Fresh Breeze APAX evo User manual
User manual
Version: 1.0
Date: August 2020
APAX evo user manual
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WARNING: Read this user manual before first flight!
Like any extreme sport, powered paragliding involves unpredictable risks which
may lead to injury or death. By choosing to fly, you assume the sole responsibility
for those risks.
Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition that can occur
while powered paragliding, this manual makes no representation about the safe
use of the wing under all conditions. Neither Fresh Breeze nor the seller of Fresh
Breeze equipment can guarantee, or be held responsible for, the safety of yourself
or anyone else.
Many countries have specific regulations or laws regarding powered paragliding
activity. It’s your responsibility to know and observe the regulations of the region
where you fly.
Fresh Breeze reserves the right to alter or add to the contents of this manual at any
time. You should therefore regularly visit our website:
www.fresh-breeze.de
where you will find additional information relating to your paraglider and any changes
to the manual. The date and version number of this manual are given on the front
page.
© Fresh Breeze
The information in this manual is provided for guidance only and is subject to change without notice. This manual is not intended as a
comprehensive assembly, use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your dealer for all assembly, service, repairs or
maintenance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or articles on paraglider use, service, repair or maintenance.
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Thank you...
… for choosing Fresh Breeze. This user manual contains important information for the use and
maintenance of your paraglider. Detailed knowledge of your glider and equipment will help
you to fly safely and make the most of your flights.
Your Fresh Breeze paraglider has been designed to meet all safety and regulatory
requirements. These requirements also include the need to familiarise yourself with this user
manual and the information and instructions regarding safety, equipment and service prior to
the initial commissioning. These operating instructions must be fully read and understood
before the first flight.
If you have any further questions about these operating instructions, please contact your
Fresh Breeze dealer in the first instance, or Fresh Breeze directly.
We wish you exciting flights and always a safe landing.
Your Fresh Breeze team
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Contents
Fresh Breeze 7
Manual 7
Fresh Breeze website 7
Fresh Breeze and the environment 8
Respect for nature and the environment 8
Environmentally-friendly recycling 8
Safety 9
Safety advice 9
Safety notices 9
Liability, warranty exclusion and operating limitations 9
Liability and warranty exclusion 10
Operating limitations 10
Glider categories and guidelines 10
DGAC certification 11
EN/LTF certification 11
Description of flight characteristics 11
Target group and recommended flying experience 11
Description of pilot skills required 11
Suitability for training 11
Before the first flight 12
Harness 12
Reserve 13
Weight range 13
Overload 13
First flight 13
Flying the APAX evo 14
Preparation for launch 14
Material check 14
Pre-flight check 14
Start check 15
General warnings and advice 15
Launching 16
Forward launch 16
Additional information for starting with engine 16
Reverse launch 16
Additional information for reverse launch with engine 17
Tips for paragliding take-off 17
Knots or loops in the lines 17
The initial climb-out 17
Engine-induced oscillations 18
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In-flight characteristics 18
Cruising flight 18
Normal flight 18
Accelerated flight 19
Turning 19
Active flying 19
Rapid descent techniques 20
Spiral dives 20
B-Stall 21
Big ears 22
Landing 22
Additional information for landing with motor 23
Landing with standing propeller 23
Landing with trailing throttle 24
Additional information for motorized flying 24
Range of use 24
Towing 24
Attaching the towline release system 25
Tandem paragliding 26
Aerobatics 26
Dangerous situations and extreme flying 27
Dangerous situations 27
SIV / Safety training 27
Material stress 27
Canopy Collapses 28
Asymmetric collapses 28
Cravat / glider wrapped around lines 28
Symmetric collapses (Front stall) 29
Types of stall 29
Deep stall (parachuting, stable stall) 30
Full stall (dynamic stall) 30
Spin 31
Other tips for dangerous situations 31
Cascade 31
Emergency steering (rear riser steering) 31
