Niviuk HOOK 4 P Series User manual

USER
MANUAL
HOOK 4 P

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NIVIUK GLIDERS & AIR GAMES SL C/ DEL TER 6, NAVE D 17165 LA CELLERA DE TER - GIRONA - SPAIN
TEL. [phone] FAX [phone]
[email protected] www.niviuk.com
HOOK 4 P
Adventurous progress
WELCOME
We want to welcome you to our team and thank you for your condence in
our glider product line.
We would like to share the Niviuk R&D team’s commitment, passion
and emotions, which resulted in the creation of the new HOOK 4 P. Our
company is proud of this new carefully designed glider, bringing maximum
pleasure during a pilot’s progression.
Versatile and multifunctional, in a lightweight version. Designed for those
with an adventurous nature, who want to decide when, how and where
they want to progress. You are free to choose your starting point and
progression route.
We are condent that you will enjoy ying this wing and will soon
understand the meaning of our motto: ‘The importance of small details’.
This is the user manual. We recommend you read it before your rst ight
with the wing.
The NIVIUK Team.
USER MANUAL
NIVIUK GLIDERS HOOK 4 P
This manual includes all the necessary information pertaining to the
HOOK 4 P’s characteristics, but it cannot be viewed as an instructional
handbook and does not offer the instruction required to pilot this type of
wing. Training can only be obtained at a certied paragliding school.
Please review and read the comprehensive content of the HOOK 4 P
manual.
Misuse of this equipment could lead to severe injuries or death.

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SUMMARY
WELCOME 2
USER MANUAL 2
1. CHARACTERISTICS 4
1.1 WHO IS IT DESIGNED FOR? 4
1.2 CERTIFICATION 4
1.3 IN-FLIGHT BEHAVIOUR 4
1.4 ASSEMBLY, MATERIALS 4
1.5 ELEMENTS, COMPONENTS 6
2. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY 6
2.1 CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION 6
2.2 PROCEDURE 6
2.3 HARNESS ASSEMBLY 6
2.4 TYPE OF HARNESS 7
2.5 SPEED SYSTEM ASSEMBLY 7
2.6 INSPECTION AND WING
INFLATION ON THE GROUND 9
2.7 ADJUSTING THE BRAKE LINES
AND TOGGLES 9
3. THE FIRST FLIGHT 9
3.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE 9
3.2 PREPARATION 9
3.3 FLIGHT PLAN 9
3.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST 9
3.5 WING INFLATION, CONTROL
AND TAKE-OFF 9
3.6 LANDING 10
3.7 FOLDING INSTRUCTIONS 10
4. IN FLIGHT 10
4.1 FLYING IN TURBULENCE 10
4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS 10
4.3 USING THE ACCELERATOR 12
4.4 FLYING WITHOUT BRAKE LINES 12
4.5 LINE KNOT(S) IN FLIGHT 12
5. LOSING ALTITUDE 12
5.1 EARS 12
5.2 B-LINE STALL 13
5.3 SPIRAL DIVE 13
6. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS 13
6.1 TOWING 13
6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHT 14
7. FOLDING INSTRUCTIONS 14
8. CARE AND MAINTENANCE 14
8.1 MAINTENANCE 14
8.2 STORAGE 14
8.3 CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS 14
8.4 REPAIRS 15
9. SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY 15
10. GUARANTEE 15
11. TECHNICAL DATA 16
11.1 TECHNICAL DATA 16
11.2 MATERIALS DESCRIPTION 17
11.3 RISERS LAYOUT 18
11.4 LINE PLAN 19
1.5 LENGTHS HOOK 4 P 21 20
11.6 LENGTHS HOOK 4 P 23 20
11.7 LENGTHS HOOK 4 P 25 21
11.8 LENGTHS HOOK 4 P 27 21
11.9 CERTIFICATION SPECIMEN TEST 22

