ICARO paragliders SPEEDUP User manual

Page 1
Fly & more Handels GmbH
Hochriesstraße 1, 83126 Flintsbach
Telefon: [phone]
[email protected]
www.icaro-paragliders.com
This manual is copyrighted.
Partial reproduction is allowed only after prior approval by
ICARO paragliders and source of supply.
All other rights are reserved.
Version 1/ 2014 ©

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Verification of Checks and repairs
SPEEDUP
Serial number: ……………………….……………
First check by ICARO / date: ….…………………
………………………….
Name/ Stamp
Check (C)
Repair (R)
Which repair/ Check?
Check valid until? Performed by/ date
Measured porosity data Measured data of the lines Estimated condition
optical:
technical:
Check (C)
Repair (R)
Which repair/ Check?
Check valid until? Performed by/ date
Measured porosity data Measured data of the lines Estimated condition
optical:
technical:
Check (C)
Repair (R)
Which repair/ Check?
Check valid until? Performed by/ date
Measured porosity data Measured data of the lines Estimated condition
optical:
technical:

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
VERIFICATION OF CHECKS AND REPAIRS........................................................2
TO GET TO KNOW YOUR SPEEDUP ..................................................................6
FLYING WITH THE SPEEDUP...............................................................................7
H ARNESS ........................................................................................................................... 7
F LIGHT PREPARATION .......................................................................................................... 7
L AUNCH ............................................................................................................................. 7
A CTIVE FLYING .................................................................................................................... 8
T URNING ............................................................................................................................ 8
L ANDING :............................................................................................................................ 9
DESCENT TECHNIQUES ......................................................................................9
B IG & S MALL E ARS ............................................................................................................. 9
B-L INE -S TALL ..................................................................................................................... 9
S PIRAL D IVE ..................................................................................................................... 10
W INGOVER ....................................................................................................................... 10
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT HAPPENS? .............................................................10
K NOTS AND TANGLES ........................................................................................................ 10
D EEP / P ARACHUTE S TALL :................................................................................................ 10
A SYMMETRIC C OLLAPSE .................................................................................................... 11
S YMMETRIC C OLLAPSE ..................................................................................................... 11
E MERGENCY S TEERING ..................................................................................................... 11
N EGATIVE S PIN ................................................................................................................. 11
F ULL S TALL ...................................................................................................................... 11
CARE INSTRUCTIONS, REPAIRS, INSPECTION...............................................12
C ARE I NSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................................... 12
R EPAIRS ........................................................................................................................... 13
TERMS OF THE GUARANTEE ............................................................................13
ANNEX: INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS, LINEPLAN...........................................15
GUARANTEE CARD:...................................................................................................... 16
USER´S NEEDS FOR INSPECTIONS: ........................................................................... 16
INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS:...................................................................................... 17

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Congratulations on buying your
SPEEDUP
and welcome to the family
of ICARO - pilots!
Before you get to know your glider please read the
manual, there are any important items.
The wing loading has a certain influence on the pilots requirements: If you fly the
wing with less wing load it will be less demanding than if you fly it on top of the
weight range.
The small size of the SPEEDUP and thereby the high wing loading make certain
demands for the pilot. The glider is very predictable in its reactions but sometimes
it requires fast and sensitive brake inputs.
Therefore the pilot should already have certain "reflexes" from flying other wings.
The SPEEDUP is not a glider for aerobatics because there are different materials
and characteristics to an aerobatic- glider.
Therefore aerobatics with the SPEEDUP is forbidden.
Your SPEEDUP is not pattern tested, has no certification, is not suitable for
training, valid using any harness which has been categorized by “GH” and allowed
for towing.
The glider may be only used for those purposes described in this manual.
•It is strictly prohibited to fly the SPEEDUP
•under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
•in insufficient experience or training of pilots,
•without guilty license,
•beyond the minimum and maximum recommended Take Off-
Weight,
•with damaged glider, lines, risers or harness
•in the rain, in snow, in the clouds and fog and in turbulent
weather conditions,
•with motor drive for tandem- flying and in aerobatics.
If you cannot keep your glider under control use the rescue system in good
time. Always pay attention to ground distance.
Our products are made with great care and state of the art. Each paraglider before
it is delivered to the dealer or flight school is checked by ICARO paragliders but
test flights are made only on a random basis.
On that score an approved ICARO dealer or teacher of the flight school must
inflate a new ICARO paraglider in the wind or should carry out the first flight before
the wing is handed over to you.

