MAC PARA Elan Light User manual

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Contents
MAC PARA COMMUNITY .......................................................................................... 2
GENERAL................................................................................................................... 3
OVERALL PLAN ......................................................................................................... 4
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................... 5
MATERIALS................................................................................................................ 8
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................. 9
HARNESS................................................................................................................... 9
CHECK ON A NEW PARAGLIDER .......................................................................... 10
ADJUSTING BRAKE LINES ..................................................................................... 10
FLYING THE ELAN LIGHT ...................................................................................... 11
TOWING ................................................................................................................... 15
MOTORISED FLIGHT............................................................................................... 15
EXTREME FLYING MANOEUVRES ........................................................................ 15
RAPID DESCENTS................................................................................................... 19
LOOKING AFTER YOUR PARAGLIDER.................................................................. 21
FULL LINE LENGTHS .............................................................................................. 23
LINE PLANS ............................................................................................................. 24
LINE PLAN ELAN LIGHT......................................................................................... 25
LENGTH OF LINE ELAN LIGHT.............................................................................. 26
MANUAL FOR PARAGLIDER CHECKS................................................................... 28
TREATING NATURE WITH RESPECT .................................................................... 30
CHECKS ................................................................................................................... 30
TEST FLIGHT CERTIFICATE................................................................................... 31
TECHNICAL DATA ................................................................................................... 31
MAC PARA COMMUNITY
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GENERAL
Dear MAC PARA pilot
We congratulate you on your purchase of a MAC PARA paraglider. Extensive
development work and numerous tests make the Elan Light a very high performance
paraglider with maximum possible safety. The Elan Light is constructed for thermal and
cross-country flying, and will enable pilots to get maximum enjoyment. The Elan Light
offers very easy inflation and simple ground-handling characteristics by take off,
excellent handling in flight and easy landing. Please read this manual carefully before
you start, this way you will get the most out of your glider. MAC PARA wish you many
enjoyable flights with your New Elan Light.
Please read this manual carefully and note following details:
Paragliding is a sport, which demands, besides the optimum equipment, a high degree
of attentiveness, good judgement, and theoretical knowledge. Paragliding can be a
dangerous sport, which may lead to injury and death. This paraglider meets at the time
of delivery requirements of the EN (European Norm) 926 or LTF (German Certificate of
Airworthiness). Any alternations to the paraglider will render its certification invalid!
The use of this paraglider is solely at the user’s own risk! Manufacturer and distributor
do not accept any liability. Pilots are responsible for their own safety and their paraglider
airworthiness. The paraglider carries no warranty! The author assumes that the pilot is
in possession of a valid paragliding licence for glider’s category, insurance etc.
Before delivery, as well as during production, each paraglider goes through a strict
visual inspection, and is test-flown by your dealer. Stamps on the placard, together with
a completed test-flight certificate, confirm this. Check that the paraglider has been
test-flown before your first take-off. If it has not, consult your dealer.
Any inadequate use or misuse increases the risks considerably. The Elan Light must
not be used outside the certified weight range. The Elan Light must not be used during
rain or snow-fall. The Elan Light must not be used in high or gusty winds. The Elan
Light must not be used in cloud and fog. The Elan Light must not be used by pilots
without sufficient knowledge or experience.
If, after carefully reading this handbook, you still have questions, suggestions or
criticism regarding this product do not hesitate to contact your dealer or us. We will be
glad to help and advice.
MAC PARA wish you nice –XC flights with your Elan Light.
Version 3.1 Stand 20.03.2015

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Operating limits
The Elan Light is light sport aircraft with an empty weight of less than 120 kg in the
category paraglider. The Elan Light has been tested by certification laboratory
European Para Academy to LTF/EN-C category. The Elan Light is certified for solo
flight. The Elan Light has been load and shock-tested and passed with a load
corresponding to 8G of the maximum weight in flight 130 kg. Its flying tests have shown
that the glider remains stable and controllable over a wide range of normal and
abnormal flight conditions. Nevertheless, turbulence and gusting winds can lead to a
partial or complete collapse of the canopy. Therefore never fly in such conditions.
Any changes made to this paraglider invalidate the certificate of airworthiness.
OVERALL PLAN
Trailing edge
Leading edge
Brake handle Main karabineer
Rapid links
Main lines
Riser
Main brake line
Brake line
Stabilizer line
Top surface Bottom surface Glider’s label on the
central main rib
Stabilizer

