GRAVITY X cend light User manual

1
USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
X cend light_ EN A paraglider
MANUAL
EN REV.V01 – 2020
Copyright by:
GRAVITY airsports & more GmbH
Hütte 45
6345 Kössen / Austria
tel. [phone]
mail. [e-mail]
web. www.gravityparagliders.eu
photos copyright and photo & visual credits
GRAVITY airsports & more GmbH

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
1 THE PRODUCT_.......................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 GRAVITY Xcend light_ maximum safety, so light ....................................................... 7
1.2 Pilot Profile ..............................................................................................................................9
1.3 Use............................................................................................................................................ 10
1.4 Signboard............................................................................................................................... 10
2 POSSIBLE USE_..........................................................................................................................11
2.1 Motorised Paragliding ..........................................................................................................11
2.2 E-climbing assistance/ E-ascent aid................................................................................11
2.3 Towing winches......................................................................................................................11
3 THE DEFAULT SETTINGS_ ....................................................................................................12
4 SECURITY PRECAUTIONS_ ...................................................................................................13
5 DEVICE DESCRIPTION_ ......................................................................................................... 14
5.1 Short description ................................................................................................................. 14
5.2 Technical Data Xcend light_ .............................................................................................15
5.3 Innovations on our Product_ ............................................................................................16
5.4 Colours and Design_............................................................................................................17
5.5 Risers ........................................................................................................................................18
5.6 Speed/ acceleration system..............................................................................................19
5.7 TRANSPORTATION and STORAGE_..............................................................................19
6 THE FLIGHT_ ............................................................................................................................ 20
6.1 Flying experience ............................................................................................................... 20
6.2 Take-off.................................................................................................................................. 20
6.3 Turning flight..........................................................................................................................21
6.4 Active flying ...........................................................................................................................21
6.5 Landing ....................................................................................................................................21
7 RAPID DESCENT_....................................................................................................................22
7.1.1 „Big Ears“ ...............................................................................................................................22
7.1.2 B-Stall..................................................................................................................................22
7.2 Extreme flight manoeuvres ..............................................................................................23
7.3 Spiral dive ..............................................................................................................................23
7.4 Wingover................................................................................................................................24
7.5 Front Collapse ......................................................................................................................24
7.6 Collapses ................................................................................................................................24
7.7 Deep stall................................................................................................................................24

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
7.8 Full stall...................................................................................................................................25
7.9 Negative turn / spin............................................................................................................25
7.10 Emergency piloting/ control............................................................................................25
8 REPAIRS_ ...................................................................................................................................26
9 MAINTENANCE and CLEANING_........................................................................................26
9.1 Packing....................................................................................................................................27
9.2 Recycle....................................................................................................................................27
10 FLYING ACCESSORIES_....................................................................................................28
10.1 Xgear_ COMFORT IN ITS HIGHEST QUALITY ............................................................28
10.2 Xfusion _ guard, performance and quality - in a petite pack................................29
11 PRESUMPTION OF RISK_ ..................................................................................................... 30
12 LIABILITY DISCLAIMER_ ...................................................................................................... 30
13 SAFETY NOTE and LIABILITY_........................................................................................31
14 LIABILITY EXEMPTION and WAIVER_ ..........................................................................31
15 MAINTENANCE MANUAL_ ...............................................................................................32
15.1 Subject to inspection and inspection intervals ..........................................................32
15.2 Who is authorized to check? ...........................................................................................32
15.3 Rescue inspection equipment..........................................................................................32
15.4 Holes and cracks ..................................................................................................................33
15.5 Abrasion and expansions ..................................................................................................33
15.6 Tear resistance control ......................................................................................................33
15.7 Canopy porosity measurements .....................................................................................33
15.8 Connecting parts ................................................................................................................ 34
15.9 Lines........................................................................................................................................ 34
15.10 Tensile strength values and tear resistance............................................................35
15.11 Checking line lengths and fixings...............................................................................35
15.12 Line length measurements: ..........................................................................................35
15.13 Stitch/ Sewing control of trimming and settings..................................................36
15.14 Miscellaneous....................................................................................................................36
16 IMPORTANT -> carried out inspections .......................................................................36