Flying in the rain 31
Advertising and adhesives 32
Overloading 32
Sand and salt air 32
Temperature range 32
Storing, care, maintenance and repairs 33
Storing the paraglider 33
Packing the paraglider 33
Rucksack 34
Storing and transporting the glider 34
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Care 35
Ground handling 35
Fabric 35
Lines 36
Rigid construction 36
Cleaning 36
Maintenance 37
Type designation 37
Regular inspections 37
Lines 37
Inspection periods 38
Validity of inspection 38
Inspection by the pilot 38
Repairs 39
Fresh Breeze workshops 39
Small repairs to the glider 39
Fresh Breeze quality and service 39
Dimensions, illustrations, technical and EN/LTF data 40
Introducing the APAX evo 40
Delivery 40
Manufacturing 40
Overall illustration 41
Technical data 41
Riser and speed system 42
Riser 42
Riser diagram 42
Riser lengths 43
Trimmer 43
Speed System 43
Hangpoints 44
Line system, brakes and line plan 44
Line system 44
Brake line adjustment 45
Factory setting 45
Incorrect adjustment 45
Variable brake pulleys 46
Upper brake pulley 46
Line layout 47
Materials 48
Appendix 49
Glider details 49
Pilot details / Proof of ownership 49
Inspections and repairs overview 50
Notes 50
Adresseses 51
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Fresh Breeze
Manual
We recommend that you familiarise yourself with your new paraglider by reading this manual
before your first flight. This will allow you to acquaint yourself its new functions, to learn the
best way to fly the paraglider in various situations, and explain how to get the best out of your
paraglider.
Information in this manual on design of the paraglider, technical data and illustrations are
subject to change. We reserve the right to make changes without prior notification.
The manual complies with the EN 926-2 and DGAC airworthiness and forms part of the
certification. It is comprised of:
1. Manual (this document):
Instructions on getting started and using the paraglider
2. Inspection Information:
General instructions and guidance on carrying out the regular inspection of
paragliders
3. Glider details:
Pilot details , proof of ownership and inspections and repairs overview
This manual was current at the time of publication, and may also be downloaded from the
Fresh Breeze website.
Fresh Breeze website
Fresh Breeze has a comprehensive website, which provides additional information about the
APAX evo, any updates to the manual and many other issues related to paragliding.
www.fresh-breeze.de
On the Fresh Breeze website, you will find an extensive range of accessories for your
paraglider and other useful products.
You will also find links there to other services and websites:
●Fresh Breeze Shops
●Facebook, Instagram & youtube
These websites and their content are provided for your use. The content of Fresh Breeze
websites has been made available for your use on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Fresh
Breeze reserves the right to alter the websites at any time or to block access to them.
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Fresh Breeze and the environment
Protection of the environment, safety and quality are the three basic values of Fresh Breeze
and these have implications on everything we do. We also believe that our customers share
our environmental awareness.
Respect for nature and the environment
You can easily play a part in protection of the environment by practising our sport in such a
way that there is no damage to nature and the areas in which we fly. Keep to marked trails,
take your rubbish away with you, refrain from making unnecessary noise and respect the
sensitive biological equilibrium of nature. Consideration for nature is required even at the
launch site!
Paragliding is, of course, an outdoor sport – protect and preserve our planet’s resources.
Environmentally-friendly recycling
Fresh Breeze gives consideration to the entire lifecycle of its paragliders, the last stage of
which is recycling in an environmentally-friendly manner. The synthetic materials used in a
paraglider must be disposed of properly. If you are not able to arrange appropriate disposal,
Fresh Breeze will be happy to recycle the paraglider for you. Send the glider with a short note
to this effect to the address given in the appendix.
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Safety
WARNING
:
the safety advice and instructions contained in this manual must be followed in
all circumstances. Failure to do so may invalidate the certification and/or result in loss of
insurance cover, and could lead to serious injuries or even death.