5
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Construction of the canopy:
The canopy of the Elan Light consists of 63 cells over the wingspan. The wingtips are
slightly pulled down and this produces a kind of stabilizer. The Elan Light is
combination three and four rib diagonal-construction paraglider. Every main rib is
attached to the 3 or 4 suspension lines. Between these main suspension ribs,
intermediate ribs are suspended by “bridge” diagonal ribs system. These diagonal ribs
lead to 80% of height of ribs. This construction ensures a smooth top surface and
precise airfoil reproduction. The internal reinforcements maintain the precise form of the
canopy and provide stability. The cell openings on the under-surface of the profile’s
nose provide airflow into the glider. Stretch resistant flares, integrated with diagonal ribs
at the suspension points, ensure an even distribution of load throughout the canopy. A
stretch resistant Mylar-reinforcements combined with plastic rods on the leading edge
help to keep airfoils in right shape and this guarantees a high level of stability. Large
cross spots allow effective airflow inside the canopy, providing good re-inflation without
reducing the profile accuracy. The Elan Light is made of the proven Nylon fabrics
Porcher Sport Rip-stop Skytex 38, Skytex 27 and main ribs of Skytex 32 Hard. Like any
synthetic material, this can deteriorate through excessive exposure to UV.
Rigging system:
The lines of the Elan Light are made of proven strong and stretch resistant covered
Dynema lines and non covered Vectran lines. The entire rigging system comprises
individual suspension lines looped and stitched at each end. The sheathed Dynema
main lines and cascade unsheated Vectran lines have strengths from 53,5 kg up to 200
kg.
The suspension lines are comprised of “cascaded top lines” (attached to the under-
surface),”cascaded middle lines” (cascade 2 to 2 top lines together on middle main
lines), and “main lines”. Main lines lead to the “quick link” (a Maillon which connects
lines and risers). The “stabilizer lines” connect the upper stabilizer lines on the outer
suspension points with the quick link. The”brake lines” are not load carrying suspension
lines. They lead from the trailing edge of the canopy to the main brake lines and run
through the pulleys on the C-risers to the brake handles.

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A mark on the main brake line indicates the position of the brake handle. This
adjustment, on the one hand, allows sufficient brake to be applied during extreme flying
situations and when landing, while on the other hand, this ensures that brakes are not
permanently applied to the canopy (especially when fully accelerated). This trimming
should not be altered. For differentiation purposes the main A-lines are coloured red, the
main brake lines are orange, all remaining main lines are yellow. Also the main
suspension loop, on the bottom of the riser, is covered red. This is where the main
karabiner should be hooked in, which then in turn connects the risers to the harness.
The Elan Light is equipped with 4 risers per side (A, A1, B, C). The two central A-lines
per side are attached to the main A-risers while outermost A main lines are attached to
A1 risers. The 3 B-main lines and the stabilizer lines are attached to the B-riser.
The 3 C-main lines to the C-riser. The main brake lines leads through the pulleys on the
C riser.
The line connections are made to triangular Maillons (quick links) fitted with a rubber ”o-
ring” in the form of a ”figure eight” which prevents any slipping of the lines on the quick
link. See line plan for details.
Speed system:
The Elan Light is equipped with a stirrup operated speed-system, which returns
automatically to normal position when the stirrup is released. The serial risers of the
Elan Light do not have a lockable trimmer.
The speed system affects the A-, A1- and B- risers and changes the angle of attack. In
normal flight all risers have an overall length of 49,5 cm without quick links. When the
stirrup is pushed out the A-risers are shortened by up to a maximum of 17 cm,
the A1-risers are shortened by up to a max of 15 cm, the B-risers by up to a max. of
12 cm, the C-risers retain their original length. These measurements influence the
certification! An incorrectly fitted speed system causes loss of certification!
Fitting the speed-system:
Most modern harnesses have pulleys attached for speed system fitting. In case not, it is
important to attach pulleys (sewn on tabs) in such a way that they allows the pilot to
maximize the power vector of his / her legs without ”pushing back” in the harness.
The Elan Light speed system, including Brummel-hooks supplied, must be assembled
as per instructions. The speed system cord is firmly attached (use bowline or other
nonslip knot) to the foot stirrup (webbing or alloy bar). The other end of the cord is run
through a pulley on the harness and then in an upward direction to be then firmly
attached to the Brummel-hooks! The length of the cord leading to the stirrup should be
adjusted so that it is easy to put your feet into the stirrup in flight but still short enough to
allow full speed system travel. (Use of 2 stirrups in a ladder fashion can enable you to
reach the full range if your legs are not long enough.) Ensure both cords on the stirrup
are of equal length, to avoid putting a turn in the glider.

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Test your speed system for the correct length of cord on the ground first (simulating
flying position), with your harness and risers, before flying with it! The full range is
reached when the 2 pulleys join together.
Before launch, attach the paraglider’s risers to the harness with the main karabiners.
Then attach the ”Brummel-hook” on the end of each speed system cord to the Brummel
hook on the end of the cord which runs through the 2 pulleys on the A risers. Ensure
that the speed system is untangled and operates freely before flying!
Riser
A A1 B C Br A A1 B C Br
Color
marking
Loop for main
karabineer
Trimm postition Accelerated
Brake handle
Change of the
an
g
le of attack
Brakeline
pulley
Magnet button
Slower
A
ccelerato
r
Loop on C strap
Faster