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
SERVUS
There are those very special and rare scenes and encounters in time, when we indulge in the
present, feeling the now and simply pure joy. The GRAVITY team has devoted its efforts,
work and vision entirely to and around the pleasures and enjoyment to the art of flying. Not
only do we all live the spirit and mind-set of safety and freedom every day, we also want to
share it with as many people and like-minded airheads as possible! GRAVITY develops
innovative products for paragliding and offers a full service range with the great desire to
make our products accessible to as many enthusiasts and sportsmen out there.
WE PROCLAIM
-> Secured and lasting enjoyment!
GRAVITY strives for the highest level of passive safety, with inspiring, performing and
convincing products that make you truly happy. Our products deliver reliably, supporting
and aiding the pilot even in more challenging conditions.
It’s simple that the fun factor increases significantly by reducing risk. Designing and
manufacturing products, applying high, latest technological standards, originality with long-
lasting quality.
AMBITIOUS DESTINATION
-> Exceeding what is already great!
“Innovation is a trusted, strong driver and successful progress the best vessel!” With this we
are aiming to improve, grow and develop personally and our devices every day. Evolving
and advancing on certain thoughts and ideas about the current state of a product, how to
improve safety and protection, including sustainability with fresh, out of the box angles and
approaches. We are proud of our work, savour uncompromising quality and love our sport.
The products are crafted and tested with utmost care, in order to create and maintain long
lasting quality.
THE HEART OF TRADE
-> man-kind
Managing the team responsibly and with care, treating our surroundings and nature with
respect comes just as natural to us as how we communicate with each individual customer
and pilot. The GRAVITY team and family keeps an authentic and plain management style.
Evident, direct structures enable active, empowered interactions and makes us dynamic and
flexible. We wish you many countless, lasting, impressive explorations and moments with
your GRAVITY product.
Stefan Berger
owner & sales

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
MANUAL

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
PAY ATTENTION_
This operating manual is an important part of the aircraft. Please study and revise it well and
in detail, due to the fact that there is a legal OBLIGATION to deal with the air sports device
and its special features prior commissioning it. The manual is intended to make the use
of
the GRAVITY Xcend light
as safe and easy as possible.

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
1 THE PRODUCT_
1.1 GRAVITY Xcend light_ maximum safety, so light
The Xcend light is a middle A-glider with an optimized power-to-weight ratio. Perfectly
suitable for everyday use, this lightweight wing offers immense safety reserves while
maintaining its fun and sporty handling. This makes it a perfect all-rounder for every
adventure you might want to undertake. Not only beginners should enjoy the forgiving
glider greatly, having a lot of fun with their Xcend light - the soft-tempered behaviour
ensures guaranteed long-term flight pleasurable even for ambitious cross-country pilots and
alpinists.
Illustration 01_ GRAVITY Xcend light
The demands placed on the latest generation of the Xcend and Xcend light model series
were very high and yet expectations could still be exceeded with the new wing concept.
GRAVITY relies on class-appropriate gliders and so everything in the development of the
new A-Class wing was based on the criteria of uncompromising passive safety. The Xcend
light combines sporty properties with very high tolerance and maximum safety. Especially in
turbulent air, the wing will not respond or be affected so quickly. However, should pressure
compensation be necessary nevertheless, the reactions are very moderate and subdued.

