Dudek Synthesis User manual

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Dudek Paragli ers, ul. Cen ralna 2U, 86-31 OsielskoPoland, [phone], ex [e-mail]
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www.dudek.euwww.dudek.eu
User Manual

NOTE!
Please read this manual before your first flight

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2. The wing..............................................................................................4
2.1 Design
2.2 Construction
3. Flight operation............................................................................8
3.1 Steering lines and speed system adjustment
3.2 Free flying
3.2.1 Take-offt
3.2.2 Flight
3.2.3 Landing
3.2.4 Winching
3.3 Powered flight
3.3.1 Take-off
3.3.2 Level flight
3.3.3 Landing
3.3.4 Golden rules
3.4 Quick descent methods
1. Introduction......................................................................................3
3.4.1 Big ears
3.4.2 Spiral dive
3.4.3 B-stall
3.5 Acro Flying
3.5.1 Wing over
3.6 Extreme manoeuvrese
3.6.1 One sided collapse
3.6.2 Frontal collapse
3.6.3 Full stall and negative spin
3.6.4 Parachutal stall
3.6.5 Line over and cravatte
3.6.6 Emergency steering
4. Canopy care........................................................................................25
4.1 Storage
4.2 Cleaning
4.3 Repair
4.4 Deterioration - a few tips
5. Technical data.................................................................................27
6. Warranty, AeroCasco..............................................................28
7. What have you bought......................................................................30
8. Rigging tables.....................................................................32
9. Risers........................................................................................37
Page

Trailing edgeTrailing edge
Cell Cell
Leading
edge
Leading
edge
RisersRisers
Cell
openings
Cell
openings
Main suspension linesMain suspension lines
Trim tabTrim tab
Steering
line
Steering
line
Brake
pulley
Brake
pulley
StabilizerStabilizer

1. INTRODUCTION
CONGRATULATIONS!
We are pleased to welcome you among the growing number of Dudek
Paragliders pilots. You've become a proud owner of state-of-the-art
Synthesis paraglider. Extensive development, application of the most
modern methods and thorough testing make the Synthesis a user-
friendly paraglider, offering the pilot a lot of fun combined with great
performance.
We wish you many enjoyable and safe flying hours.
DISCLAIMER
Please read this Manual carefully and note the following details:
$The purpose of this Manual is to offer guidelines to the pilot using the
Dudek Synthesis wing and it is by no means intended to be used as a
training manual for this or any other paraglider in general.
$You may only fly a paraglider when qualified to do so or when
undergoing training at an accredited School or with an Instructor.
$Pilots are personally responsible for their own safety and their
paraglider's airworthiness.
$The use of this paraglider is solely at the user's own risk! The
manufacturer and distributor do not accept any liability connected with
this activity.
$This paraglider on delivery meets all the requirements of the EN 926-1
and 926-2 regulations. Any alterations to the paraglider will render its
certification invalid.
NOTICE
Dudek Paragliders warns that due to the constant process of development
the actual paraglider may differ slightly from the one described in the
manual.
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2. THE WING
WHO SHOULD FLY Synthesis?
Whether you have already tried paramotoring or you’re only learning it – you
know it is your game. You are excited with the possibility of taking off almost
anywhere. You need a wing that is both agile and easy to control, that will allow
you to discover freedom of three-dimensioned journey – there is an endless
number of distant and beautiful spots to visit from the air.
Mostly you will be just enjoying your time, but if you one day would like to try
yourself out in a competition, you wouldn’t like your wing to confine you. So your
paraglider has to be versatile, relatively slow and easy at take off (running around
with 40+ kg on your back is not necessarily your ideal of pleasure). Yet it has to
be equipped with a set of trimmers allowing it a wide speed range, with possibly
high top speed. Of course you would like it to be safe and stable too, both in
thermals and in chance turbulences, including top speed configuration (full trim
+speedbar).
Synthesis does fulfill all of these seemingly contradicting requirements. It is
simply a synthesis of desired powered-wing features with gentle characteristics
of free-flying paragliders.