Safety advice
Paragliding demand a high level of individual responsibility. Prudence and risk-awareness are
basic requirements for the safe practice of the sport, for the very reason that it is so easy to
learn and practically anyone can do so. Carelessness and overestimating one’s own abilities
can quickly lead to critical situations. A reliable assessment of conditions for flying is
particularly important. Paragliders are not designed to be flown in turbulent weather. Most
serious accidents with paragliders are caused by pilots misjudging the weather for flying.
In Germany, paragliders are subject to the guidelines for air sports equipment and must not
under any circumstances be flown without a valid certification. Independent experimentation
is strictly prohibited. This Manual does not replace the need to attend training at a paragliding
school.
The manual must be passed on to any new owner if the paraglider is sold. It is part of the
certification and belongs with the paraglider.
Observe the other specific safety advice in the various sections of this manual.
Safety notices
Safety notices are issued when defects arise during use of a paraglider which could possibly
also affect other gliders of the same model. The notices contain instructions on how the
affected gliders can be inspected for possible faults and the steps required to rectify them.
Fresh Breeze publishes on its website any technical safety notices and airworthiness
instructions which are issued in respect of Fresh Breeze products. The paraglider owner is
responsible for carrying out the action required by the safety notice.
Safety notices are issued by the certification agencies and also published on the relevant
websites. You should therefore visit on a regular basis the safety pages of the certification
agencies and keep up-to-date with new safety notices which cover any products relating to
paragliding.
Liability, warranty exclusion and operating limitations
Use of the paraglider is at the pilot’s own risk!
The manufacturer cannot be held liable for any personal injury or material damage which
arises in connection with Fresh Breeze paragliders. The certification and warranty shall be
rendered invalid if there are changes of any kind (incl. paraglider design or changes to the
brake lines beyond the permissible tolerance levels) or incorrect repairs to the glider, or if any
inspections are missed (annual and 2-yearly check).
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Pilots are responsible for their own safety and must ensure that the airworthiness of the
glider is checked prior to every flight. The pilot should launch only if the paraglider is
airworthy. In addition, when flying outside of Germany, pilots must observe the relevant
regulations in each country.
The glider may only be used if the pilot has a licence which is valid for the area or is flying
under the supervision of an approved flying instructor. There shall be no liability on the part of
third parties, in particular the manufacturer and the dealer.
Liability and warranty exclusion
In terms of the warranty and guarantee conditions, the paraglider may not be flown if any of
the following situations exists:
●the inspection period has expired, or the inspection has been carried out by the pilot
him/herself or by an unauthorised inspector
●the pilot has incorrect or inadequate equipment (reserve, protection, helmet etc)
●the glider is used for winch-launching with a winch which has not been inspected or
by non-licensed pilots and/or winch operators
●the pilot has insufficient experience or training
Operating limitations
The paraglider must be operated only within the operating limits. These are exceeded, if one
or more of the following points are complied:
●the take-off weight is not within the permissible weight range
●the glider is flown in rain or drizzle, cloud, fog and / or snow
●the canopy is wet
●there are turbulent weather conditions or wind speeds on launch higher than 2/3 ot
the maximum flyable airspeed of the glider (varies according to the total take-off
weight)
●air temperature below -10°C and above 50°C
●the glider is used for aerobatics/extreme flying or flight manoeuvres at an angle
greater than 90°
●there have been modifications to the canopy, lines or risers which have not been
approved
Glider categories and guidelines
The German Hang gliding and Paragliding Association (DHV) and its safety division
have developed guidelines which are based on many years of analysing paraglider
accidents and on the experience of flying schools, flying instructors and safety officers.
These guidelines should help pilots to select the appropriate glider classification for their
particular level of flying ability. The information below relates to the classification in EN/LTF-
certification. There is also further information on the website of the relevant licensing body.
The complexity of the paraglider system means that it is not possible to give any more than
a partial description of the glider’s flight behaviour and reactions to disturbances. Even a small
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alteration in individual parameters can result in flight behaviour which is markedly modified
and different from the description given.
WARNING: The descriptions of flight characteristics contained in this Manual are all based
on experiences from the test flights, which were carried out under standardised
conditions. The classification is merely a description of the reactions to these standard
tests.