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MATERIALS
Tissue
(PORCHER SPORT, Rue du Ruisseau B.P. 710,38290 ST. QUENTIN FALLAVIER, FRANCE)
Top Sail - Leading Edge - SKYTEX 38 E25A - 100% nylon 6.6 , 33 Dtex, 38 g/m2
Top Sail - Trailing Edge - SKYTEX 27 E71A - 100% nylon 6.6 , 22 Dtex, 27 g/m2
Bottom Sail - SKYTEX 27 E71A - 100% nylon 6.6 , 22 Dtex, 27 g/m2
Main ribs, Diagonals - SKYTEX 32 E29A - 100% nylon 6.6 , 33 Dtex, 32 g/m2
Ribs - SKYTEX 27 E71A - 100% nylon 6.6 , 22 Dtex, 27 g/m2
Reinforcement main ribs - W382 Polyester 180 g/m2
Reinforcement Ribs - W382 Polyester 180 g/m2
Lines
(Cousin Trestec, Comines CEDEX, France)
Brakelines - top cascade, middle cascade - Cousin V-Ultimate 0.6 Breaking Load 53,5 kg
Upper lines - Cousin V-Ultimate 0.6 Breaking Load 53,5 kg
Upper lines, Middle cascade A, B, C - Cousin V-Ultimate 0,9mm Breaking Load 122 kg
Brake lines - Cousin V-Ultimate 0,9mm Breaking Load 122 kg
(ROSENBERGER TAUWERK, GERMANY)
Main lines A1,B1- Dynema/Polyester PPSL 160, Breaking Load 160 kg
Main lines C1,C2,C3 - Dynema /Polyester PPSL 191, Breaking Load 191 kg
Main lines A2,A3,B2,B3- Dynema/Polyester PPSL 200, Breaking Load 200 kg
Wing tip line - Aramid/Polyester A-7343-090, Breaking Load 90 kg
Main brake line - Dynema/Polyester A-7850-200, Breaking Load 200 kg
Attachment straps
(STUHA a.s., DOBRUSKA, Opočenská 442, 518 01 Dobruška CZECH REPUBLIC)
STAP-POLYESTERBRIDLE 13 mm, Breaking Load 70 kg
Risers
(ROSENBERGER TAUWERK, GERMANY)
Dynema CR 1800, Breaking Load 1800 kg, Dynema CR 1000, Breaking Load 1000 kg
Thread
(AMANN SPONIT ltd, Dobronická 635, 148 25 PRAHA 4, CZECH REPUBLIC)
Lines-SYNTON 60, Main lines-SERABOND 60, Canopy-SYNTON 40, Riser-SYNTON 20
Rapid links
(PEGUET SA, BP 205 - ZI du Mont Blanc, F-74105 ANNEMASSE FRANCE)
Maillon Rapide - Delta Special MRDI 03.0 S10 – Breaking Load 550 kg
Rigifoils
(MERKUR SLOVAKIA s.r.o.,Kamenné pole 4554/6,031 01 Liptovský Mikuláš, SLOVAKIA)
Rigifoils - Nylon 1,6 mm

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
High Performance EN-C Elan
Light Elan Light Elan Light Elan Light Elan Light Elan Light
Size 22 (XS) 24 (S) 26 (M) 28 (L) 30 (XL) 33 (XXL)
Zoom flat [%] 89 92 96,5 100 103,5 108
Area flat [m
2
]22,18 23,7 26,07 28,00 29,99 32,66
Area projected [m
2
]19,34 20,67 22,74 24,42 26,16 28,48
Span flat [m] 11,71 12,11 12,70 13,16 13,62 14,21
Span projected [m] 9,35 9,67 10,14 10,51 10,88 11,35
Aspectratioflat - 6,186,186,186,186,186,18
Rootcord [m]2,372,452,572,662,752,87
Cells - 63 63 63 63 63 63
Weight [kg] 3,9 4,0 4,2 4,4 4,55 4,8
Weight range* [kg] 60-80 70-90 78-100 90-112 105-130 115-145
Weight range* [lbs] 132-176 154-198 172-220 198-247 231-287 254-320
Min.speed [km/h] 23-25 23-25 23-25 23-25 23-25 23-25
Max.speed [km/h] 38-40 38-40 38-40 38-40 38-40 38-40
Top speed (accelerator) [km/h] 55-57 55-57 55-57 55-57 55-57 55-57
Glide ratio - 10,5 10,5 10,5 10,5 10,5 10,5
Min.Sinkrate [m/s]1,051,051,051,051,051,05
* pilot equipped = weight naked + cca. 15 Kg (33 lbs)
HARNESS
The Elan Light is certified with GH type certified ABS harnesses. Nearly all harnesses
available on the market are „GH“ type. These harnesses have the distance between the
seat plate and carabineers 42-47 cm depending on the size of the harness . Please
note: the hang point position changes the position of the brakes relative to the pilot’s
body.
The distance between carabineers (adjustable on chest strap ) is 42 cm for the glider
sizes S and M , 44 cm for the glider size L, 46 cm for the glider sizes XL and XXL.
Differences of more than 5cm change the basic characteristics of the glider and are
potentially dangerous.
Nearly all on the market ABS harnesses are " GH " harnesses and suitable for the Elan
Light. These “GH“harnesses are different to “GX“ harnesses, which have a lower
attachment point for the main karabiners and effective cross bracing. The Elan Light
was not tested with harnesses with an effective cross bracing system.
MAC PARA recomends very comfortable covered Hawaii harness for XC flights.