2.1 DESIGN
After a long success story of our Action and ReAction paragliders we’ve set
us another ambitious goal: to create a PPG wing that could be flown by
pilots of all skill levels, combining great reflex-wing performance with free-
flying paragliders ease of take-off. We succeeded and in the Synthesis our
dream came true.
While designing it we put a lot of effort into flight safety, pleasant handling,
good performance and wide speed range, so that it will satisfy a great many
pilots. In many prototypes leading to final Synthesis version we have tested
several airfoils based on our own Dudek Reflex Airfoil. Often we tried to
decrease its stability in order to achieve take-off and handling, but invariably
we ended with worsened safety at full speed with little improvement
elsewhere.
After several prototypes our efforts paid up and we arrived at a wing with
great maximal speed (61 km/h), wide speed range on trim (37 to 49 km/h)
and as easy a start as possible with reflex profile. Main feature of reflex
airfoil paragliders, i.e. passive safety, remained intact.
We feel safe to declare the Synthesis to be the best wing available in its
class.
The fundamental feature of a good PPG wing is its great stability and tuck-
resistance. A good PPG wing must be a very stable and tuck-resistant craft.
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When this is achieved, the user does not have to concentrate all the time on
piloting, thus saving energy for navigation, taking pictures or simply enjoying
the flight. In addition the faster and safer your paraglider is, the more often
you can fly.
While the Synthesis was designed to retain all the features of a conventional
paralider, the application of a reflex aerofoil section added several new
qualities. First of all, using that profile means that the wing stability does not
depend exclusively on the pilot's weight and actions. It maintains its own
pitch attitude, rising and falling through thermals while remaining stable
above your head, without need for so much pilot input.
Generally speaking the reflex profile is a special kind of aerofoil section. The
specific static pressure distribution creates a situation where at low attack
angles, only the wing fore part (some 60% of the chord) is producing lift,
while the rear 40% of the chord creates an effective stabiliser against
excessive decrease of the attack angle.
The trimmer system allows you to considerably raise the rear part of the
airfoil, thus effectively reducing projected chord and surface area by some
30%, giving the paraglider a higher wing loading and increased speed
without change in the angle of attack.
The centre of pressure also moves forward, adding enhanced pitch stability.
Such a shift of loading gives the wing exceptional tuck-resistance and
increases projected aspect ratio, resulting in much better flight data,
especially at full speed. Should you require more lift at lower speeds, the
rear section can be pulled down to restore a full airfoil, effective along the
whole chord.
Piloting the Synthesis actually reminds one more of flying a conventional
powered aircraft than a paraglider.
Below we will try to give you a closer look at some of the remarkable
Synthesis features.
2.2 DESIGN
The Synthesis 3D body was designed in our CSG (Canopy Shape Guard)
system, comprising many elements resulting in exceptional coherence and
stability of the shape. Below you will find a short description of CSG
subsystems.
The Synthesis has an elliptical planform with slightly rearward swept tips.
Every second cell is divided in two, with ribs additionally supported by
diagonal VSS (V-shaped supports) system. Such arrangement ensures a
smooth top surface, exact aerofoil reproduction across the entire wingspan
and yet more importantly, minimal number of suspension points.
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The lower surface has a RSS (Reinforcing Strap System) applied in the
wing’s interior. RSS is an ballooning-independent reinforcements system
made entirely of paragliding fabric, effectively stiffening and stabilizing the
canopy.
Synthesis’ aerofoil is another product of our Dudek Reflex Airfoil technology.
It was calculated with our previous experiences in mind and thoroughly
tested with numerical methods
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 using OCD (Optimised Crossports
Design) technology. 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.
The Synthesis’ leading edge is closed to airflow, and its precise shape is
supported by reinforcements of laminated fabric.
Cell openings are positioned 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. In several places the leading
edge features our CCS (Closed Cell Structure) system – this is a number of
closed cells in most important locations. It’s goal is to hinder the backflow
form the cells out and thus to facilitate their refilling and canopy recovery in
case of a collapse.
Each wingtip consists of four additional cells creating stabilizers. They
maintain correct tension of the canopy, improve directional stability and play
important role in keeping your turns efficient and even. In the very tips there
are cleaning slots, placed there for easy removal of dirt form inside the wing.