DGAC certification
The APAX evo received ULM Class 1 registration (DGAC)
EN/LTF certification
The APAX evo received EN-A classification in the final classification by the licensing body.
Description of flight characteristics
“Paragliders with maximum passive safety and extremely forgiving flying characteristics.
Gliders with good resistance to departures from normal flight.”
Target group and recommended flying experience
“For all pilots, from beginners to cross country flyers, who want the highest passive safety
standards in their canopy. Pilots who fly less than 15-20 hours airtime per year are
recommended to only fly canopies with this rating.”
Description of pilot skills required
“Designed for all pilots including pilots under all levels of training.”
Suitability for training
The APAX evo is suitable for use as a training glider.
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Before the first flight
WARNING: Your instructor, dealer or a specialist must test-fly and inspect the paraglider
before your first flight. The test-flight must be recorded on the paraglider information
label.
For motorized flight, the engine, harness, rescue equipment and supporting structure have to
be checked individually for their compatibility. The compatibility of the engine with the other
components must be checked and confirmed if necessary. If you have any further questions,
please contact the supplier of your engine.
Harness
For free flight the APAX evo is certified for use with all harnesses with variable cross-bracing
(GH type). Practically all modern harnesses are GH type harnesses. Older harnesses with
fixed cross- bracing (GX type) are not certified and should not be used. Check with the
manufacturer of the harness or your paragliding instructor if in doubt whether your harness is
a GH or GX type harness.
It’s important for your comfort and safety to fly with a suitable harness that is properly
adjusted. When choosing a harness, remember that the height of the attachment points (i.e.
distance from the carabiners to the seat plate) affects the sensitivity of the glider and the
relative brake travel. The lower (shorter) the attachment points, the more sensitive the glider is
to weightshift.
The adjustment of the harness chest strap controls the distance between carabiners and
affects the handling and stability of the glider. Excessive tightening of the chest strap
increases stability but also the risk of riser twists following glider collapses. It also increases
the likelihood of getting collapses due to poor feedback from the glider. The risk of twisting is
also strongly influenced by the seating position of the pilot. Flying in a laid back (reclined)
position makes it much more difficult to react in time to prevent riser twisting. With the chest
strap in a more closed position the glider also has more tendency to maintain a stable spiral.
With the chest strap in a more open position, feedback from the glider is increased but
stability is decreased.
Fresh Breeze are developed with Fresh Breeze harnesses, which have an attachment point
of approximately 40-48cm (depending on size and model). EN/LTF certification test flights are
carried out with the horizontal distance between the harness attachment points (measured
between connector centrelines) set depending on the total weight in flight as follows:
Total weight in flight
< 80 kg
80 to 100 kg
> 100 kg
Width
40 ± 2 cm
44 ± 2 cm
48 ± 2 cm
We recommend adjusting the distance of the chest strap according to the table and, if
necessary, to adapt easily. In general, the carabiner distance should not be set too narrow!
For flight comfort and safety it is very important that you fly with a suitable, properly
adjusted harness. In practice, it turns out that few pilots have a harness that suits their flying
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style and paraglider. If you have any questions or doubts regarding the use of your harness
with the APAX evo, please contact a Fresh Breeze dealer or Fresh Breeze directly.
NOTE: Don’t adjust your leg and shoulder straps too tightly. If you do, you may have
di
ffi
culty sitting back into your harness after take-o
ff
. If the harness is setup incorrectly, the
pilot must move the focus to the correct position during thermal flying and turbulence
through active body use.
Reserve
It is a mandatory requirement to carry an approved reserve for use in emergency situations
where the paraglider fails and recovery is not possible, for example after colliding with
another aerial sports craft.
In choosing a reserve, you should be careful that you remain within the specified take-off
weight. The reserve is fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Weight range
Be sure to fly your glider within the certified weight range given in the Technical Specification
section. The weight refers to take-off weight: pilot, incl. clothing, engine, glider, harness and
equipment.