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This date is entered in the identification plate and as well guarantee as the first
2-year-check period starts.
The use of this paraglider is entirely at your own risk. Every pilot bears the
responsibility of his/her own safety.
In order to get to know your glider, we recommend that you practice with your
glider on the ground. Pulling up in flat gradients is great practice for fine tuning
your launch techniques. Here you can get to learn the reactions of your glider
without any stress and hectic. Ground practice pays off in the air.
All technical data and instructions were drawn up with great care.
ICARO paragliders cannot be made responsible for any possible errors in
this manual.
Important information in this manual is written in fat cursive writing.
Any important changes to this manual will be published in our homepage
(www.icaro-paragliders.de).
Should you decide to sell this glider at a later date, please pass on this manual to
the new owner.
Each alteration of the glider (lines, canopy, riser) is dangerous an reactions
of the glider are not predictable. Your glider will loose its pattern test result
and guarantee.
The manufacturer or distributor assumes no responsibility for accidents
occurring while using it.
Every pilot must ensure that the paraglider is properly checked at regular
intervals.
This paraglider is not covered by product liability insurance.
Environmental aspects:
The materials of which a paraglider is made require a special waste
disposal. So please send disused gliders back to us. We will care about a
professional waste disposal without costing for you. Please do our nature-
near sport in a way which does not stress nature and environment! Please
do not walk beside the marked ways, do not leave your litter, do not make
unnecessary loud noises and respect the sensitive balance in the
mountains.
Especially at the launch site consideration is needed!

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To get to know your SPEEDUP
Canopy
The canopy is made of synthetic fabric with different strengths where a reinforced
thread-net is woven in, which stops the fabric from further tearing and is increasing
the firmness at the seams and has sticks for an optimized geometry of the canopy.
The coating makes the fabric water-repellent, UV-stabile and air-impermeable.
Between the single groups of main lines are taut ribbons sewn in, which are
regulating the tension of the sail. On the entry- and trailing-edge of the canopy a
special ribbon with low elongation is sewn in, which offers a cunning, by our
design-software calculated, tension-distribution along the canopy.
Lines
Depending on the line level, we use different line diameters. The complete
geometry of the lines is shown on the single line plan, which you find in the annex
of the manual.
The end control of all line lengths is documented for all paragliders produced by
ICARO paragliders. The complete geometry of the lines is shown on the single line
plan, which you find in the annex of the manual.
The length of the steering lines is set correctly at the factory and should not be
changed. The improper adjustment of the steering lines can cause severe
changes to in flight behavior.
Risers
The Glider has 3 fold risers with separated A-risers and an acceleration system
which will be activated with a foot bar. The risers are signified. The main break line
comes through a return pulley, the handle of the main break line is mounted on the
C- riser. The acceleration system is mounted on the A-
riser.
To fix it with the foot bar you must connect the brummel
hooks of the foot bar with the brummel hook of the
acceleration system.
How to vary the trim of the glider
SPEEDUP has an acceleration system
which will be activated with a foot bar.
When flying normal all risers have the same
length. When using the accelerator system
the risers are shortened by a constructive
exactly defined length. Therefore the angle
of attack of the canopy is smaller and
speed increases.
The length of the accelerator is adjusted to
the left and right of the foot pedal so that
when your leg is fully extended, then the
acceleration is at maximum – both rollers
are touching.
B
C
A2
A1
B
C

