraglider which can
easily lead to an accident. Overly long brake lines are not advised either, as
total lack of strain can prove dangerous in some situations.
Our newest SCT steering handle used in Colt, besides its attractive, light
design, features:
+soft neoprene cover,
+a swivel to prevent possible twisting of the steering
line,
+EK (Easy Keeper) system.
SPEED SYSTEM
The heart of speed system is a line sewn into A riser, running through two
pulleys and finished with a loop holding small hook. There you attach the
speed bar line. In normal flight all risers have an overall length of 510 mm.
Speed system affects risersA (with A') and B. When the bar is being pushed,
USER MANUAL

8
A and B + C’ risers are gradually shortened. C-riser retains its original
dimensions.
CAUTION: An improperly adjusted speed system renders the
certification invalid!
Speed system adjustment
Most of modern harnesses are equipped with special speed system pulleys
and sometimes even its own integrated speedbar. If it's not the case, first
you need to have some pulleys attached (at best sewn into harness) in such
a way that will allow the pilot maximize the output of his/her legs with correct
power vector, without effect of pushing the harness back.
The speed system cord must be firmly attached (with bowline or other non-
slipping knot) to the speed bar. The other end of the cord must be ran
upward through the harness pulleys, to be finished with hooks or small
carabiners. Overall length of speed system cord should allow pilot to put
his/her feet easily into the bar when in flight, and yet should be short enough
to cover the full speed range.
Make sure that both cords on the speed bar are equal, as even slight
difference can result in constant turning of the paraglider. Test your speed
system thoroughly on the ground before flying with it!
The maximum action is reached when speed system pulleys touch.
Speed system operation
Before take-off attach paraglider risers to the harness with main carabiners.
Then connect speed system cords with hooks or quick-links. Before
launching make sure that speed system is not tangled and runs freely.
To use the speed system simply place your feet on the speed bar and push
forward in a horizontal plane. If you notice loss of pressure on the bar, it can
be a sign of imminent frontal collapse. In this case release the bar
immediately. Watch out for such things - quick wits can spare you most
collapses and in general you will increase your awareness of the air around
you.
Speed system operation diminishes your paraglider's angle of attack, so that
its airspeed is increased. Yet simultaneously canopy becomes less stable -
that's why you should avoid using speedsystem in turbulent conditions,
close to the ground or near other airspace users!
Do not use speed system during extreme manoeuvres! If the canopy does
collapse, release the speed bar immediately and correct the situation as
usual.

9
WHICH HARNESS?
You can use any certified harness with hang point between 35 cm and 49
cm from the seat (the safest distance being 40 cm).
Width between carabiners should be somewhere between 37 cm and 45
cm, still in this case the best option is 40 cm too.
Please note that any modification of seat/hang point distance changes the
position of the brakes in relation to the pilot's body. You must remember that
in each harness your typical steering range will be different.
CAUTION! Too tight cross straps can dramatically affect the handling,
so tightening them actually may not contribute to higher safety. Have
them always tightened just the correct amount.
3. FLIGHT
PRE-FLIGHT CHECK
A thorough pre-flight check is essential for any aircraft and the Colt is no
exception.
Having unpacked and laid out the paraglider (in a horseshoe directed
against wthe wind) following checks must be made:
+canopy, lines and risers condition. Do not launch if the slightest
damage is noticed,
+the paraglider should be arranged so that the centre section A-lines
(yellow risers) will strain earlier that the outer ones (A’). This ensures
easy and symmetrical launch,
+cells of the center section must be handled with special care, so that
leading edge stays taut and even,
+all lines and risers should be separated. Make sure they are not
tangled and pay special attention to the A-lines, which should run free
from the A (yellow band) and A’ risers (blue band) to the canopy,
+it is equally important to untangle the brake lines so that they will not
catch anything on the ground during launch. They must be firmly
attached to the brake handles and run freely through the pulleys to the
trailing edge,
+make sure the risers are not twisted,
+it is very important to check that no lines are looped around the
canopy. The so-called ”line-over” may have disastrous consequences
during take off.
USER MANUAL