The reactions are quite different at the upper- or lower weight range. If you fly at a high
wing- loading, the glider shows dynamic flight behaviour with fast reactions. This may be an
advantage in strong wind conditions, but considerable pilot skill is required.
The dynamics are reduced somewhat in the middle and lower part of the weight range.
Overload
The EN 926-2:2013 describes the weight measurement with: “All weights are subject to an
acceptable tolerance of ± 2kg”. Therefore a slight overload of the wing would be within EN
tolerances. However, flying over the maximum weight further increases the dynamic flight
behaviour. In small bubbles, the wing has more horizontal momentum and less tendency
towards lifting. A test flight is always recommended if in doubt.
Note: Check your total flying weight by standing on weighing scales with all your flying
equipment including your motor unit. Remember that ballast can also be used to adjust
wing loading to the conditions.
First flight
Carry out your first flights only during stable weather, and in a familiar area or on a training
slope. You should steer gently and carefully to begin with so that you can become
accustomed to the reactions of the glider without stress.
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Flying the APAX evo
The flight practice for motorized operation and free flying is identical in many respects.
Therefore, they are considered together in this manual. Differences and special features are
indicated either directly or in the description of the respective operating mode.
Fresh Breeze cannot ensure that the flight behavior described in this chapter is accurate to
all engines used with the APAX evo. The compatibility of a new combination must therefore
be confirmed by a test flight by an accredited K-pilot. Compatibility flights can be requested
by the manufacturer of the engine or in the form of a single sample test by the pilot himself at
a testing house.
Preparation for launch
Follow a consistent routine every time you fly. This is very important for safety. We
recommend the following procedure:
Material check
Check the following condition of your paraglider and other flying equipment before every
flight:
●Is the glider fabric free from tears or other damage?
●Are the lines free from knots, tangles or other damage?
●Brake lines freely and firmly connected to the handle?
●Correct adjustment of the brake lines length?
●Are the maillons connecting the lines and risers closed and secured?
●Is the glider dry?
●Are the risers and seams in good condition?
●Is your harness in good condition?
●Is your rescue handle secure and rescue pin in?
Pre-flight check
A careful pre-flight check is required for any type of aircraft. Make sure that you exercise the
same level of care each time carry out the check.
●Once you have arrived at the take-off, you should first take a look at the conditions:
observe wind speed and wind direction, airspace, turbulence and thermal cycles.
●Check your engine, paraglider, harness, rescue handle and pin, helmet and other
equipment.
●Carry out the preflight control check of the engine.
●Choose a wide starting place, as uniform as possible and free from obstacles.
●Put on your harness and be sure to close the leg straps! Then put on your helmet.
●Place the paraglider in a curved shape and sort the lines.
●Connect the riser to the harness carabiners. Make sure that the carabiners are closed
and that nothing is twisted.
●Connect the speed system of the riser and harness with the Brummel hooks.
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●Check one last time that there are no knots in the lines, nothing is twisted and that
the lines are not caught in vegetation or rocks. You must be particularly attentive in
lighter winds.
WARNING: If there are obvious creases in the glider as a result of tight packing or long
term storage, carry out some practice inflations before your first launch and smooth out
the trailing edge a little. This ensures that the flow profile is correct during launch. This is
particularly important in low temperatures.
Start check
The start check is carried out immediately before launch to check the most important safety
points once again. It should always be carried out in the same sequence so that nothing is
overlooked. The points are:
1. Is your personal equipment in order (engine, harness, carabiners, reserve, helmet)
and are all straps done up?
2. Is the canopy arranged in a half-moon shape and are all the air intakes open?
3. Are all the lines untangled and are any lines under the canopy?
4. Are the trimmer positions correct and symmerical?
5. Does the weather, in particular wind direction and strength, allow a safe flight?
6. Is the propeller free?
7. Does the engine deliver full power?
8. Are the airspace and launch area clear?
General warnings and advice
Before flying, check the following:
●Are you in good physical and mental condition?
