Ozone ZERO User manual
YOUR WING IS HERE CONTENTS
Pilots Manual (Eng) 2 > 12
Riser Diagram 13
Technical Specications 13
Line Diagram 14
Version EN 2.2 Sept 2015
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ENGLISH
Thank you for choosing to y Ozone.
As a team of free ying enthusiasts, competitors and adventurers, Ozone’s mission is to build agile paragliders of the highest quality with cutting edge designs
and performance and maximum security.
Condence and belief in your paraglider is a far greater asset than any small gains in performance - ask any of the Ozone pilots on your local hills, or those who have
taken our gliders on ground-breaking adventures and stood on podiums around the world. All our research and development is concentrated on creating the best
handling/performance characteristics possible with optimum security. Our development team is based in the south of France. This area, which includes the sites of
Gourdon, Monaco and Col de Bleyne, guarantees us more than 300 yable days per year. This is a great asset in the development of the Ozone range.
As pilots we fully understand just how big an investment a new paraglider is. We know that quality and value for money are essential considerations when choosing
your new paraglider; so to keep costs low and quality high we build all our wings in our own production plant. During production our wings undergo numerous and
rigorous quality control checks. This way we can guarantee that all our paragliders meet the same high standards that we expect ourselves.
This manual will help you get the most out of your wing. It includes tips and advice on how best to use it and how to care for it to ensure it has a long life and retains a
high resale value. If you need any further information about any of our products please check www.yozone.com, or contact your local dealer, school or any of us here
at Ozone.
It is essential that you read this manual before ying your wing for the rst time.
Please ensure that this manual is passed on to the new owner if you ever resell this wing.
Safe Flying!
Team Ozone
warning Your ZERO
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Flying Your Wing
ENGLISH
Paragliding is dangerous. You could suffer serious injury or death as a result
of using this equipment. Using this equipment improperly greatly increases
the risks involved. Never use this equipment without proper and thorough
instruction from a qualied instructor.
By using your Ozone paraglider, you accept all risks involved with the use of
such equipment. The designer, manufacturer, distributor, and retailer cannot
and will not guarantee your safety when using this equipment. You agree
to not hold Ozone Gliders Ltd, nor Ozone Power Ltd liable for any injuries
to yourself or to third parties resulting from the use of this equipment. It is
essential that you understand the proper use of this equipment before at-
tempting to use it in any way.
The User MUST:
Be an experienced and licensed paraglider pilot.
(For Snow Use) Be an experienced skier with competent knowledge of
backcountry skiing and terrain, and be equipped with appropriate safety
and rescue equipment when traveling in the backcountry.
Be in an area approved for the type of activity you are undertaking.
Use helmet and proper protective equipment.
Use the wing in a safe and hazard free environment.
Maintain the equipment properly and inspect it regularly.
Receive thorough and professional instruction for the specic activity prior
to using the wing.
Ensure that all harness connections are fastened properly.
Always y with a partner. Be aware of the other people you are traveling
with in the backcountry at all times. Use the buddy system.
NEVER use your wing in turbulent wind conditions.
NEVER use your wing in a populated area or an area not approved for ying.
NEVER use your wing in a ski area or on a ski slope / ski piste.
NEVER use your wing around hazardous obstacles such as ski lifts or trees
or rocks.
NEVER use your wing unless you have adequate safety and rescue equip-
ment for winter backcountry travel such as avalanche transciever, shovel,
probe, and other avalanche safety equipment.
NEVER use equipment if there is any damage to harness, risers, webbing,
lines, cloth or stitching.
The Pack
The Mountain Pack is large enough to carry a standard harness and mini
wing. It is also equipped with external straps that can be used to carry skis
or snowboards and other equipment. We recommend always using ap-
propriate safety and rescue equipment when traveling in the backcountry in
snow conditions.
The Atak Harness (Optional)
The Atak is a special harness developed for mini wing ying. The hang-
points, structure, and pilot positioning are all specically engineered for
speed-ying pilots. Your Atak harness is adjustable for upright and semi-
reclined ying, although most experienced speed ying pilots prefer to be in
an upright position in order to move from seated to skiing quickly and easily.
Brake Lines
The brake line lengths have been set carefully during testing. It should not
be necessary to change the lengths. However, if you do choose to adjust
them, do so in a progressive manner to ensure that they are not over-
shortened.
IMPORTANT: In the unlikely event of a brake line snapping
in ight, or a handle becoming detached, the glider can be
own by gently pulling the rear risers for directional con-
trol.
Risers
Your wing has 4 risers. Each riser is covered with coloured webbing, which
makes them easy to identify.