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Please pay attention that the glider will not be pre-accelerated, while the
accelerator is loosened, when the acceleration ropes are set too short.
The more turbulent the weather conditions and when near the ground, the
less acceleration should be used. Using the accelerator decreases the angle
of attack and can make the glider more prone to collapse.
Do not use the acceleration system and brakes at the same time! It is very
dangerous to use both simultaneously as it can result in serious collapses.
Flying with the SPEEDUP
Harness
The SPEEDUP is useable with harnesses GH type. Practically all modern
harnesses are GH type harnesses. Older harnesses with fixed cross belts
(GX type) are not certified and should not be used.
The adjustment of the harness chest strap controls the distance between
karabiners and affects the handling and stability of the glider. Excessive tightening
the chest strap increases stability but also the risk of twists following glider
collapse, and it also increases the frequency of getting collapses due to poor
feedback from the glider.
The risk of twisting is also strongly affected by the seating position of 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, lengthening of the chest strap gives
more feedback from the glider but decreases stability.
Flight preparation
•Whilst unfolding your paraglider check the canopy and cell walls for damage.
Always take into consideration that the paraglider may have become damaged
during transportation.
•Check the lines for knots, twisting and damage, the brake lines for knots, kinks
and their symmetric. Loose or incorrect brake knots can cause serious
accidents through loss of the steering of the glider! The correct length of the
main brake line must not be altered.
•Separate the line groups carefully and bring the risers in order. All lines must
run freely from harness to canopy. It is equally important that the lines are
unhindered and cannot get caught up during the launch.
•Check your harness and make sure that all connections to pilot are correctly
closed. Check that all karabiners are closed and can not be opened
accidentally in flight, the risers are not twisted.
•Check canopy (all cells are open), wind direction and airspace.
Launch
The most important thing during the take-off is, like at all other gliders too, not the
force but the constancy of the pull. At the start we advice to fix the accelerator with
the Velcro which is attached at the front of the sitting board, in order to avoid
tripping while pulling up the glider or when starting up.

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Hold the inner A-risers and the handles of the brakes and use progressive
pressure on the A-risers and the energy of your own body weight until the wing is
fully inflated overhead. The canopy is inflated quickly.
When there is no pull from the lines use slight pressure on the brake. After a few
accelerating steps and at the same time let go of the brakes gently, you will take
off. Then use slight pressure again on the brakes to fly at a speed with minimal
sink rate.
When there is strong wind the reverse launch technique is recommended. Holding
the brakes, turn around to face the wing passing one set of risers over your head
as you turn. We suggest building a "wall" by partially inflating your glider on the
ground, thus sorting out the lines thoroughly.
Check the airspace is clear and gently pull the glider up with inner riser. When the
glider is overhead, check it gently with the brakes, turn and launch. In stronger
winds, be prepared to take a couple of steps towards the glider as it inflates and
rises.
SPEEDUP is allowed for towing.
Active flying
We advise you to apply the brakes at all times whilst flying in turbulences. You
hereby increase the opening angle and the wing is more stable. At the same time
the pilot has a better feeling for the canopy via the brakes. When flying into strong
thermals please pay attention that the canopy does not remain behind the pilot.
This is avoided by releasing the brakes when entering an up-wind to increase
speed. Vice versa the glider must be slowed down with the brakes if the canopy
falls before the pilot when entering a down-wind or exiting a thermal. We
recommend increasing speed when crossing a downwind or during headwind.
This type of flight technique is called “active flying”. The pilot may roll his body with
weight shift to move with the glider when the glider rolls to the right or left. These
subtle adjustments keep the glider flying smoothly.
The more turbulent the weather conditions and when near the ground, the
less acceleration should be used. Using the accelerator decreases the angle
of attack and can make the glider more prone to collapse.
Do not use the acceleration system and brakes at the same time! It is very
dangerous to use both simultaneously as it can result in serious collapses.
The SPEEDUP aims to different types of pilots. On the one hand we want to
approach para-alpinists who are looking for superior launch behavior, for light-
weight, and for high performance at high speed. These qualities are also
interesting for pilots who are looking for a agile soaring-glider which can be flown
at higher wind speeds, than a normal paraglider. Short brake travel, dynamic
reactions and little dampening along all 3 axis require a great deal of feeling and
experience from the pilot. Considering the small size, the SPEEDUP offers well
manageable collapse behavior. The biggest advantage is that the wing is very
stable in turbulences, due to the high wing loading.
Turning
A combined steering technique is suitable for every situation. The SPEEDUP is
very agile and reacts to steering impulses quickly and directly. Strong, one sided
pulling of the brakes brings the glider into an obvious side angle and the glider flies
fast steep curves until spiral dive begins.