●Are you familiar and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations in your area?
●Are you within the certified weight range?
●Do you have the necessary insurance cover?
●Are you briefed thoroughly about the site, airspace and expected weather conditions
of the day?
●Is your equipment and choice of site suitable for your level of experience?
●Do you have a suitable helmet, gloves, boots, eyewear and adequate clothing?
●Are you carrying some form of identification, in case of an accident? Take along a
radio and mobile phone if possible.
●Do you fully understand how to safely fly your new wing? If not, have your instructor
or dealer explain anything you are not sure about.
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Launching
The APAX evo has smooth and progressive inflation characteristics with no tendency to hang
back or shoot forwards.
Forward launch
We recommend a forward launch in nil to light winds. Pull up the glider with the lines
stretched. It is not necessary to use any momentum to launch the APAX evo and/or to start
running with slack lines.
Lean forward positively and guide the ‘A’ risers smoothly upwards in an arc, keeping your
elbows bent and hands at the level of the shoulders. The APAX evo will inflate easily—there is
no need to aggressively pull or push the risers. As the glider comes above your head, make
sure that the canopy is correctly inflated and that there are no knots or tangles in the lines.
Check that the airspace and visibility are clear. If everything is in order, move forward
decisively off the take-off.
Additional information for starting with engine
Avoid lateral rotations with the upper body during the inflation, as otherwise the lines may fall
into the propeller. If the glider does not rise in the middle, you should use the risers instead of
the brakes to compensate. This prevents the wing falling down on one side. During the
take-off run, it is important to stay under the glider and follow the take-off direction. If both
risers have a steady tension and the glider is above the pilot, the control view is carried out.
Check that the canopy is completely inflated and that no lines are twisted or tangled. Do not
stop and do not turn the upper body. If the wing breaks out sideways or falls back to the rear,
stop the engine and abort the take-off.
After the control view, the full motor thrust is used. A slight back position supports the
take-off as the full engine power is used. Release the risers and accelerate until the APAX evo
is lifted.
When you launch forwards, keep the following points in mind:
●If the cage of the engine is not stable enough, the risers can deform the cage and
push the propeller while it is being pulled. Pay attention to it before you fly with
maximum power
●Apply the brake evenly and moderately during the take-off
●Do not start before the wing is over your head. Opening the throttle too soon can
cause dangerous pendulum movements
●Just sit in your harness when you are a few meters in the air
●Low suspension for back motors usually allows easier start-up
Reverse launch
The APAX evo is suitable for reverse launching from light to strong wind speeds. Take the
brakes and turn around to face the wing. Pass one set of risers over your head as you turn.
Make sure the lines are free from knots or tangles. Check that the airspace and visibility are
clear. Gently pull up the glider in an arc with the ‘A’ risers. When the glider is overhead, brake
it gently if necessary, turn around and launch.
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This method of launch makes it easier for the pilot to control the rising of the canopy and is
therefore recommended in strong winds.
Additional information for reverse launch with engine
You can hook in the glider as for a forward launch, and then turn around when the motor is
switched off. Run the lines over the cage and then make sure that all the lines are free.
As with the forward start, the correct combination of braking and engine power is important to
achieve the best speed and the best climb. The right technique of hooking the riser in, pulling
up the glider and turning is very important for reverse launching. This must be controlled by
the pilot before executing it with the engine running.
Tips for paragliding take-o
ff
●If the glider comes up slightly off-centre, make small corrections by moving towards
the lower side.
●In stronger winds, be prepared to take a couple of steps towards the canopy as it
inflates and rises.
●Launch the wing by pulling upwards in an arc, not towards you.
●Practice ground-handling regularly to improve your take-off skills!
●The pilot must work actively to keep the glider on the ground in higher winds (wind
speeds from approximately 6 m/s), otherwise the glider may rise above the pilot
unintentionally.
Note: During reverse launch and ground handling, care should be taken that the brake
lines do not rub over the riser. This may cause damage to the riser or brake lines.