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CHECK ON A NEW PARAGLIDER
Before delivery, as well as during production, each paraglider goes through a strict
visual inspection. Additionally we recommend that you to check your new glider in
accordance with the following points. We recommend that you make this check after
flying extreme manoeuvres or after tree landings or similar.
Inspection of the canopy for tears or damage, especially the seams which join the
ribs to the upper and lower surfaces, but also the area of the attachment tapes and
brake-line connections.
Inspection of the lines for damage to the stitches. The line lengths must be checked
after 50 hours flying time and whenever the flight behaviour of the glider changes.
Inspection of attachment tapes for damage to the stitches. It is also important to
check the attachment tapes and brake-lines for tangles.
Inspection of the risers for faultless condition. Rapid links must be secured.
With even slight damage the glider loses its airworthiness!
ADJUSTING BRAKE LINES
The brake lines lead from the trailing edge of the canopy to the main brake lines which
then run through pulleys on the C-risers to the brake handles. A mark on the main brake
line indicates the position of the brake handle.
The glider is delivered with a standard set-up and its speed can reach 38 - 40 km/h
depending on the weight of the pilot. The brake-lines should always be adjusted so that
the first brake-lines just come under tension when the brake handles have been pulled
5-10 cm. The test results relate to this brake-line adjustment. This adjustment, on the
one hand, allows sufficient brake to be applied during extreme flying situations and
when landing, while on the other hand, it ensures that the canopy is not permanently
braked (especially when fully accelerated). This trim should not be altered. In extreme
situations any other settings may lead to the glider reacting differently to versions which
have been tested.
NOTE!! If in doubt about the brake-line adjustment, it is preferable to leave them too
long, as any necessary shortening can easily be achieved by wrapping them round your
hand.
The length of the control lines measured from the first cascade line is:
240 cm for Elan Light 22, 245 cm for Elan Light 24, 260 cm for Elan Light 26,
270 cm for Elan Light 28, 280 cm for Elan Light 30, 290 cm for Elan Light 33.
The available brake travel before stalling the wing depends on the size and loading.
By max. load it is approximately 55 cm for the Elan Light 22, 60cm for the Elan Light
24, 63cm for the Elan Light 26, 68cm for the Elan Light 28, 70cm for the Elan Light 30
and 75 cm for the Elan Light 33.
(The publication of the brake travel is claimed by the EN 926.)

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FLYING THE ELAN LIGHT
The following information must not under any circumstances be taken as a
manual for practising paragliding. We would like to advise you of the Elan Light‘s
features and important information for your flying and security.
Preparing for take off:
As for any aircraft a thorough pre-flight check must be made prior to each flight on the
Elan Light! Before every launch check lines, risers and canopy for damage! Do not
launch with even the slightest damage!
Also check the maillons connecting the lines and the risers. They have to be closed
tight. Put on the harness with maximum care and check the handle of the safety system
and that all the flaps of the outer container are fastened securely and correctly. The
main karabiner must also be checked carefully. Replace it if any damage is visible, or
generally after 300 flying hours. Finally connect the risers to your harness with the main
karabiners.
Check carefully that they are properly closed. Attention! Never fly with an open main
karabiner! Do not take off if you find any damage on your equipment!
Having unpacked and laid out the paraglider in a slight horseshoe pattern the following
checks must be made:
Checklist:
Preparing the wing:
canopy without any damage
risers without damage
maillons (quick links) closed tight
stitching of the main lines near the risers is o.k.
all main lines run free from the riser to the canopy, brake lines are free
Putting on the harness:
rescue handle and deployment pins secure
buckles (leg- ,front riser) closed
main karabiners
Before takeoff:
speed-system mounted and connected properly
risers not twisted
brake handle in hands, brake lines free
pilot‘s position relative to the wing (centred: all lines same tension)
wind direction
obstacles on the ground
free airspace