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
The high stability also favours the excellent gliding properties as well as the climbing ability
of the Xcend light. Even in weak thermic conditions, the wing rises very efficiently and turns
dynamically into curves, which is positively noticeable when centring in thermals. Particular
attention was paid to reliable starting behaviour with the Xcend light. The wing rises evenly
and without any tendency to exceed or surpass the pilot. It inflates quickly and with little
physical effort, even when there is but little wind.
Illustration 02_ GRAVITY Xcend light
The new LTF A-class wing was designed and constructed under the harsh criteria of
uncompromising, passive safety while remaining the exact handling and performance.
Therefore, the Xcend light offers an easy start for students when making their first
encounters on high-altitude flights, as well as offering long-lasting extended enjoyment for
experienced pilots. The Xcend light implements control pulses precisely, combining A-class
appropriate tolerance with dynamics easily. The reactions are therefore gently damped
accordingly. The markedly outstanding glide- and rise abilities are particularly coming into
effect in weak thermal lift, efficiently implementing those into an up-lift and gaining
height. A lot of attention and detail during the planning and development phase was paid to
facilitating an easy start behaviour of the glider and the handling. Through multiple
constructive optimizations these we managed to build them perfectly. Distinctly in difficult
conditions the Xcend light simplifies the start for every pilot as the light canopy rises
reliably, even at zero wind with only little effort required.

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
1.2 Pilot Profile
Additionally, the exceptional low speed flight characteristics of the wing are causing a
minimal take-off speed and much control time during the start. The Xcend light is based on
a new layout and a modified wing profile which combines gliding performance with a
remarkable tolerance spectrum. Chief-designer Ernst Strobl equipped the Xcend light with
36 cells and an aspect ratio of 5 and fits the wing with the latest technical features. In
addition to the PPN, 3D shaping assures optimized inflow and shape stability of the leading
edge. Extensive calculations of the ballooning in combination with the optimized wing
preload ensure a balanced pressure distribution and flow dynamics around the profile. On
the rear/ trailing edge of the wing, mini-ribs give the profile more shape retention and
additionally enhancing the aerodynamics, especially when braking.
Illustration 03_ GRAVITY Xcend light

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
1.3 Use
The Xcend light was built for single-seat use only. The Xcend light is a light air sports device,
with an unladen weight of less than 120 kg in the paraglider division. The training-ready
Xcend light glider is an ideal wing and companion for beginners as well as advanced pilots. a
wide range of pilots. All sizes are type tested and classified according to LTF / EN – A. The
approval of the product was carried out and conducted according to current legal
requirements and specifications:
• Inspection guidelines: LTF 91/09 & EN 926-1:2006, 926-2:2013
• Accredited testing centre: EAPR GmbH, Marktstr. 11, 87730 Bad Grönenbach,
Germany
1.4 Signboard
The essential and relevant product data is positioned on each product by default and in
accordance to the admission office. In the case of the entire GRAVITY paraglider range
these are visibly placed are the centre of the canopy.
Illustration 04_ Signboard
WARNING! Read and understand the owner’s manual
of this paraglider before operation.
LTF 91/09, EN 926-1, EN 926-2
EAPR GmbH, Marktstr. 11, D-87730 Bad Grönenbach
Paraglider:
Gleitschirm:
Conformity:
Geprüft von:
Te s t S ta n d ar d :
Prüfrichtlinie:
Te s t C en t e r:
Prüfstelle:
Serial No.:
Werk Nr.:
Date:
Datum:
Prod. Dat.
Prod. Dat.
Xcend light 26
EN / LTF - A
1
EAPR-GS-0895/18
90 - 115 KG
60 - 95 KG
21, 614 M 2
3+1
YES / JA
14 0 M M
YES / JA
15 0 H 2 4 M O N. / 150STD 24MON.
YES / JA
YES / JA Weight:
Gewicht: 3,75KG
Test-flown by / Eingeflogen von :
Periodic inspection / Nachprüfung:
Repairs / Reparaturen: Date / Datum:
Gravity-Paragliders GmbH Hütte 45 | A 6345 KÖSSEN [e-mail]
CONTACT
Te s t R e f e r e n c e - N o :
Musterprüf-Nr.:
Te s t R e f e r e n c e - N o :
Musterprüf-Nr.:
Class:
Klasse:
Number of seats:
Anzahl Sitze:
   
Startgewicht:
       