Careful selection of modern fabrics and design solutions brings about great
strength and durability of the Synthesis. All materials used come from
marked production batches, and each production step can be verified down
to identification of specific worker and controller.
Fabric
Each kind fabric has it unique features and characteristics. We composed
them so that their interplay creates a perfect blend.
The Synthesis’ upper surface is made of Porcher Skytex 45 Evolution fabric
(formerly named Aquatic), perfectly proven in our earlier wings. Basically it's
a nylon material covered with superb E85A impregnate, introduced into
mass production in January 2002 after a series of extensive laboratory and
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real flying tests. Such covered fabric is not very stiff and - what's most
important - has increased tear, stretch and UV resistance. It is not siliconed,
so minor repairs can be easily made with self-adhesive strips.
The lower surface is made of Skytex 40 Classic with E38A impregnate. This
fabric has a great weight/resistance ratio and is one of the greatest Porcher
successes in providing proper materials for the paragliding industry.
The ribs must be as rigid and stretch-resistant as possible. We found these
qualities in Skytex 40 Hard with E29A impregnate. All reinforcements are
made of SR-Scrim.
Rigging system
All of the Synthesis suspension lines are sheathed by a coloured polyester
layer which is covering brownish Technora core. Low number of lines
required such composition, featuring high strength and stretch-resistance.
The rigging system consists of individual lines looped and stitched at each
end. The main lines are made of Technora and depending on their location.
have 1.8 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.3 mm or 1.2 mm diameters. Such diversity stems
from different loads on the line groups concerned. Lines of the middle and
upper layers are made of 1.2 or 1.3 mm Technora.
The upper level lines (gallery) start at the attachment points. Every two lines
join one middle layer line. These in turn connect by twos or threes to the
main suspension lines, which 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'. All the maillons are made of corrosion resistant, polished
stainless steel, ensuring excellent strength and durability.
Brake lines run from the trailing edge through consecutive cascades to the
main steering lines, which are lead through pulleys connected to the rear
risers and then fixed to the brake handles.
Steering lines do not carry any load until the brakes are applied. Some of the
steering lines (of the FC group) are additionally led through rings sewn into
the trailing edge. Because of this feature the trailing edge is shortened on
application of the brake, so that steering becomes lighter and more effective.
All the lines are distinguished with colours depending on their strength and
diameter as follows:
2,3 mm; strength: 420 daN; colour: celadon (willow green),
1,8 mm; strength: 280 daN; colour: red and orange (the latter for
pulling big ears),
1,5 mm; strength: 190 daN; colour: violet,
1,3 mm; strength: 140 daN; colour: green,
1,2 mm; strength: 90 daN; colour: blue.
(given colours are subject to slight changes).
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The risers
For the Synthesis we have chosen four-way risers equipped with:
$ELR (Easy Launch Riser) system. This is an specially marked A
rises (gold ribbon)
$speed-system affecting A, B and C risers when engaged;,
$trimmers of red band with visible scale (red – slow and blue – fast
trim setting), designed for quick and easy replacement in case of
deterioration;
$ two levels of the pulleys, to be used depending on the hangpoint
$ Tip Steering Toggle system (see details on pages 10).
For quick and easy recognition in emergency, some of the risers are
distinguished with coloured band as follows:
A - gold (used for launching)
A' - blue (used for big ears)
B - red (used for B-stall)
D - grey (needed to keep the glider down in strong winds or
interrupting the launch).
Main A row suspension lines connect to an A riser (gold) and A' (blue). B and
stabiliser lines go to B riser (red), C lines (black) go to C riser, and D lines to
D riser (grey), which through pulleys keep the steering lines too.
Brake handles are attached to the steering lines at optimal places,
guaranteeing safe and effective operation. On the main brake lines there are
two points marked, higher and lower, to be used depending on the harness
hangpoint. On adjusting the steering lines see chapter 3.1.
Our newest brake handle used in Synthesis besides its robust yet light
design features:
$DCT (Double Comfort Toggle) system,
$EK (Easy Keeper) system - look below
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3. FLIGHT OPERATION
3.1 STEERING LINES AND SPEED SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT
We strongly advise following actions to be supported by an instructor or at
least an experienced pilot.