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When laying out the glider, the wind direction should be observed. The canopy should
be deployed into the wind so both halves of it are loaded symmetrically. The paraglider
should be arranged in a semicircle against the wind. This ensures that the A-lines in the
centre section of the canopy will tension before the ones at the wing tips. Thus the
canopy inflates evenly and an easy launch in the desired direction is guaranteed.
All lines and risers should be carefully untangled and arranged in a way that they do not
catch on anything. It is equally important to untangle the brake lines so that they are
clear and can not catch on any thing during launch. The brake lines should run freely
through the pulleys to the trailing edge of the canopy.
Make sure the risers are not twisted; this can prevent the brake lines from running freely
through their pulleys. It is often impossible to untangle lines during flight.
It is important that no lines are looped around the canopy. Also called a “line-over”, this
may have disastrous consequences during take off. Finally connect the risers with your
harness by using the main karabiners. Check carefully that they are closed properly.
Launch
The Elan Light is very easy to launch. This is possible in almost all wind conditions
except strong headwinds. Before take off recheck the canopy, the direction of the wind
and the air space around you! When the pilot is ready to take off he/she holds all A-
risers and the brake handles in each hand. To facilitate differentiation between the
risers, the A-lines, including the sleeves on the A-risers, are coloured red. Before take-
off, place yourself centrally at the gliders axis. Let the B- and C-risers fall into the crook
of your arm and hold the A risers with arms outstretched behind you. Pull up the canopy
dynamically using the A-risers. (The stronger the headwind the less run-up you need to
pull the canopy up). After the initial effort of inflation, keep applying forward pressure on
the A-risers (pushing them forward, not pulling down) until the pressure on the A risers
eases. The canopy should now be directly over the pilot’s head. As soon as the glider is
above you, stop pulling on the A-risers. A good progressive run ensures your Elan Light
will inflate and come up equally and quickly. Should the canopy surge forward, control it
by braking gently. Now do a visual check upwards, to ensure the canopy is completely
open (otherwise, abort the take-off). Only then is the final decision to continue the
launch taken! If anything is not completely safe the launch should be aborted!
Now accelerate continuously until you lift off. It is easier to take-off in a light headwind if
after reaching minimum flying speed you apply the brakes slightly. After the take-off,
gently release the brakes again.
The paraglider should be braked gently to stabilize the glider and possibly correct for
drift. Moving the pilot’s body to the centre of the glider is the best method of correction, if
there is sufficient room.
WARNING!! Do not use the forward launch in very strong winds. Make sure you don't
pull the risers too much towards yourself or downwards as this can result in a frontal
collapse, or in an asymmetric take-off.

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The Elan Light is easy to reverse launch. When doing a reverse launch or when
launching in strong winds the paraglider can possibly surge forward more quickly or lift
off sooner than desired. To avoid this, walk uphill following the canopy during inflation.
As this launch technique can be difficult and turning the wrong way can result in the pilot
taking off with twisted risers. It is recommended to practice the reverse launch on a
training hill or slight slope first. When deflating the canopy in strong winds, or aborting a
launch, use the C- risers, not the brakes. Using the brakes in strong wind will cause
more lift, lifting the pilot up and dragging him/her much further back.
If you let the brake handles go out of your hands during take-off, take care that the
brake line is not twisted around the brake pulley!
Flight
The glider is delivered with a standard set-up and its speed can reach 38 - 40 km/h
depending on the weight of the pilot. Always fly with sufficient clearance from the terrain.
The Elan Light glides best with open brakes, descends best with lightly applied brakes.
In turbulence fly with brakes lightly applied (10-15 cm) to avoid canopy collapse.
If the canopy pendulums forward, this should be corrected by prompt braking.
A pendulum movement of the canopy backwards is corrected by loosening the brakes in
good time.
In a calm air the Elan Light can reach its minimum speed (depending on the wing
loading) by application of 60 cm up to 65 cm of the brake range.
Accelerated Flight:
When flying with the speed system applied the angle of attack is lower and the canopy
can collapse more easily than in normal (trim) flight. The faster the canopy is flown the
more dynamic the collapses and stalls will be and the more skill will be required for
quick recoveries. Therefore do not use speed system in turbulent conditions, close to
the ground or near other airspace users. Always fly with sufficient clearance from the
terrain and always keep the brake handles in your hands!
To use the speed system, simply place your feet on the stirrup and push forward in a
horizontal plane. If a loss of back pressure of the stirrup on your legs is noticed, this is a
warning that the canopy is probably about to collapse. Release the stirrup and thus the
speed system immediately. With this feeling you may actually prevent most collapses
from happening while using the speed system. If a collapse should still occur, release
the speed system immediately and correct the collapse as described below.
Attention: Do not apply brakes when fully accelerated! Braking increases lift near the
trailing edge. The main lift point moves backwards. Due to this the wing can loose
stability for a short time.!

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Steering - turns:
The Elan Light is a very responsive paraglider and reacts very directly and instantly to
any steering input. Weight shift input quickens turns and ensures minimal height loss.
Any weight shift has a greater effect the more loosely the chest-strap is fastened.
A combined technique of weight shift and pulling on the inside brake line is the most
efficient turning method, whereby the radius of the turn is determined by the amount of
inside brake pulled and weight shift. A stalling wing tip announces itself by a gentle
surge backwards of the wingtip. If this occurs you will need to release the brakes
immediately.
In case it is impossible to control the Elan Light with the brake lines the C-risers may be
used to steer and land the canopy. Attention! Pulling brake too fast or too hard can
result in the canopy entering a negative spin.
Active Flying (Thermaling and Soaring):
In turbulent conditions the glider should be flown actively with brakes lightly applied to
avoid canopy collapse. This improves stability by increasing the angle of attack of the
canopy. The canopy should not rock back or surge forward much but should remain
above the pilot. In turbulent flight, if the canopy pendulums forward, this should be
corrected by prompt braking. A pendulum movement of the canopy backwards is
corrected by releasing the brakes in good time. This is part of basic active flying.
Approach and Landing:
To avoid excessively demanding situations on the approach to landing, it is important to
initiate the process at an adequate altitude. This leaves you enough time to observe and
appropriately deal with wind direction and any other aircraft in your vicinity.
The Elan Light is easy to land. The final leg of the landing approach must be into the
wind. During this final glide the paraglider should be decelerated slowly and at
approximately one meter above the ground, according to conditions, the pilot should
flare the canopy. The glider may climb again, gaining height, if too much brake is used
too early. Strong wind landings require correspondingly less brake. Do not apply full
brake before the pilot is safely on the ground. The final glide during the landing
approach should be straight and not marked by steep or alternating turns as these can
result in a dangerous pendulum effect near the ground.
Attention! Do not allow the canopy to fall onto the leading edge with energy. This can
destroy the material and affects the life of the ribs at the leading edge!