Startgewicht Motor:
Projected Area:
Projizierte Fläche:
Number of risers:
Anzahl Traggurte:



         
max.way of accelaration:
Beschleunigerweg:
Suitable for schooling:
Schulungstauglichkeit:
Periodic inspection after:
Regelmässig Nachprüfung nach:
Towing:
Windenschlepp:
gravity-paragliders.eu
Paragliding and Paramotoring is a hazardous activity that can and sometimes does result in severe injury or death. The designer, manufacturer,
distributor, wholesaler, instructor and retailer cannot and will not guarantee your safety when using this equipment nor accept responsibility


understand the correct and safe use of this equipment, to use it only for the purpose for which it is designed, and to practice all proper safety
procedures before and during use. Paragliding and Paramotoring require careful and constant care. Over time, solar radiation, dirt, dust,
grease, water, wind, stress, and other wear will degrade the materials, performance, and safety of the equipment, there by increasing the


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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
2 POSSIBLE USE_
2.1 Motorised Paragliding
The flight behaviour of the Xcend light with motor is quite identical to that described in the
Xcend light manual chapter “The Flight”. Due to the higher wing and surface loading in the
extended engine weight range, the according reactions are responding more dynamically.
Opening the trimmer reduces the angle of attack and also causes a higher speed and thus
more dynamic behaviour. It is recommended to keep the trimmers closed when flying
through turbulent air. In order to keep the take-off distance and take-off speed low, the
trimmers remain closed during take-off, especially when there is little wind.
Although the Xcend has outstanding take-off properties, attention must be paid that due to
the extended engine weight range the take-off and landing speed changes and alters
noticeably.
2.2 E-climbing assistance/ E-ascent aid
Due to its unproblematic handling and high trim speed, the GRAVITY Xcend light is ideally
suited for the e-ascent aid.
2.3 To wi n g w i n c h e s
The GRAVITY Xcend light offers excellent starting characteristics with its high trim speed,
best conditions for towing winches. The following must be observed when towing winches/
aerotow:
– The GRAVITY Xcend light must not be towed over 100 kp
– Unless towing on your “house winch”, it is absolutely necessary to familiarize yourself
with the local conditions in advance. Every “guest” in a foreign/ new flight area must
be instructed by the local pilots.
– Never tow the GRAVITY Xcend light with a load exceeding the approved weight
limits
– All persons and facilities involved in winch operation must have the required
qualifications or approvals for towing paragliders on the winch. This applies to the
pilot, winch operator, towing device, towing pawl and all other devices for which a
certificate of competence is required

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
3 THE DEFAULT SETTINGS_
The delivered brake line and default setting corresponds to the setting 0-leeway plus 5 cm.
It is recommended to adjust the brake handle to your personal needs after the first flight.
Remember that the brakes should not be set too short, otherwise the glider would fly
continuously braked. These situations would be extremely dangerous for take-off, flight and
landing!
The default setting is in extreme flight situations and when landing sufficient braking
distance available. At the same time, it enables a comfortable arm position for the trim
flight. Under no circumstances should the basic setting of the A, B and C lines be changed.
PAY ATTENTION_
Please note that the relative braking distance changes with the
height/ length of the harness. When fixing the setting, make sure that both sides are
symmetrical and that a permanent knot is used. The double fisherman’s knot/ spar or pile
stitch has proven particularly effective in that since it weakens the lines the least with
excellent slip resistance.
Illustration 05_ double fisherman’s knot