A brand-new Synthesis has its steering lines positioned for powered flight in
high hangpoint configuration.
The risers of the Synthesis are shorter than in most paragliders, so the
differences in hangpoints present somewhat smaller problem. Still, there are
two sets of pulleys prepared, higher and lower (see risers scheme on page
37). Also on the main steering lines there are two spots marked for brake
handles to be accordingly fixed.
When flying with lower hangpoints (or free-flying) the brake lines are to be
run through the higher pulleys only, and the brake handles should be
positioned at higher marks, thus shortening the brakes in general. The rule is
simple - higher hangpoints require longer brake lines, lower hangpoints
require shorter lines.
Before you take your Synthesis on powered flight, we strongly advise to try
out everything first. Hang up the entire PPG unit with ropes, sit in the
harness and have someone pull up the risers. You must make sure that in
flight you will always be able to reach the brake handles, even if the airflow
blows them away.
While being suspended in this way, you have a perfect opportunity to adjust
the speed system too. The speedbar should not be pulling pull its lines (and
risers) when it is not applied. Neither should it be too loose, for it could catch
the propeller then.
An additional way to check the whole configuration out is to visit take-off site
in steady winds. With the engine off, fill the wing and take it up over your
head. When it stabilises, check that the brakes are loose and are not pulling
the trailing edge. There should be a spare inch or so before they activate.
Remember that it is always safer to set the margin of play too big than too
small. And, most important, the setting must always be symmetrical.
3.2 FREE FLIGHT (no power unit)
Although the Synthesis according to its design book is a fast PPG wing, it
behaves surprisingly well as a classic paraglider too and can be used as
such without any changes.
The essential difference between Synthesis and classic paragliders means is
due to its increased tuck-resistance (both during start and flight) and greater
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Tip Steering Toggles (TST)
In order to facilitate steering the wing while at maximum speed configuration
(opened trimmers and full speed-bar) we've invented our own novel system of
controlling the stabilizers. Prior to grabbing miniature TST-handles (Tip
Steering Toggles) pilot places the main steering handles in a special Toggle
Docking Stations, equipped with strong neodymium magnets. In this way you
can comfortably steer the wing via TST handles, not worrying about the brakes
getting tangled.
Easy Catch bar
The Easy Catch Bar is a medicine for all those having troubles with finding
bar inflight. It is designed so that the bar always remains forward of the lines.
The bar itself is very durable – it is going to serve you long.
TDS
handle
TST

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Double Comfort Toggle (DCT)
DCT: in order to satisfy different needs of our clients we have created a Double
Comfort Toggle system. With this solution it is possible to have your brake
handles in stiff or soft configuration, with no need to buy another set of toggles
and replace them every time. All you have to do now is take out the stiffening rod
and there you are - the soft handle is ready to use.
Easy Keeper (EK)
Easy Keeper is the name of our new indigenous way to hold the brake handles at
the risers.
The strong neodymium magnets keep them firmly in place, while both attaching
and releasing goes smoothly and easily. This idea was developed especially for
the PPG dedicated paragliders, for there is often a need to take your hands off the
brakes to check or fix things. With Easy keeper you can easily secure the brakes
in flight, thus minimizing danger of their contact with the propeller.
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speed range it can be safely flown in strong conditions. Generally (and
paradoxically from traditional point of view) the faster you fly, the safer is
your flight.
3.2.1 TAKE-OFF
In case of classic launch we recommend that after laying out the wing all
lines be taut, without unnecessary play. The Synthesis is pulled up with A
risers only. The optimal trim setting is “0” (when launching for powered flight)
or fully closed (when launching free-flight). Applying steady pressure on the
A risers move forward. The wing practically does not overshoot, so the front
collapses that otherwise happen quite often at launch, with the Synthesis
occur rarely. Instead it kind of waits for you to catch up with it.
In case of reverse launch we also recommend abovementioned trim
settings. Due to lack of overshooting take-off is easy, pilot has only to brake
slightly. Reverse launches can be executed without any problems even in
weak wind (1,5 m/s).
Caution!