Always put on and fasten your helmet before clipping in to the harness.
Check quick links (maillons). Sometimes they can unscrew, especially
when the wing is new.
Check main carabiners. They must be properly mounted, closed and
locked.
LAUNCH
Classic (forward) launch
Should be used with little or no wind.
Facing the wind place the risers over your shoulders (A riser must lay on top).
Clip it into carabiners and lock them. Grip the brake handles and A-risers
(marked with yellow band), holding them at the stitching, just under the quick-
links. Spread out your slightly bent hands, keeping them down and back. All
risers but the A should be placed near your elbow joints.
Apply some tension to check if the A risers stay on top and the lines are not
tangled. Take a step back, bow down a little and run forward. After the initial
inflation smoothly move the hands with the risers up and over your head until
the wing will be directly above you. Check the wing and let the A risers loose.
Pump out possible faults and keep an eye on position of the paraglider.
Side drift is corrected best by moving yourself always under center of the
canopy (launch space permitting). In order to keep wing in the air the
suspension lines must stay taut all the time, so in light winds you will have to
run forward. With stronger winds you can control the wing while standing still.
When leaving the ground apply some brakes, then release it after gaining
some distance from the ground. Keep your hands relaxed.
Reverse launch
To be used when wind speed exceeds 3 m/s. After clipping the risers into
carabiners as for the forward launch, turn back to face the wing, moving one
riser group over your head. As a consequence, you will have the risers
crossed.
Unclip the brake handles from rear risers and grip it outside of the risers
without crossing neither arms nor lines. In this way you steer the left side with
you left hand and vice versa. Now take corresponding A risers on both sides
(still keeping brake handles in your hands).
Make sure that the wing inflates symmetrically and the lines are not tangled.
Building up tension with a few steps back and simultaneously lifting the A
risers (do not pull them towards you) will make the paraglider rise. When it
arrives over your head, stabilize it with the brakes, check again if all lines are
clear and the cells inflated.
10

When turning into wind, remember to turn the right way (hint: always do it
the same direction) and to keep the lines taut (loaded) at all times. The turn
itself should be quick and smooth. While turning you have to release the
brake handles and grip them again facing forward. Last check of the wing &
free space to launch and off you go, running into wind with eventual light
braking when taking off.
CAUTION: when deflating the canopy in strong winds (e. g. aborting a
launch), use the C risers, not the brakes. Using the brakes in strong wind
can lift the pilot up and drag him/her back.
TURNS
Turn radius is determined by the amount of inside brake used and weight
shift. Additional application a little outside brake after initiating the turn with
maximum weight shift increases turn efficiency and the outboard wing’s
resistance to collapse (in turbulence, the edge of a thermal etc).
In case of necessary turning in confined area at slow speed (e.g. slope
soaring), it is recommended to steer the decelerated canopy by loosening
the brake at the outside of the turn while applying just a little more brake on
the inside.
NOTE: when entering a turbulent area you should brake a little to put
up the tension. It will allow you to react instantly in case of a problem.
CAUTION: Too hard or too quick pulling of one brake can cause the
wing to enter a spin.
THERMALLING AND SOARING
When flying the Colt minimum sink is reached with slight brake pressure
applied (10 to 15 cm, depending on pilot’s weight).
In turbulent conditions the canopy should be flown with a small amount of
brake applied. This improves overall stability by increasing the angle of
attack of the canopy. The canopy should neither rock back nor surge
forwards, but always stay above the pilot. In order to achieve it, the pilot
should accelerate the canopy by letting off the brakes when entering a
thermal (according to its strength) and brake it on exiting. This is part of
basic active flying that can spare you many potential collapses.
Colt is an agile wing, with smooth reactions to the steering inputs. Handling
is actually easy and forces grow proportionally to position of the brakes.
Adding some weight shift will make the paraglider turn really quick and tight.
The combined technique (weight shifting and brake input) is by far the most
efficient method.
11
USER MANUAL

When soaring the slope, minimum height of 50 m above the ground is
recommended for safety reasons. It is important to comply with air traffic
rules, especially when many pilots share airspace close to the hill. The
avoidance manoeuvres often happen to be impossible in such conditions.
FLYING WITH SPEED SYSTEM ENGAGED
When flying into head wind or through sink it is advisable (for the sake of
best glide angle) to increase speed, as long as conditions are not too
turbulent. Remember that on application of speed system overall angle of
attack diminishes and the canopy may tuck easier than in normal flight.
The faster is your flight, the more dynamic are tucks and stalls. See "Speed
system" section.
LANDING
The Colt is easy to land. Just make sure that last turn into the wind is done
with sufficient altitude, since prior to touch down you should build up speed,
fully releasing the brakes. Then flare out at 1 - 2 meters over ground by
gently braking. The glider may climb again for a while gaining some height, if
too much brake is used.
Strong wind landings hardly require braking, if any at all! Use C-risers
(coloured grey) to deflate the canopy after landing. Using the brakes will
probably result in pilot being lifted and dragged backwards.
The final glide of the landing approach should be straight and smooth. Steep
or alternating turns can result in a dangerous pendulum effect near the
ground.
WINCHING AND MOTOPARAGLIDING
During tests numerous flights were made with winch start and backpack
power units, as these are the only means to gain some height in flatlands.
Absolutely no contradictions were found for using Colt in such flights.
CAUTION
During start, especially winched or with a motor, always remember to bring
the wing directly over your head. The aerofoil and its angle of attack were
arranged so as to give maximum lift coefficient with relatively high safety
level. As a result it can stay behind a pilot, if he neglects bringing it directly
over head during launch.
12