15
TOWING
The Elan Light is certified for towing. The Elan Light has no out of the ordinary towing
characteristics, although a relatively low angle of attack and thus low tow tension should
be maintained during launch and the initial part of the tow. The Elan Light has no
tendencies towards deep stall/parachuting. Therefore we allow tow- launched flights
with a similar technique to that described above. There is sufficient margin to counter-
steer the glider in a normal towing situation. Make sure you use proper equipment,
experienced personnel and all relevant safety precautions for towing.
WARNING!! Please always ensure that the brake lines are adjusted to the lengths
recommended here. Setting them shorter could lead to a tendency to stall during towed
flight. Apart from this, there are no special procedures.
MOTORISED FLIGHT
Note!! Although, motorized flight can be a great success due to the gliders very easy
take-off characteristics, stability and good handling, always use a certified combination
of engine - harness and glider. If in doubt check with your federation. Contact the
manufacturer or importer for the current legality of motorized flight.
WARNING!! The Elan Light is not suitable for jumps from aircraft.
WARNING!! The Elan Light is not designed to be used for aerobatics.
EXTREME FLYING MANOEUVRES
This section describes flying conditions which can be deliberately induced, or which can
develop unintentionally due to turbulence or pilot error. Any pilot who flies through
turbulence is sure to be faced with these special flight conditions at some point. So take
a good look at these flight manoeuvres or prepare for them by SIV (safety training over
water). Mastering these flying conditions significantly improves your active flight safety.
Sufficient height, as well as carrying a reserve parachute, is imperative.
WARNING!! All the critical flight conditions described here require a thorough
knowledge; otherwise carrying them out may be very dangerous. Sufficient height above
the ground is imperative. Bear in mind that all deformations of the canopy can increase
the sink rate by 2 - 10 m/sec, depending on the degree of deformation. Carrying out
these manoeuvres wrongly may lead to a crash.
Remember this is a glider with unspectacular reactions to disturbances in the air.
Whenever in doubt, raise the brakes and let the glider fly. The glider has a high internal
pressure, resistance to tucking and very high degree of passive safety. It is
recommended that at this stage you already practise an active flying style. The key to
active piloting is keeping the glider above your head at all times. We recommend in
principle that you hold the brake handle in your hand whenever possible, or fly with your
hands through the brake handles, to allow you to react immediately to any possible
disturbances.

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WARNING!! If you fly with your hands through the brake handles, you may lose valuable
time in activating the rescue system.
Asymmetric collapse:
A negative angle of attack can cause all or part of the leading-edge of the Elan Light to
collapse (e.g. in turbulent air). Basically the Elan Light will re-open spontaneously from
closures of up to 70% with a change of direction of up to 360°. The time this takes, and
the associated height loss, can however be noticeably reduced by appropriate action by
the pilot. Apply opposite brake on the inflated side, the outside of the curve, to stop the
turning movement of the canopy. This should be accompanied by appropriate weight-
shift. If you react immediately, 30% brake on the open side should suffice to hold the
canopy on a straight course. In the event of a big collapse, this braking should be
applied very carefully to avoid stalling the remaining inflated wing. The pilot’s correction
for direction can be aided by a pumping out the deflation; a slow, long pumping action of
the brake of the deflated side of the wing helps the canopy to re-inflate. If the glider
does not self recover and the pilot does not correct the canopy can enter a stable spiral
dive!
WARNING!! The Elan Light is a paraglider with shark nose airfoils and with more
backwards positioned A suspension points. These airfoils and postion of A suspension
points give more inherent stability and offers more resistance against collapses. It
wasn`t necessary to feature the Elan Light with special folding lines to perform the
manoeuver. But nevertheless the accelerated asymetric collapse must be performed
correctly in a propper way and this preferably by safety trainings.
It is important to take the outermost A1-riser together with A-main riser firmly in one
hand. At the beginning of pulling the move (in the direction of pilot`s body ) must be slow
and after the move of cca 5 cm, it can only be strongly pulled down. In case the A1-riser
is not properly held along with the main A-riser, it may happen that the wing tip opens
faster. The opening is then distinctive with the risk of a cravat.
“Cravat” / Line-over:
In the event of some lines becoming tangled during flight (caused by whatever), the
following action is recommended: The pilot stabilizes the glider by gently applying the
brakes. Please be aware that in this condition the brake pressure can be higher and the
brake travel shorter.
Without pilot input a line-over will result in a stable spiral dive.
Here are the various options to untangle a line-over:
pumping the collapsed side.
pulling the stabilizer line or lines causing the problem.
should both measures fail, it may be possible to untangle the line-over by inducing
a full stall. This manoeuvre, however, should only be carried out by advanced pilots
with experience in extreme flight situations and with sufficient altitude available.
Attention! If these manoeuvres fail or if in any doubt, the pilot should instantly use their
emergency parachute system!