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
4 SECURITY PRECAUTIONS_
1. 1. Before the first flight, the cap, lines, all connections and sewing, the shackles, brake
lines and brake line knots as well as any twisted lines must be checked by
appropriately trained personnel and confirmed on the type plate
2. Make your first flight in a known flight area/ territory and in calm conditions
3. Test your GRAVITY Xcend light only over water
4. During a "dynamic flight" the gravitation does not only affect you, but also on the
glider. Do not underestimate this state and the forces!
5. Always fly your GRAVITY Xcend light with at least one rescue device!
6. Compliance with the air traffic act and regulations are applicable in the respective
country must be observed and revised carefully
7. Successful, certified completion of the appropriate training and license as well as the
current existence of the appropriate level of knowledge / the current flight
experience are prerequisites for using the GRAVITY Xcend light
8. The use of suitable, tested and approved accessories (helmet, harness, rescue
device) is a prerequisite for using the GRAVITY Xcend light
9. Carry out a thorough material check of your equipment (top sail, bottom sail, ribs,
especially the lines, carabiners, belt buckles, cloth, speed system, etc.) before every
start
10. A flight with a crack or hole in the wing or line can be life-threatening
11. Always make sure that the aircraft is in a proper flying condition and that the
required inspections have been carried out regularly
12. Be aware that as a pilot you must be physically and mentally able to carry out the
flight unimpeded. You have to concentrate fully on flying in order to possibly avoid
unpleasant flight conditions
13. Most accidents are due to pilot errors
14. Never fly near high-voltage lines, airports or highways, over people or during a
thunderstorm! Otherwise you could endanger the life and physical integrity of third
parties and / or your own and act grossly negligent at the same time!
15. The minimum distance must never be less than 50 m. At airports, this is a radius of 5
km
16. Find out about the prevailing weather conditions in the weather report and on site in
advance
17. Only use the GRAVITY Xcend light at wind speeds where you are able to control the
glider 100%
18. Never use the screen during approaching thunderstorms or storms or when there is a
high probability of thunderstorms or storms
19. Land immediately when thunderstorms or bad weathers approach!
20. Aerobatic flying is generally prohibited and life-threatening. Unpredictable flight
situations can occur that may get out of control. There is a risk of physical and
thermal overload on the material and/ or the pilot
PAY ATTENTION_
Failure to disregard one or more safety precautions or violation
can turn flight fun into a life-threatening event.

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
5 DEVICE DESCRIPTION_
5.1 Short description
– A – Top Sail
– B – Risers
– C – Stabilo
– D - Riserbelt
Illustration 06_ device description
__ A = TOPSAIL
RISERS = B __
__ A = TOPSAIL
__ C = STABILO

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GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
5.2 Te c h n i cal Data Xcend light_
Illustration 05_ technological table

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
5.3 Innovations on our Product_
The constant search for innovative technical and throughout high-performance solutions,
always serves a higher safety standard in paragliding. Here is an overview of our most
important innovations.
3D shape – providing specific tension control of the wing and therefore
optimized ballooning and wrinkle free outline
precision profile nose – plastic sticks on the profile nose for stronger profile
parts
high pressure crossport design – provides an ideal cross aeration of the
crossports and helps you to balance the pressure differences on the inside of
the wing on extreme flight situations/ conditions
miniribs – optimizing the wing profile alongside the trailing edge

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
5.4 Colours and Design_
“Never change a winning horse!”
One of the unique selling points of the GRAVITY product range is that each glider product is
only available in a single lead design and comes without colour variations or special designs.
That way we can maintain supply capability within the agreed lead times and can guarantee
the price stability. We are aiming at keeping basic calculations stable for sales and as well as
within the production processes with forecasted quantities. We have made a big effort at
creating each product of the glider product range holistically and to give each product
unique features and moreover high recognition values.
Illustration 08_ colour catalogue scheme

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USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
5.5 Risers
The A- and B-risers have different colours to ensure positive identification at take-off and
during a B-Stall decent. Other adjustable, removeable or variable mechanisms are non-
existent.
Number of risers: 3+1The risers of the GRAVITY Xcend light consist of 22 mm High Tanacity
Polyester Yarn from Techni Sangles, France.
Illustration 10_ risers belt