Spiral
B-Stall
RAPID DESCENTS
Big Ears
You can deflate both wingtips simultaneously pulling down the A' risers (blue
ribbon) by approximately 50 cm.
It is important not to let off the brake toggles while entering the Big Ears
manoeuvre.
When folded, paraglider will maintain straight course with an increased sink
rate (up to 5 m/sec). The canopy remains controllable with weight shifting.
On releasing the A' risers canopy usually reinflates spontaneously, or can be
aided by a long pump until the tips get clear.
Due to possibility of entering parachutal stall it is advisable to apply
speedbar after folding the wingtips, in order to diminish AoA.
CAUTION: See PARACHUTAL STALL section.
It is characterized by high sink rate. Significant G-forces, however, make it
difficult to sustain a spiral for long, as it can place high loads on the pilot and
glider. Never do this manoeuvre in turbulence or at too high bank angles.
You have to watch constantly the situation, in order to prevent your spiral
from turning into a spiral dive (sink rate over 16 m/s). If the pilot releases
inner brake and the wing does not start slowing down, he should assist this
process with the outer brake.
NEVER DO BIG EARS IN A SPIRAL! Tests have proven that loads in
spiral dive can be even higher than those used in certification tests (i.e.
8 G). This can result in structural failure of the glider, as smaller
number of lines is taking these high loads.
To enter a B-stall you have to simultaneously pull both B-risers (red) down by
10 - 15 cm. The wing collapses on its entire span along B-row, the airflow
over the top surface will break and the canopy projected surface will be
significantly reduced. Forward speed will die and you will be descending
almost vertically.
Further pulling of the B-risers is not advised, as the wing instability can grow.
If the canopy forms a horseshoe with the wingtips in front of you, gently
apply both brakes to recover.
13
USER MANUAL

To exit B-stall risers should be released in a smooth and decisive
manner.
After quick and symmetrical releasing B-lines the airflow reinstates and the
wing surges forward to return to normal flight. Forward dive is not excessive
due to high stability of the Colt, so braking is not necessary.
CAUTION! See DEEP STALL section.
All rapid descent techniques should be drilled in smooth air and with
sufficient height only! Full stalls and spins are to be avoided as
recovery procedures, since irrespectively of paraglider type they may
have dangerous consequences!
BY FAR THE BEST TECHNIQUE IS WISE, CORRECT AND SAFE FLYING,
SO THAT YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO DESCEND RAPIDLY!
AEROBATICS
Colt was not designed with aerobatics in mind.
WING OVER
You make a wingover by executing a series of consecutive, alternating turns
with growing bank angle. Too much banking with some flaws in coordination
can evoke pretty dynamic collapse.
CAUTION: Steep turn with bank angle over 60 degrees is a prohibited
aerobatic manoeuvre!
EXTREME FLYING MANOEUVRES
CAUTION! EXTREME FLYING MANOEUVRES SHOULD ONLY BE
CARRIED OUT DURING SAFETY TRAINING COURSE (INSTABILITY
TRAINING) UNDER PROPER GUIDANCE!
WHILE PROVOKING OR EXITING REAL SITUATIONS THERE IS A
DANGER THAT YOUR ACTIONS WILL PROVE TOO QUICK OR TOO
STRONG, SO YOU SHOULDALWAYS EMPLOY GOOD JUDGMENT, STAY
CALM AND TAKE ONLY MEASURED ACTIONS.
Since all actions required to exit or prevent dangerous situations on
this paraligder are typical and pilots flying this wing should be properly
qualified, we are going to describe only the characteristic features of
the Colt.
Description of standard dealing with extreme situations can be found in
textbooks.
14