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1. CHARACTERISTICS
1.1 WHO IS IT DESIGNED FOR?
The HOOK 4 P is the lightweight version of our progression wing,
the Hook 4. With up to 1.4 kg less weight, this new model is ideal for
explorers who after making their debut in the world of paragliding decide
to continue progressing with each ight, as well as for more experienced
adventurers who prefer an intermediate, very safe wing.
With the new HOOK 4 P you too can discover and enjoy hike & y or
vol-biv adventures. A wing with an extremely reduced weight and volume
so that from now on you can choose when, where and how to advance.
1.2 CERTIFICATION
The HOOK 4 P’s load test, conducted by the Air-Turquoise testing centre
in Switzerland, exceeded 8 G of force.
1.3 IN-FLIGHT BEHAIVOR
Niviuk developed the HOOK 4 P by adopting very specic guidelines: the
objective was to seek utmost performance while minimising gear weight
and volume for easy transportation, simple and relaxed ying, and above
all, maintain a very high level of wing safety.
With progressive, predictable and efcient handling the HOOK 4 P
effectively reads the air mass, seeking out and coring thermals with
efciency and ease. The HOOK 4 P remains agile, light and predictable in
all conditions of ight and behaves impeccably during turbulence.
The HOOK 4 P was designed with the latest innovations in materials
and technologies, and that aspect provides the glider with a better
performance in all phases of ight.
If you already are a Niviuk pilot, the HOOK 4 P will surprise you. If this is
the rst time you pilot a Niviuk glider, just enjoy it!
1.4 ASSEMBLY, MATERIALS
The HOOK 4 P has all the technological innovations used on other Niviuk
gliders. Furthermore, it is full of small details like the SLE, RAM, DRS,
TNT, IKS and 3 line prole which are destined to enhance the pilot’s
comfort and to improve the performance of the wing.
SLE.- The use of the SLE (Structured Leading Edge) allows reinforcement
of the leading edge, preventing any deformation in turbulence. The
airow is also vastly improved over the entire leading edge of the glider.
RAM.- The RAM Air Intake technology presents an internal positioning
of the air intakes to provide optimal and constant internal pressure while
improving laminar air ow on the undersurface. As a result, a signicant
turbulent air buffering takes place at the leading edge for better
consistency across the speed range, and hence increasing performance
with maximum safety.
DRS.-The trailing edge has been reinforced with small ribs that make this
part atter in order to spread the pressure out evenly. It means better
air-ow and less drag on this important part of the glider. The addition
of these ribs gives exceptional handling (better and more efcient when
turning) and more control and precision.
TNT.- A revolutionary technique using Nitinol, developed to build the
internal structure of the glider, brings a more uniform prole, and hence
reduces the overall wing weight to gain efciency in ight. The Nitinol
provides the highest level of protection against deformation, heat or
breaks. Using this technological advance, the glider is able to maintain its
original features for a longer period of time.
3LT.- Its powerful prole, a detailed internal architectural structure, and

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the use of high-tech strength materials make it possible to obtain a
signicant reduction of the combined line lengths, hence reducing the
amount of parasitic drag and the weight of the glider for better efciency.
IKS.- The IKS (Interlock System) is an ultra-lightweight, high strength
connecting system that aims to complement the light product range
and replace the current systems based on the use of the maillons and/
or carabiners. This new system is based on a secure connection using a
simple Dyneema loop provided with a xing and locking system, ensuring
the complete efciency and safety of the connection, and allowing the
equipment to be ready at all times, either with or without load.
The IKS1000 is designed and dimensioned as a connection system
between the risers and the lines. It has a breaking load of 1055 kg, which
greatly exceeds that of the classic 3mm (550 kg) maillon, but with a much
less weight. This feature makes it a key element in the entire range of
P-Series (lightweight) wings, which are delivered with this technology as
standard.
Being 25 times lighter (0.2 g), this IKS model has a load bearing braking
point of 1055 kg compared to the 800 kg of the classic maillon.
Please note: the IKS1000 kg system was not designed nor certied
to connect the risers to the harness and/or a rescue parachute to the
harness. For that specic function, Niviuk developed the IKS3000. For
more information visit niviuk.com
1. Locate the elastic sleeve’s inner small diameter tube.
2. Push the IKS line through it.
3. Push now the IKS line through the lines and the riser. The reinforced
end with the black tab should be located on the side of the riser.
4. Push the upper looped end downward through the elastic sleeve (not
the small diameter tube) and then through the reinforced loop end where
the black tab is located.
5. Continue with the procedure in a counter-clockwise motion by pushing
the looped end through the riser.
6. Push the looped end rst upward through the elastic sleeve (not the
small diameter tube) and through the lines again following the same
pattern.
7. Push the looped end downward through the elastic sleeve (not the
small diameter tube) rst, and then through the loop with the reinforced
end (black tab) once more.
8. Push the reinforced end loop (black tab) through the looped end to
secure them together.
9. Pull tight to secure the knot and connection.