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EN REV.V01 - 2020
5.6 Speed/ acceleration system
The GRAVITY Xcend light is equipped with a very effective foot extension acceleration
system. It increases the speed when actuated up to approx. 18 km /h, depending on the
wing size and pilot weight or wing loading. Therefore, it should not be activated in extreme
flight situations or deactivated immediately when they occur. All extreme flight situations
(e.g. collapses) are more dynamic at higher speeds. Since the maximum acceleration
distance is designed for the safety behaviour of the wing, it may occur that some risers/
harnesses may not be able to or are not suitable for the correct use of the full acceleration
distance!
PAY ATTENTION_
As a result of the modification, the speed range in accelerated
flight is significantly higher and the response is correspondingly more dynamic. Only pilots
with sufficient experience should make the modification. The acceleration system must be
set up before the first flight.
For this purpose, the connecting lines of the foot accelerator are connected to the
acceleration system on the riser by means of brummel hooks. To make the correct
adjustment, the harness should be hung up so that you can sit in the flight position. The best
way to have the attached risers is to have someone hold them up.
When the foot accelerator is operated, roll on roll should be aligned over and positioned
above each other with stretched legs. It is essential to ensure that the accelerator is not set
too short so that the glider does not already accelerate in flight.
5.7 TRANSPORTATION and STORAGE_
When transporting the paraglider, make sure that it is not exposed to any kind of liquid. It
must be packed dry. When storing the Xcend, it should be ensured that it is not exposed to
UV rays. In addition, it must not be stored together with acids or the like or anywhere near
them. Dry storage is extremely important.
PAY ATTENTION_
After a long storage period, the glider must be checked
thoroughly.

20
USER MANUAL
GRAVITY Xcend light
EN REV.V01 - 2020
6 THE FLIGHT_
6.1 Flying experience
These operating instructions only deal with the relevant points regarding flight technology
that are important for the GRAVITY Xcend light. It cannot and should not replace sound
flight training in a recognized, authorised flight school! Without flight training and
experience, flying with paragliders is extremely dangerous!
6.2 Ta k e -off
After the paraglider has been unpacked and laid out in a semicircle, the following points
must be followed and checked:
1.) the paraglider should be flattened out in a way that the lines in the middle of the
paraglider are evenly under tension and slightly earlier than those at the wing ends when
they are pulled up with the A-risers. This ensures an easy and directionally stable start
2.) When laying/ flattening out, please pay attention to the wind direction so that when
pulling up against the wind both halves of the paraglider can rise symmetrically
3.) If the risers are not twisted, the brake lines run freely through the guides to the rear
edge of the glider
4.) No lines are to run directly underneath the canopy cap. Make sure they are properly
organized underneath the gilder canopy. Otherwise it can have disastrous consequences
5.) The 5-point check should never be forgotten of course
The 5-point check should include the following:
a) buckled up/ strapped (helmet, harness and carabiners closed)
b) suspended (the risers are not twisted when hung in the carabiner, the accelerator is
correctly hooked in, the carabiner is locked)
c) lines (A-lines above, all lines sorted, brake line runs freely to the brake roll(er))
d) canopy (cap is arched with an opened leading edge at the start)
e) wind and airspace (wind suitable for take-off, free airspace)
The centre of the screen of the GRAVITY Xcend light is identified by the GRAVITY logo on
the leading edge.
It is sufficient to only take the A main risers (into your hands). Since the GRAVITY Xcend
light only shows very little tendency to shoot forward/ exceeding the pilot, it only needs to
be slowed down a little in the starting phase. Any directional corrections with the brakes
should only be undertaken when the canopy is already over the pilot, otherwise the glider
can fall back due to excessive braking. The remaining risers should not be touched in the
starting phase.
The cap is filled with a steady, even pull and only a slight start impulse overall. Unlike
conventional gliders, it is not necessary to fill the GRAVITY Xcend light with strong wind-up
movements or even a few quick steps. This also applies to little wind and even zero wind.
Dosed winding is the easiest and safest way to start the GRAVITY Xcend light. Once the
pilot has made sure that the cap is fully open above him, the final decision to take off is
made. After a few dynamic steps, the pilot takes off.