SIDE COLLAPSE
May happen in strong turbulence.
In case of collapses of some 50% pilot has a couple of seconds to react
before paraglider enters rotation.
A countermeasure will be enough to keep it on course. Under normal
conditions the canopy will reinflate spontaneously.
SYMMETRIC COLLAPSE (FRONTSTALL)
Can happen in strong turbulence. Active piloting will usually prevent its
occurrence.
Optc is a modern paraglider with significantly stiffened leading edge. Tests
have shown that most often canopy reinflates spontaneously, however in
specific turbulent conditions it is possible that airflow will keep the leading
edge collapsed. That’s why an instant pilot’s reaction is advised – a
measured braking in the correct moment will greatly speed up the recovery.
SPIN AND FULL STALL
May occur as a result of mistake or intentional action by the pilot. Be careful
when flying at low speeds, until you feel familiar and comfortable with new
wing steering.
Wing recovers spontaneously in initial phase of stall, otherwise use standard
procedures.
PARACHUTAL STALL
Under normal conditions does not occur. If you want to prevent it, stick to a
couple of rules:
+after B-stall, release the risers quick and evenly. This paraglider does
not jump forward excessively.
+after Big Ears execution engage speed system. It will increase the sink
rate and safety margin, as big ears constitute big aerodynamic brake
with significant loss of speed.
Nevertheless, if such a situation happens, apply some pressure to
speed bar and/or push the A risers forward.
LINE OVER (CRAVATTE)
As most modern wings do, in order to minimise drag in order to minimise
drag it has widely spaced suspension lines and stiff leading edge. That's why
it's possible that after some bad collapse a wingtip gets tangled. Usually a
15
USER MANUAL

couple of stronger pulls with brake will clear things out. If it does not solve
the problem, try big ears or pulling down corresponding riser.
In case of any doubts pilot should seriously consider throwing the rescue
chute.
EMERGENCY STEERING
In case of malfunction rendering it impossible to control the paraglider with
brakes, you can safely steer and land using the C-risers (grey) or stabilo
lines.
16

4. PARAGLIDER CARE
Proper maintenance of the paraglider will greatly enhance its
durability
FOLDING AND STORAGE
Colt features a number of recent technologies, like tensioning the leading
edge with a plastic string. That's why the paraglider should be folded with
care in order to keep it healthy during transport and storage.
Basic rules to be observed when folding:
1. We fold the canopy together on rib-to-rib, cell-to-cell basis (like a
harmonium). We don't break the wing in halves, taking the stabilizers
towards centre.
2. After creating a package along the maximum chord, we don't roll it, but
fold two to three times (depending on the chord length) from trailing to the
leading edge.
3. Leadin edge stays on top of the folded canopy.
Store the paraglider in a dry space, away from chemicals and UV exposure.
Never pack up or store the glider when wet. This shortens the life of the
cloth. Remember that wing gets wet even when laying on a green grass in
full sun, as the grass evaporate.
A good precaution to avoid catching wet and/or UV is to use quickpack after
rigging up, when you have to wait in start line.
Always dry glider thoroughly before any packing or storage. To avoid
excessive paraglider cloth wear, do not pack it too tight.
While drying, never expose your paraglider to direct sunlight.
Please note that frequent playing with your paraglider on a field or a small
hill will deteriorate it quickly due to its repeated rising, falling down and
dragging around.
CLEANING
Clean the paraglider with water and a soft sponge. Do not use any
chemicals or spirits for cleaning, as these can permanently damage the
cloth.
REPAIRS
Repairs should be carried out exclusively by the manufacturer, authorised
distributor or authorised workshop. It is acceptable to fix minor cloth
damages with self-adhesive patches included in the package.
17
USER MANUAL

INSPECTIONS
Full inspection is recommended every 24 months, if not advised
otherwise by the inspecting person due to current paraglider condition.
Paragliders in commercial use (training and tandem flights) should be
undergoing Full Inspection every 12 months (excluding first 24-month period
after purchase).
Technical inspection is carried out by the manufacturer or authorised person.
DETERIORATION: A FEW TIPS!
This paraglider is basically made of Nylon, a cloth which - like any synthetic
material - deteriorates through excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays emitted by
the sun.
Hence it is recommended to reduce UV exposure to a minimum by keeping the
paraglider packed when not in use. Even when packed in the bag, it should not
remain in the sun for long.
Suspension lines consist of Technora inner core and polyester sheath. Putting
them to excessive loads in flight and folding on the ground should be avoided,
as it can cause irreversible damage.
Keep the paraglider clean since getting dust in the lines and cloth will reduce
their durability.
Be careful to keep snow, sand or stones away from entering the cell openings:
their weight can slow down or even stall the glider, and sharp edges can
damage the cloth!
Prevent lines from catching anything as they can get overstretched or torn. Do
not step onto lines.
Uncontrolled strong wind takeoffs or landings can result in the leading edge of
the canopy hitting ground at high speeds, which may heavily damage the ribs
and surface cloth.
Knots can chafe the suspension and/or brake lines.
Check line lengths after tree or water landings, as they can stretch or shrink. A
line plan may be obtained from the website or dealer when needed.
After landing in water you should check the wing cloth as well, since the wave
forces can cause the fabric to distort in specific areas.
When taking the wing out of water, always do that by the trailing edge, so that
water can flow out freely.
After sea landing rinse the paraglider with fresh water. Since salt crystals can
weaken the suspension lines even after rinsing in fresh water, you should
replace them with new ones immediately after contact with salty water.
18