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10. Check the entire assembly
The HOOK 4 P’s line set is made from Edelrid Aramid. The Aramid
lines are not sheathed, thus directly exposed to potential abrasions.
Consequently and in accordance with the EN certication recommended
guidelines, lines must be inspected by a professional certied servicing
centre every hundred ( 100 ) hours. These high performance materials
require particular attention before each ight.
The fabric used to manufacture the glider is light, resistant and durable
and will not experience colour loss.
From Olivier Nef’s computer to fabric cutting, the operation is a zero
6 tolerance process. An automated computer laser-cutting robotic
arm creates each of the many sections needed to complete the wing
assembly. This program also paints the guideline markers and numbers
on each individual fabric piece.
The lines are semi-automatically cut to length and all the sewing is
completed under the supervision of our specialists. The jigsaw puzzle
assembly is made easier using this method and optimises the operation
while making the quality control more efcient.
All Niviuk gliders go through an extremely thorough and efcient nal
inspection. Every line is checked and measured once the nal assembly
is concluded. Each wing is then individually inated for the last visual
inspection.
Each glider is packaged following specic maintenance instructions as
recommended by the fabric manufacturer.
Niviuk gliders are made of premium materials. Information about the
various materials used to manufacture the wing can be reviewed on the
nal pages of this manual.
1.5 ELEMENTS, COMPONENTS
The HOOK 4 P is delivered with a small fabric repair kit, including self-
adhesive ripstop matching the wing’s colour scheme, a compression
strap to pack the wing into a small volume, a bag with straps, the
speed-bar and the new Inner Bag.
2. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
2.1 CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION
We recommend unpacking and assembling the wing on a training hill or
a at clear area without too much wind and free of obstacles. Meeting
these conditions will help with the necessary steps required to check and
inate the HOOK 4 P. We recommend that a qualied instructor is present
to supervise the entire procedure.
We recommend that an instructor or a Niviuk dealer supervises the
entire procedure, as only they can resolve any doubts in a safe and
professional way.
2.2 PROCEDURE
Take the paraglider out of the rucksack, open and unfold it on the ground
with the lines positioned on the undersurface facing the sky. Lay out the
wing in a crescent shape with the cells openings pointing into wind, as if
you were to inate it.
Check the condition of the fabric and the lines for abnormalities. Identify,
and if necessary disentangle the A, A’, B and C lines, the brake lines and
the corresponding risers. Make sure that there are no knots.
2.3 HARNESS ASSEMBLY
Correctly connect the risers to the harness’ carabiners. The risers and 6
lines should not have any twists and be sorted in the right order. Check