Knots or loops in the lines
If you have taken off with a knot in the lines, you should wait until you have enough height
and distance from other pilots before you attempt to loosen the knot. Control with weight shift
and gently brake the opposite side before attempting to open the knotted side by pulling on
the brake line. Make sure you don’t fly too slowly and stall or spin the paraglider. If the knot
does not open, land safely as soon as possible.
The initial climb-out
After a successful launch, continue into wind using the brakes to regulate the rate of climb.
Do not try to climb too steeply. A powered paraglider behaves more like an airplane than a
paraglider. If there are no obstacles, it is much safer (and more impressive for the spectators
as well) to fly level for a while after take-off and pick up speed before converting speed to
height with a brief application of the brakes.
An additional reason not to climb too fast is related to the risk of low-level engine failure.
Although the APAX evo does not hang back during a steep climb as much as some other
wings, a stall is still more likely at low speed and high pitch angles. In addition, you should
always be in a good position to land in case of engine trouble. Don’t take unnecessary risks
and fly with a wide margin of error.
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Depending on the characteristics of your engine, once in the air you may be faced with a
torque effect. This may cause the wing to turn, so be prepared to counteract this effect with
suitable braking or anti-torque strap. If such a situation occurs during the climb-out with "slow"
trims and maximum power, be pay attention to the risk of stalling. Safe operations and
management of your engine depend on your knowledge and equipment.
Engine-induced oscillations
Certain configurations of weight, propeller diameter and engine power may cause serious
oscillations. The pilot is lifted to one side by the torque effect, swings down due to his weight
and is then lifted again and so on. To counter this effect:
●change the throttle setting
●counteract the pendulum movement with a slight brake input
●adjust the trimmers to dampen the oscillation
These oscillations typically occur at full power. The greater the engine power and propeller
diameter, the greater will be the oscillations. In addition, late or inappropriate pilot reactions
may worsen the problem instead of solving it. Most inexperienced pilots tend to overreact,
leading to “pilot-induced” oscillations. In the majority of cases the best way to handle this is to
release the throttle and release the brakes.
In-flight characteristics
Cruising flight
Once you have reached a satisfactory altitude after take-off, you can turn in your chosen
direction, open the trimmers if they were previously in the "slow" configuration and go
“hands-up” on the brakes. If conditions are strong, you will need to fly actively.
For each paramotor, you must make an adjustment of the length of your brakes to prevent
them interfering with the propellers when you do release in flight.
If you have a vario or altimeter, keep an eye on it. In level flight, it is very easy to climb
unintentionally. The instruments exist to help you maximize your speed and fuel economy.
Naturally, the safety and success of each flight will depend on your piloting set-up, and thanks
to its ability to fly safely without constant piloting adjustments, the APAX evo will leave you all
the comfort to adjust everything properly.
Normal flight
“Trim speed” (brakes fully released) is the best glide speed in still air. The brake lines are
used to adjust the speed according to the flight situation in order to ensure optimum
performance and safety.
Minimum sink speed on the APAX evo is achieved by light braking. In a normal flying
position (knees parallel to the ground and your body slightly reclined), your hands should be
holding the brakes at a level between your eyes and your shoulders. Use this speed for
thermalling and ridge soaring.
Stall speed is approached by bringing your hands towards your hips. Notice the decreased
wind noise and a significant increase in brake pressure.
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APAX evo user manual
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WARNING: Flying too slowly close to stall speed increases the risk of an unintentional
asymmetric or full stall. This speed range should therefore be avoided and used only on
landing during the final stage of the flare.
Accelerated flight
Once you have become accustomed to flying the APAX evo, you can practice using the
trimmer (motorized flying only) and speed system (free flying and motorized flying), which
allows improved glide in headwinds and greater penetration in strong winds. During your first
few flights, familiarize yourself with your glider’s speed range and corresponding brake
positions and pressures.