During take-off it is important to keep the risers under pressure until
almost airborne. Reflex profile used has an inherent tendency to
increase the angle of attack. In effect, Synthesis can lag behind the
pilot when not pulled up appropriately.
3.2.2 FLIGHT
The increased speed range of Synthesis may demand some attention.
Nevertheless, once you have mastered these additional aspects, flying will
become pure pleasure. Good handling will let you make the best use of
thermals, and increased speed on glides means that your presence in
sinking air will be shorter.
To avoid stalls when braking with slow trims setting (red area), their
movement is restricted by the tape sewing. (Note: it is possible to push the
sewn tape through the buckle with both hands to replace it, but normal
operation range is restricted by said place.
When the trims are fully opened (blue area) the wing becomes faster and
stiffer, increasing its stability even more. The brake forces increase too, as
well as the distance to the stall point. The radius and
bank angle in turns grow proportionately to the growing brake forces. If the
trims are set fast (or fully opened) and the wing is not flown near the ground,
a switch to TST steering is advised (see page 10). TST system can be used
in all speed system & trim configuration.
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Speed system use
Full application of the speed system increases flight speed by some 30%. In
contrast to most paragliders it does not decrease wing stability, in fact
Synthesis seems to counter the turbulence even better then. Still, if you
encounter serious trouble, it is advisable to release speedbar. With
application of the speed system the brake forces increase considerably, and
brake effectiveness decreases. At maximum speed and fully opened trims
we strongly recommend steering the wing with TST system. Turns executed
in this way will be slightly wider, but strength needed to initiate turn will be
smaller and there will be no decrease in speed.
The speed system can be safely used at all trimmer settings.
3.2.3 LANDING
With closed trimmers (red area) Synthesis lands like any other paraglider.
The brake forces, initially low, are growing proportionally, giving ample
warning before stalling. Still you should be careful when flying at low speeds
until fully familiar with brake operation.
When landing with trims set fast (blue area) may require proportionately
more space, as the paraglider has a lot of kinetic energy and careless
application of brakes may even cause the wing to climb.
Most pilots get to know the wing relatively fast and quickly gain enough trust
to fly it in stronger conditions than they did ever before. Still, you should
always be careful when flying low. Remember that Synthesis flies faster than
ordinary paragliders and sometimes it can be of importance (e.g. when
landing on a slope).
After landing in strong wind the paraglider can be safely put down with B
risers, or with a strong pull on the rear D risers.
3.2.4 WINCHING
Synthesis is not designed for winching. As mentioned before, reflex profile
used in the wing has an inherent tendency to increase the angle of attack.
While in normal flight such a disposition makes it safer, during winch start it
can be dangerous.
Nevertheless, a lot of successful winches on Synthesis have been made.
Experience shows that it should only be done with opened trims (blue area).
To sum it up: winching can be done, but proper attention must be paid.
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3.3 POWERED FLIGHT
CAUTION: Before each start it is necessary to have a thorough check of the
wing, harness and power unit.
In powered flight most of the wing characteristics remain as described above
(chapter 3.2). Still there is additional information needed, concerning power
output, proper matching of the wing/engine/propeller etc.
Dudek Paragliders cannot take responsibility for all possible combinations,
but if you contact us we are always ready to help.
First flights
In order to get familiar with your wing we recommend flying with closed
trimmers at first (read area), because in this configuration Synthesis
behaves asa standard wing. Flying like that try pulling the brakes some until
you feel resistance, usually it will be at about 1/4 of the range.
Once you feel competent with your wing, you can start experimenting with
faster trim settings and speed system. Learn to use all the additional speed
and safety of the Synthesis.
3.3.1 TAKE OFF
Classic launch with no wind
Even when it seems that there is no wind at all, it is rarely so. Therefore
always be careful in determining the conditions, as because in PPG flying it
is most important that the launch and initial climb are performed with a head
wind (the danger of losing your airspeed while crossing the wind gradient is
greatly reduced). Special attention must be paid to trees, power lines and
other obstacles, including the possibility of emerging rotors.
Wing preparation
Lay out the paraglider downwind of the power unit, with all suspension lines
taut and pointing toward center of the power unit. The risers are to be laid on
the ground. Set the trimmers at “0” (see fig. 2). In strong conditions faster
settings (blue area) can be advised. Make sure that you warm up the engine
while standing windward of the wing. Stop the engine before clipping in the
risers.