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that the harness buckles are fully locked and secured in place.
2.4 TYPE OF HARNESS
The HOOK 4 P has passed the EN B certication using an EN1651:1999
type harness.
Small = 44 cm
Medium = 45 cm
Large = 46 cm
Incorrect chest strap adjustments can affect glider/harness behaviour
and thus glider handling. Too wide a distance between the carabiners will
provide greater feedback from the wing, but less glider stability. Too narrow
a distance will not bring as much feedback, in addition to increasing the
risk of experiencing a riser twist during a collapse.
We recommend referring to the harness’ instruction manual and the
certication test report outlining the chest strap length adjustments used
during these tests.
2.5 SPEED-BAR
The speed-bar is a means of temporary acceleration by changing the
ow over the prole.
The speed system comes pre-installed on the risers and is not
modiable as it conforms to the measurements and limits stipulated in its
certication.
The HOOK 4 P includes a speed system with a maximum travel of 13 cm.
The speed system is engaged when the pilot pushes the speed-bar - not
included as standard with this glider model - with their feet. The pilot
must install and adjust the speed-bar and connect it to the risers (See
2.5.1: “Speed system assembly”).
The speed system uses an action/reaction system: released, the speed-
bar is set to neutral. When the bar is pushed using the feet, the wing
accelerates. The speed can be regulated by varying the pressure on the
bar. Once the pressure on the bar is released, the speed system returns
to the neutral setting.
The speed system is efcient, sensitive and precise. The pilot can use the
system whenever they want during the ight. In the neutral position, the
wing is ying at standard speed and glide. With full speed-bar, the glider
will y at maximum speed but the glide will be worse.
• Released speed-bar: the A, B, C, D risers are aligned.
• Full speed-bar: The difference between the A - C risers is 13 cm.
PLEASE NOTE!
The use of the speed system results in changes to the speed but also the
reactions of the wing. For more information, see the certication report.
2.5.1 Speed system assembly.
The speed-bar consists of the bar that the pilot pushes with their feet, as
well as the two cords that connect it to the speed system components
on the risers. Once the pilot has chosen the type of speed-bar they
prefer, they must install it. Some considerations:
• The pilot should use the type of speed-bar that they consider
appropriate, depending on the type of harness, preferences, etc.
• This accessory is removable to facilitate its connection and / or
disconnection to the risers as well as subsequent adjustment.
• It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions during the
speed-bar installation. The majority of harnesses have a speed system
pre-installed.
• The standard connection of the speed-bar to the speed system is via
Brummel hooks, where two slots in the hooks are interlocked, making

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their connection / disconnection easy. However, any safe connection
system can be used.
Graphic 1. Speed-bar connection using Brummel hooks.
Plume (P) models - please note
The P models were designed with the idea of saving weight across the
entire equipment. To achieve this, Niviuk decided to deliver the wings
without the classic Brummel hooks and opting for a kite-style knotting
system. This system offers the same efciency and safety as the classic
Brummel hooks, but with much less weight.
Graphic 2. Speed-bar connection using a kite-style knotting system
(without Brummel hooks).
1. We make a knot in the speed-bar cord and we pass this through the
cord connections on the risers.
2. Apply tension to both sides until the knots are located tightly in the
riser connections.
The system or procedure for connecting the kite knot is exactly the same
as the Brummel hooks and can be used in other systems or connection
elements.
2.5.2 Changing the riser cords.
In spite of the speed system having pulleys with bearings to reduce
friction to a minimum, the frequency with which the speed-bar is used
causes the cord to wear and pilots may need to replace them.
In all Niviuk gliders the speed system cords on the risers are completely
removable and replaceable. The pilot can use the Brummel hooks, not
use them, remove them, use another type of hook, etc. It is even possible
to x the speed-bar cords directly to the speed system on the risers. This
last option makes the connection / disconnection more laborious, but
means the cord has maximum travel without obstructions or restrictions
which is very useful for some models of harnesses.

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2.6 INSPECTION AND WING INFLATION ON THE GROUND
Once all the gear is checked and deemed safe to use, inate the
HOOK 4 P and ground handle it as much as possible to become familiar
with the wing’s behaviour. The HOOK 4 P inates easily and smoothly. An
excess of energy is not necessary and the wing will inate with minimum
pressure on the harness when you move forward. This may be assisted
by using the A-lines. Do not pull on them; just accompany the natural
rising movement of the wing. Once the wing is in the 12 o’clock position,
simply apply the correct pressure on the brake lines and the HOOK 4 P
will sit over your head.
2.7 ADJUSTING THE BRAKE LINES AND TOGGLES
The lower brake line length is pre-adjusted at the factory and identical
to the ones used during the glider certication procedure. However, that
length can be modied to the pilot’s personal preference. We nevertheless
recommend keeping the default factory settings as is, and adapt yourself
to the HOOK 4 P’s behaviour instead.
When changing the brake length, it is necessary to check that they do
not engage when the speed-bar is used. When we accelerate the glider
rotates over the C riser and the trailing edge elevates. We must check that
the brake is adjusted to take into consideration this extra length during
acceleration.
3. THE FIRST FLIGHT
3.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE
The rst ights with the HOOK 4 P should be made in low wind speeds,
on a training hill or obstacle free area. We recommend that a qualied
instructor is present and supervising the entire procedure.
3.2 PREPARATION
Repeat the procedures detailed in chapter 2 UNPACKING AND
ASSEMBLY to prepare your equipment.
3.3 FLIGHT PLAN
Planning a ight before taking off to avoid possible problems later is
always a good idea.
3.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST
Once ready, but before taking off, conduct another equipment inspection.
Conduct a thorough visual check of your gear with the wing fully open, the
lines untangled and properly laid out on the ground to ensure that all is in
working order. Be certain the weather conditions are suited for your ying
skill level.
3.5 WING INFLATION, CONTROL AND TAKE-OFF
Smoothly and progressively inate the wing (see chapter 2.6
INSPECTION AND WING INFLATION ON THE GROUND). The HOOK 4 P
comes up easily, without excessive energy and does not overy the pilot.
It is a straight forward exercise leaving enough time for the pilot to decide
whether to run and take off or not.
Whenever the wind speed permits, we recommend using a reverse
launch technique more, as it is more conducive to carrying out a better
visual check of the wing. The HOOK 4 P is especially easy to control
during reversed inations in windier conditions. However, wind speeds up
to 25 to 30 km/h are considered strong and extra consideration should
be given as whether or not to y.
Setting up the wing on the ground before take-off is especially important.
Choose an appropriate location facing the wind. Position the paraglider
in a crescent conguration to facilitate ination. A clean wing layout will