When flying accelerated the glider reacts much faster to a collapse. Also the glider reacts
more radically when a collapse happens during accelerated flight compared to flying at trim
speed.
Apply the speed system by pushing the speed bar progressively with your feet. Avoid flying
accelerated near the ground, and be careful using the accelerator in turbulence. If you do
encounter a collapse while using the accelerator, immediately step off the bar completely
before taking any other corrective actions.
WARNING: Symmetrical braking with the main brake with open trimmers creates an
extremely unstable profile and there is a danger of a front stall or other extreme flight
maneuvers. In addition, never apply brakes when using the speed bar.
Turning
The APAX evo performs best in turns when it is flown with sufficient speed and
weight-shifting. Enter a turn with good airspeed, weightshift and then apply the brake. Once
established in the turn, regulate your speed and turn radius with weightshift and the outer
brake. Too much braking increases the sink rate.
Make your first turns gradual and progressive. Also remember that your harness and its
set-up has an influence of the turning behaviour of the wing. The APAX evo has extremely
low negative tendency, so it can also be turned in a tight area by carefully pulling the inside
brake line.
If the brakes are applied more, the bank attitude increases and the glider will fly a fast turn
increasing in steepness, which will eventually become a spiral dive (further information on this
is in the section “Spiral Dive”).
Active flying
Practice active flying to eliminate collapses in all but the most turbulent conditions.
Keep tension on the brakes approximately equal to the weight of your arms. This allows you
to stay relaxed and sensitively feel the internal pressure in the wing through the brakes. If you
feel a loss of pressure in one or both sides of the wing, quickly apply the appropriate brake(s)
to regain pressure. Release the brake promptly as soon as normal pressure is resumed.
If you miss the above timing and get a collapse, be sure to first raise your hands and
release the brakes before considering any other corrective actions.
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APAX evo user manual
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The APAX evo has excellent pitch stability. Nonetheless, in turbulence or during
manoeuvres, the glider may pitch. If the glider pitches in front of you, apply brake to slow it
down. If the glider drops behind you, ease off the brakes to allow it to speed up. The
objective is to reduce the pendulum effect by adjusting the speed of your glider so that glider
and pilot are travelling at the same speed.
The same general principles also apply when gliding on bar.
Summary: "Active flying"
●The pilot sits upright in his harness, his view goes in the direction of the flight.
●He constantly responds to increasing and decreasing brake pressures with the aim of
maintaining a constant pressure on the brake lines.
●The further in front of you the glider pitches, the larger the brake input required, but
for a shorter duration.
●When brake pressures decrease, brake firmly; when brake pressures increase, ease
off the brakes.
WARNING: Never release the brakes when the glider is behind you but accelerating
forwards.
Rapid descent techniques
Many flying situations call for a very rapid descent to avoid a dangerous situation, e.g. the up
current from a cumulus cloud, an approaching cold front or a storm front.
Rapid descent methods should all be practised in calm conditions and at sufficient altitude
so that a pilot is then able to employ them effectively if extreme conditions arise. Rapid
descent techniques are divided into three different manoeuvres which increase the sink rate
in a safe and controllable manner.
All of these options will also strain your motor paraglider and should be avoided if you want
to preserve your motor paraglider. We recommend that you practice the rapid descent
techniques under professional guidance during a safety training course.
Spiral dives
The spiral dive is the most effective method for making a rapid descent, and can allow sink
rates of up to 20 m/s to be reached. It is suitable where there is a high ascent rate and little
wind.
The APAX evo fulfils the EN spiral dive requirements and has no tendency to remain in a
stable spiral dive under normal conditions. The certification test flights are carried out with a
defined carabiner distance (see chapter "Harness"). Deviations from this setting, unapproved
harnesses or spirals with excessive sink can change the maneuver considerably; pilot action
may be required. In such cases, exit the spiral by weightshifting to the outside and
progressively applying the outside brake.
Before entering a spiral, make sure you have adequate height for recovery. To enter the
spiral dive, weight shift and progressively apply the inside brake until the glider enters the
Page 20
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