Now have a quick check if:
$ the helmet is on and locked,
$ the risers are clipped in the carabiners,
$ the trimmers are set,
$ nothing will get in propeller's way,
$ speed system is running without problems,
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$ steering lines and handles are free and not twisted,
$ engine delivering full power,
$ airspace is clear for take off.
When you are sure everything is OK, you can clip in the wing and execute
launch as described in paragraph 3.2.1.a.
From now on you should steer the paraglider facing forward, without looking
back over your shoulder (when the wing is low behind you, turning can
cause some lines to get in the propeller). Also, possibly falling on your back
and the propeller is dangerous (and costly!) so this should be avoided at any
price, even that of some damaged lines!
During launch, when you feel that the strain on both risers is equal, open up
full power and lean back to counter the engine thrust, so that it can push you
forward rather than to the ground. The best option is not to use the brakes,
allowing the paraglider to rise as it was laid out. If it starts to swerve from its
course, just pull the opposite riser and run under the centre of the wing while
preserving starting direction. If the wind suddenly weakens, give a stronger
pull on the risers.
If the paraglider drops to one side or back too far to be lifted again, kill the
engine, interrupt launch and check the conditions once again.
As the wing rises, the forces grow lighter and it should stabilise above your
head without overshooting. This is the best moment to check if it is inflated
well and the lines are not tangled, but do it without stopping nor turning. If
you feel the forces on the risers decrease, run faster and let go of the risers.
See whether there is any opposition on the brakes and, if necessary, use
them to correct direction or to increase lift at take-off.
Remember:
$If the cage of your power unit is not stiff enough, the risers strained
during launch can deform it to the extent of collision with the propeller.
Before giving it full power, check that the cage does not catch any
lines.
$Any brake operation (or steering inputs in general) should be smooth
and gentle
$Do not try to take off until you have your wing overhead. Hitting power
before that can cause dangerous oscillations
$Do not sit in the harness until you are sure you are flying!
$The faster the trim setting is, the more brake input is required to take
off
$The lower the hangpoints of your power unit are, the easier is the
launch.
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Reverse launch in strong wind
Reverse launch can be executed holding in one hand both A risers and one
brake, throttle and the second brake in the other hand. With a decent wind it is by
far the best way. In weaker wind it is better to prepare a classic launch, as
running backwards with an engine on your back is not an easy thing to do.
It is reasonable not to pull the wing up until you are really determined to launch,
especially when it is clipped in.
Lay down the rolled paraglider with the trailing edge facing the wind. Unfold the
wing enough to find the risers and check that no lines are looped over the
leading edge. Stretch the risers against the wind, separating the left and right
one.
We suggest that you lay the risers in the same way as you will be turning during
a reverse launch, and place one riser over the other, with the rear risers upmost.
It should be done this way because once you clip in, the cage of your power unit
will make turning on your own impossible.
Now run the pre-launch checklist.
After warming up the engine put the power unit on, turn to face the wing, go to
the risers and clip them in the appropriate carabiners.
Pulling on the front and rear risers open the cells. It is a good idea to pull up the
wing briefly in order to check that the lines are not tangled.
Holding the risers, brakes and throttle as described above, pull the front risers
and raise the paraglider over your head. On most occasions you will not have to
brake it, especially if the trimmers are set for fast flight (blue area). Perhaps it
does not agree with our experience, but this is the way the reflex profile works.
When the trimmers are opened (set above “0”), the Synthesis profile stabilises
the wing and does not allow it to surge forward. It can even stay back a little - in
such case pull the brakes a little and the glider will come forward.
Once you have it overhead, turn around, open the throttle and take off. As with
the classic launch, in this case too you have to find such combination of
trimmers, brakes and throttle settings that will give you the best speed and rate
of climb.
Remember:
$You are launching with your hands crossed. You have to really master this
technique before trying it with a running engine on your back
$Any brake operation (or steering inputs in general) should be smooth and
gentle
$Do not try to take off until you have your wing overhead. Hitting the gas
pedal before that can cause dangerous oscillations
$Do not sit in the harness until you are sure you are flying!