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ensure a trouble free take-off.
3.6 LANDING
The HOOK 4 P lands excellently, it transforms the wing speed into lift at
the pilot’s demand, allowing an enormous margin of error. You will not
have to wrap the brake lines around your hand to get greater braking
efciency.
4. IN FLIGHT
4.1 FLYING IN TURBULENCE
The HOOK 4 P has an excellent prole design made to withstand various
weather conditions, hence enabling the pilot to take advantage of its
stability for greater piloting efciency. It behaves impeccably in passive
ight mode, thus offering a high level of safety in turbulent conditions.
Nonetheless, the pilot always has to y according to the prevailing
weather conditions, and the pilot is the ultimate safety factor.
We recommend that the pilot to anticipate every move, understands the
air mass and ies actively to make appropriate corrections with the right
input amount. Over-steering is dangerous, all actions must be undertaken
in a timely manner, amplitude and duration. The ultimate piloting goal
is to keep the speed of the glider going. AIR SPEED = SAFETY. Do not
hesitate to ask questions and get advice from qualify certied personnel
if in doubt.
4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS
To become familiar with manoeuvres described below, we recommend
practising within the environment of a competent training company
Asymmetric collapse
In spite of the HOOK 4 P’s prole stability, strong turbulent air may cause
the wing to collapse asymmetrically if the pilot was unable to predict
the glider’s reactions in specic circumstances. When the wing is about
to experience an asymmetric collapse, the brake lines will slacken and
transmit a tension loss affecting the harness stability. To prevent the
collapse from happening, pull the toggle corresponding to the affected
side of the wing. It will increase the incidence of the wing (angle of attack).
If the collapse does happen, the HOOK 4 P will not react violently, the
turning tendency is gradual and easily controlled. Weight-shift toward
the ying and opposite side of the collapse to keep the wing ying
straight while applying a light brake pressure to that side if necessary,
to slow it down. The collapsed side of the wing should then recover and
reopen by itself. If it does not, then pull the brake toggle on the collapsed
side decisively and quickly all the way down before bringing it back up
immediately. You may have to repeat this pumping action to provoke the
re-opening of the deated glider side. Do not over-brake or slow down
the ying side of the wing (the causes the risk of a stall for having too high
an angle of attack). Once the collapsed side is open, re-centre your body
under the wing to regain the default ying speed.
Frontal collapse
In normal ying conditions and due to the HOOK 4 P design,
asymmetrical collapses are unlikely to take place. The wing’s prole has
great buffering abilities when dealing with extreme incidence changes.
A frontal collapse may occur in strong turbulent conditions, entering
or exiting powerful thermals or when lacking experience using the
accelerator/speed-bar with untimely inadequate input. Frontal collapses
usually re-inate without the glider turning, but a symmetrically applied
quick braking action with a quick deep pump will accelerate the re-
ination if necessary. Release the brake lines immediately to return to
default glider air speed.
Negative spin
A negative spin does not conform to the HOOK 4 P’s normal ight
behaviour. Certain circumstances however, may provoke this conguration