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If the brakelines are pulled too fast or too far the glider will be stalled!
A one-sided stall is signalized clearly by: The curves inner side of the wing is
getting soft, and nearly stops. In this case you have to release the brake line!
Landing
The SPEEDUP is faster than gliders with normal sizes but also easy to land.
Always stand up in the harness in the landing position very early in order to be
able to react as fast as possible to sudden events. Give yourself plenty of options
and a safe margin of error. Set up your final landing leg to face into the wind to
minimize groundspeed. If you leave the inflated leading edge bang on the ground,
this can cause the cell walls to burst!
Do not brake it too much, to avoid a stall of the glider in this very low
altitude! Do not reduce height by “pumping” with the brakes.
Descent Techniques
Training of descent techniques and simulation of flight incidents (SFI)
should only take place at professional safety training seminars with
professional trainer and only while flying over water.
Before inducing any exercise control the airspace beneath.
During the exercises stay in contact with the canopy.
If the glider is out of control, use your reserve parachute.
Fullstall, negative spin and wingover more than 90
0
are aerobatics and
during normal air traffic forbidden.
Big Ears
Only take the outer line of the A-risers in your hand, without releasing the brakes
and pull down leaving it run through your hands (use gloves!). Sink ride increases
but not the forward speed. If you use the acceleration system then higher sink
speeds can be achieved. Reopen the wing by pushing up with your hands and if
necessary then pump the brakes with short symmetric movements. For directional
control while using the big ears, you should use weight shift. Using acceleration
system during this exercise helps reduce these negative risks.
Never attempt tight turns or spirals with Big Ears, as the A-lines will be over
stressed.
B-Line-Stall
The SPEEDUP is a very agile glider with high trim speed. Therefore spiral dive is
the most effective method to reduce flight level. B-Line-Stall is not so effective,
furthermore stresses the material of the glider and reduces operating life of the
canopy.
To enter and hold a B-line-stall requires considerable strength. It is very
dangerous performing a B-line-stall incorrectly and following errors must be
avoided:
•pulling too far on the B-line-stall aid, so that the A-lines are pulled too, and
using brakes during or directly after exiting,
•exit is too slow,
•releasing the B-line-stall aid without simultaneously pushing up with your hands

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•Brakes must not be shortened by twisting around your hand during the
exercise.
Spiral Dive
To initiate a spiral dive, look in the direction you want to go, roll your body weight
in that direction and at the same time smoothly pull down on the inside brake. The
SPEEDUP will start to turn, and then drop into a spiral. To keep the wing under
control you must pull and release the inside brake. Exit slowly. Bring your body
weight back to a neutral position and as soon as the wing levels out, apply the
brakes gently. This procedure should be done slowly and will take a couple of
turns to complete.
If you pull abruptly and too far on the brakes, the canopy may enter a
negative spin. When entering a spiral dive keep the brake on the outer curve
released.
The SPEEDUP does not have a tendency for stable spiral dive.
If under certain conditions, it should go into a stable spiral dive then actively
exit the exercise by bringing your weight into a neutral position, release the
brakes of the inner curve side and brake gently on the outer curve side until
you notice that the wing starts to level out. Then gently brake on the inside
curve for several turns until normal flights returns.
Rate of descent could be very high also the dynamic and g- load. In reliance
of your physical condition it is possible to have a blackout.
Wingover
The SPEEDUP is a very agile glider, and it is quite easy to get to an excessively
high angle of bank in just a few turns. Practice wingovers gently at first, as there is
a chance of quite large collapses at high bank angles.
What happens when it happens?
Knots and tangles
The best way to avoid knots and tangles is to inspect the lines before you inflate
the wing for take-off. If you notice a knot before take off, immediately stop running
and do not take-off. If you have taken-off with a knot you will have to correct the
drift by leaning on the opposite side of the knot and gently apply the brake line on
that side too. You can gently try to pull on the brake line to see if the knot becomes
unfastened or try to identify the line with the knot in it. Try to pull the identified line
to see if the knot releases. If the knot is too tight and you cannot remove it,
carefully and safely fly to the nearest landing place.
Be very careful when trying to remove a knot. When there are knots in the
lines or when they are tangled, do not pull too hard on the brake lines, there
is an increased risk of the wing to stalling or negative turn being initiated.
Deep / Parachute Stall
Your SPEEDUP has been carefully designed to resist entering deep stall. Before
exiting a deep stall please ensure that the brakes are fully released. Actively exit
the deep stall by reaching up and push forward with both palms on both A-risers or
pull on the risers. Avoid flying in very humid air or in rain. A wet canopy may have
very unpredictable flying characteristics, one of which is a radically increased risk
of deep stall.