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Front Tuck:
A front tuck can be induced by strongly pulling the A-risers or by sudden, heavy
turbulence. The entire leading edge spontaneously collapses. Gentle braking on both
sides will reduce the lateral pendulum motions and simultaneously accelerate re-
inflation.
The Elan Light generally self recovers from an initiated front tuck. When having a very
large front tuck, a frontal rosette can happen (the wingtips move forwards: shaping a
horseshoe). Gentle braking can avoid this deformation.
A quick recognition of the situation and a quick reaction by braking on both sides as
long as the collapsed wing is behind the pilot helps the recovery and limits the altitude
loss.
WARNING!! As already described the Elan Light is a paraglider with shark nose airfoils
and with more backwards positioned A suspension points. These airfoils and postion of
A suspension points give more inherent stability and offers more resistance against
collapses. It wasn`t necessary to feature the Elan Light with special folding lines to
perform the manoeuver. But nevertheless the accelerated symetric collapse must be
performed correctly in a propper way and this preferably by safety trainings.
It is important to take the two outermost A-lines together (approx 10 cm above the Rapid
gliders) firmly in your hands. Do not use the cetnral A-lines! At the beginning of pulling
the move (in the direction of pilot`s body ) must be slow and after the move of cca 5 cm,
it can only be strongly pulled down. By this way the leading edge collapses properly
over its span. In case you use all A risers for this manoeuvre and you do it without initial
pulling it may happen that the leading edge collapses over all depth in the center of the
wing. The result may be an asymetric opening and the risk of a big cravat increases!
Parachutal stall (deep stall):
In a parachutal stall the paraglider has no forward momentum combined with a high
descent rate. A parachutal stall can be caused by, among other reasons, a too slow exit
from a B-line stall or severe turbulence. Porous canopies (UV influence) or canopies out
of trim (stretched or shrunken lines) are much more susceptible to a parachutal stall and
therefore should not be flown. These are some of the reasons regular checks should be
carried out on your glider. A wet canopy or temperatures below zero centigrade (0°C)
may also cause a stable parachutal stall. The Elan Light will usually spontaneously
recover from a parachutal stall within 2-3 seconds. If the canopy remains in a parachutal
stall, it is sufficient to gently push both A risers forward or to push the accelerator.
Attention! If brakes are applied while in a parachutal stall, the glider may suddenly enter
a full stall!
If a parachutal stall occurs on landing approach, the pilot should prepare for a hard
landing and make a parachute roll landing. In close proximity to the ground, due to the
forward surging pendulum effect, a recovery may be more dangerous than a hard
landing in parachutal stall.

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Full-stall:
To induce a full stall, apply full brake on both sides. The glider slows down steadily until
it stalls completely. The canopy suddenly surges backwards a long way. In spite of this
uncomfortable reaction of the canopy, both brake lines must be consequently held down
with all your strength until the canopy is stabilized (directly overhead). This usually takes
3-6 seconds. The Elan Light generally flies backwards during a full stall but doesn’t
always form a front rosette. A frontal rosette can be formed by entering the full stall
slowly. When entering (braking) fast, the canopy will not always form the desired front
rosette. Attention! Always apply both brakes evenly!
To recover from a full stall, smoothly release both brakes simultaneously until 90% of
leading edge reopens, then release brakes rapidly. The glider ends the full stall on its
own without surging forward.
WARNING!! If the brakes are released rapidly and asymmetrically, the glider may surge
almost 90° and suffer an extensive asymmetric collapse.
The danger of overcorrecting and overreacting exists during all extreme flight
manoeuvres. Thus, any corrective action must be gentle and steady and done with feel!
Spin (or negative spin):
Pulling brake on one side too fast or too hard can result in a negative spin. During a spin
the canopy turns relatively fast around the centre section of the canopy while the inner
wing flies backwards (hence the term negative).
There are two usual reasons for an unintentional spin:
One brake line is being pulled down too far and too fast (e.g. when inducing a spiral
dive)
When flying at low speed one side is being braked too hard (e.g. when thermaling).
To recover from an unintentional spin, the pulled down brake line should be immediately
released as soon as a spin is suspected. The canopy will accelerate and return to its
normal straight and stable flying position, without losing too much height. If the spin is
allowed to develop for some time, the glider surges a long way forward on one side and
a dynamic asymmetric collapse or a line-over can occur. Gently apply the brakes to
avoid side or central collapse of the canopy and the possibility of a cravat (one of the
tips becoming entangled in the lines). See part collapses.
WARNING!! If you are LOW and are in an unintentional spin, or if the canopy is caught
in a cravat USE YOUR RESERVE.
Wingover:
To induce a wingover the pilot flies consecutive alternating turns to gradually steepen
the angle of bank. During wingovers with a high bank angle, the outside wing begins to
unload. Further increase of the angle of bank must be avoided, because any possible
resulting collapse may be quite dynamic!