$The faster the trim setting is, the more brake input is required to take off
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When clipping in the crossed risers, you can find proper connection of the
speed system particularly hard. Be careful not to confuse the risers!
Climbing
Once you took off safely, continue heading against the wind, using brakes to
correct rate of climb. Do not try to climb too steeply - attempts to increase
climb rate by pulling the brakes will have an adverse effect - due to the
additional drag actual rate of climb will worsen, and with the throttle fully
open even a stall can happen.
In powered flight the Synthesis behaves more like an aeroplane than a
paraglider, and it is good idea to think about it in this way. If there are no
obstacles present, it is by far safer (and more impressive for the spectators)
to fly level for a while after take-off and gain some speed before converting it
to height with a brief pull on the brakes.
Another reason not to try climbing too steeply is the risk connected with
engine failure at low altitude. Although the Synthesis in a steep climb does
not stay back so much as conventional paragliders do, the low speed is
more likely to cause a stall. Besides, you should always be able to land
safely in case of engine malfunction, so it’s better not to take unnecessary
chances, and better to fly with a safe margin of speed.
Depending on the power unit geometry, it is possible that after take-off you
will notice a propeller torque (turning moment). It will try to turn you around,
so be prepared for counter-steering with a brake or harness cross-bracing. If
it happens during steep climb on slow trim and full power, beware of the stall
possibility.
Due to typical PPG feature - considerable vertical distance between thrust
axis and wing chord - the range of safe power operation is closely connected
to your skills and equipment.
Power-unit induced oscillations
Certain configurations of engine weight, output and propeller diameter can
cause serious oscillations, during which the pilot is lifted to one side by the
torque effect, swings down due to his weight, then is lifted again and so on.
To avoid this you can:
$change the throttle setting and/or
$adjust the cross bracing to counteract the torque, if there is one
$present and/or
$shift yourself to the other side of the harness and/or
$change the trimmer setting.
The best method is to fasten opposite cross-bracing, or apply some weight-
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shift. Such oscillations usually occur at full power - the greater the engine
output and propeller diameter, the bigger the swings. In addition there are
often too late or wrong pilot reactions, increasing the trouble instead of
solving it. In any case the safest way to deal with this question is to close the
throttle and release the brakes. Especially less-experienced pilots tend to
overreact. It is called a pilot-induced oscillation, and proven solution is to
leave the brakes alone.
3.3.2 LEVEL FLIGHT
Once you have gained safe height after take-off and wish to go for a route,
you can turn onto the right direction, fully open the trimmers and let off the
brakes. If the conditions are turbulent it can look foolhardy, but this is the
essential feature of the reflex profile - the faster you fly, the safer your
Synthesis is. That's why you really can confidently release the brakes and
enjoy your flight.
CAUTION: Some pilots with previous free-flying experience may have a
well-grounded habit of keeping the brakes slightly applied at all times.
Such a technique, while quite reasonable on a free-flying wings as it
allows for quick pilot reactions and decreases sink, is not advisable on
reflex-profile wings. When you pull the brakes, the Synthesis profile
loses its self-stabilizing features.
If you happen to have a variometer or altimeter aboard – watch it. In level
flight it is very easy to start climbing unintentionally. The instruments will help
you optimise speed and fuel economy. Of course each flight will depend on
current configuration of your gear, but thanks to its ability to fly safely without
constant piloting the Synthesis will let you adjust everything to the best
effect.
Good knowledge of weather conditions (e.g. wind at different altitudes) and
intelligent use of thermals, convergence and other kinds of lift will help you
greatly reduce fuel consumption and increase flight range.
Of course the engine is always there to bring you in the right place. Do not
hesitate to lead the Synthesis into tight thermalling then, and you will be
surprised how efficient it is. Possible shortening of the trimmers will make the
climb ratio even better.
Trimmers and speed-system operation
The reflex wing section enables the Synthesis pilot to use a wide range of
trimmers and speed-system action. You are free to experiment with all
possible settings, as long as you are on safe altitude.
Fully opened trimmers (blue area) increase the speed and stability of the
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