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WARNING! Full-stall, spin and wingover (over 90 degree angle of bank) are
prohibited aerobatic manoeuvres and may not be performed during normal flying.
Incorrect recovery procedures or overreacting of the pilot may have dangerous
consequences! Attention! The Elan Light is not designed to be used for
aerobatics.
Alternative (emergency) steering:
If for some reason it becomes impossible to control the Elan Light with the brake lines
the C-risers may be used to steer and land the canopy. Attention! Of course the range
is much shorter (5-10 cm) then with the brakes. It is also possible to control the direction
of the flight by pulling on a stabilizer line or by weight-shifting.
RAPID DESCENTS
Spiral dive:
A spiral dive is the fastest way to lose altitude, however, the very high G-forces make it
difficult to sustain a spiral dive for long and it can place high loads on the pilot and
glider. By tensing ones abdominal muscles and a higher body tension you can to some
extent resist the high G-forces. Don’t forget proper breathing! As soon as any, even
slight, light dizziness or impaired vision is noticed the spiral should be exited
immediately.
The Elan Light has a very effective spiral dive. This allows rapid descent without
stalling.
To enter a spiral dive the pilot should weight-shift on one side while slowly pulling the
brake gradually on the same side as weight-shifting. During a spiral dive the angle of
bank can be controlled by increasing or reducing the amount of inside brake. When
spiral diving the Elan Light it is recommended that the outside brake is lightly applied.
This helps stabilize the wing and enables an easier and safer exit from the spiral. To
exit, release the inside brake slowly. The Elan Light did not show a tendency to remain
in a stable spiral by sink rates up tp 10 m/s during testing. At high sink speeds or if the
pilot keeps his weight on the inside, the wing can stay in a continued deep spiral and
has to be actively exited. This is done by weight shifting to the outside and gentler
braking of the outside wing.
WARNING!! Nearly all gliders will have a tendency to stay in the spiral if the sink-rate
exceeds around 15-m/s, depending on weight-shifting, wing loading and G-force.
In fact most gliders need a counter-input to end a turn.
Attention! Due to energy retention, the glider will climb a lot after a deep spiral-dive
release. If you apply inner brake and decelerate the glider for two or three turns, big
pendulum effects can be avoided.
WARNING!! Practise spiralling with caution and lower sink-rates to get a feel for the
gliders behaviour. A pilot who is dehydrated or not accustomed to spiralling can lose
consciousness in a steep spiral dive!

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Big ears:
When in big-ears, the horizontal speed is higher than the sink rate, unlike a spiral dive
or a B-line stall. This rapid descent technique is used to quickly and horizontally exit a
dangerous area in the desired direction. In order to collapse the outside wing, pull the
outside A-lines.
When the pilot holds the outside A1-risers on both sides and pulls them down, the Elan
Light easily tucks the outside wings and enters a stable descent mode. The pilot keeps
hold of the brake handles along with the outside A1-risers in his hands. By braking on
one side and weight-shifting, the canopy remains steerable. In order to increase the sink
rate as well as the horizontal speed, this manoeuvre should be done together with use
of the speed system. Apply the speed system after big ears are induced (step into the
speed-bar before you grab the outer A1-risers). Big-ears substantially reduces the risk
of canopy stability problems in turbulent air. To exit Big-ears release the A1-risers.
The canopy does very slowly self-recover. To quicken the recovery, the pilot can
dynamicaly pull down and immediately release the brakes of the glider.
WARNING! Never do big-ears in spirals, as this may drastically reduce the number of
lines taking the already high loads, causing structural failure.
Attention! All rapid descent techniques should first be practised in calm air and with
sufficient height so the pilot can use them in emergency situations! By far the best
technique is to fly correctly and safely, so you never have to descend rapidly!
B-line stalls:
To induce a B-line stall symmetrically pull down slowly on both B-risers, until the canopy
folds (parallel to its long axis). The airflow over the top surface is almost fully detached
and the canopy enters a vertical descent flight mode without forward movement. Further
pulling of the B-risers reduces the surface area more and increases the sink rate. (Up to
8 m/s) Be careful, pulling too far or too rapidly may cause a frontal horseshoe to form.
To exit from this flight mode release the B-risers at first rapidly but then gently (1 sec).
The canopy surges forward re-attaching the airflow over the top surface and resumes
normal flight. When the B-risers are released, the brakes should not be activated.
This will give the canopy the chance to gain speed and resume normal flight. On exit
from a B-line stall on no account just release the B-risers, as this can cause
overloading. If canopy does not recover apply both brakes gently to recover or pull the
A-risers, until the canopy regains forward speed.
Summary:
For all extreme manoeuvres and rapid descents please note:
first practise manoeuvres with an instructor during safety training!
before inducing any manoeuvre the pilot must check that there are no other
airspace users below him!
during the manoeuvre the pilot must have the canopy within his view!