The trimmer system can be used to aid ination and increase or decrease
your angle of attack. We recommend becoming very familiar with your wing
before using the trimmer system.
Warning: Never y with your trimmers released in turbulent
conditions.
Accelerator System
To set up an accelerator on the ground, ask a friend to pull your risers into
their in-ight position while you sit in your harness. Now adjust the length of
the line so that the main bar sits just beneath your seat. You should now be
able to hook your heel in to the secondary (lower) loop of the accelerator.
The accelerator must be slack enough to ensure that the front risers are not
pulled down in normal ight, but not so long that it is impossible to use the
full speed range of the glider.
Extending the secondary (lower) loop of the accelerator fully will take the
glider through approximately half its accelerated speed range. Should you
need even more speed you should hook your feet on to the upper bar,
which you can then extend until the pulleys on the risers touch.
Once set up, test the full range of the accelerator in calm ying conditions:
ensure that both risers are pulled evenly during operation. Fine-tuning can
be completed when you are back on the ground.
IMPORTANT: Using the accelerator decreases the angle
of attack and can make the glider more prone to collapse,
therefore using the accelerator near the ground or in turbu-
lence should be avoided.
Mini Wing ying is still a relatively new sport. Because of this, you are an
ambassador and representative and we ask that you please set a positive
example to ensure the successful future of the sport. Please be responsible,
and practice safe conduct. Never practice ying on populated ski slopes or
pistes! It is expressly forbidden to y in populated areas. When on snow,
always carry with you all necessary avalanche safety and rescue equipment.
Never attempt to y unless you have received instruction from a competent
speed-ying instructor.
You must be responsible when you y near any ski area. Contact the ski
The new Zero is the most precise and compact mini-wing that we have
ever own. This advanced mini-wing design was more than two years in the
making, and is based on what we have learned through the development of
our smaller-sized mountain gliders and also the technological advances we
have made in the Ozone Performance Project.
The Zero is the only mini-wing that features the patented Ozone SharkNose
technology. The SharkNose, as proven in our highest level competition
wings and now the Mantra and Delta series, provides enhanced stability at
low angles of attack (accelerated ight) and also high angles of attack (slow
speed ight, thermalling). In addition, it provides a high level of spin-resis-
tance, generally improved handling, and increased speed and glide perfor-
mance. In short, the SharkNose has signicantly improved every aspect of
ight in the Zero’s design platform, making it a unique high-performance
mini-wing which remains accessible and easy to use.
The Zero is accessible and easy to use, but is generally own with higher
wingloading than standard paragliders and therefore all pilots who are new
to mini-wings should consult with an experienced instructor before their
rst ights with one. The Zero is suitable for paraglider pilots of intermediate
skill, and above, who are trying this ‘mini-voile’ sport for the rst time. It is
also, of course, perfect for more experienced pilots who wish to y it at a
higher wing-loading and enjoy the speed and precision of this wing at its full
potential. The table below shows recommended weight ranges for this wing,
which does not have EN ight test certication. If you are uncertain what
size to choose, please consult with your local instructor.
Basic Flight Techniques
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6
ENGLISH
resort safety service prior to ying near or at a ski area. Take time to explain
the sport and be clear that the sport is never practiced on pistes or near
other skiers. A clear presentation with photos, video, and a detailed safety
explanation is necessary.
Always carry the avalanche safety and rescue equipment necessary for
backcountry skiing. In any alpine environment the following equipment
is necessary: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, back protection, and
helmet. It is absolutely essential to check the weather forecast and snow
conditions. Take any advice from qualied resort safety experts or high
mountain guides.
You must be a competent skier and paraglider pilot before you attempt to
y on snow.
Do not y by yourself. Always use the buddy system and be aware of the
location and safety of your partners!
To familiarise yourself with the glider it is a good idea to perform practice in-
ations and small ights on a training hill. This will enable you to set up your
equipment correctly. If in any doubt please get advice and help from your
local dealer or instructor. The Zero shows no unusual ying characteristics,
consequently it is suitable for a very wide range of pilot. Turns are smooth
and co-ordinated, whilst on glide it remains solid and well pressured
throughout the accelerated speed range as it has a very high resistance to
both collapses and stalls. However it is a small wing and it can be dynamic
so y it with due respect, with high safety margins and always be progres-
sive.
Preparation
Lay out the wing on its top surface in a pronounced arc, with the centre of
the wing higher than the tips. Lay out the lines one side at a time. Hold up
the risers and starting with the brake lines, pull all lines clear. Repeat with
the stabilo, D, C, B and A lines, laying the checked lines on top of the previ-
ous set, and making sure no lines are tangled, knotted or snagged. Mirror
the process on the other side.
Take-off checklist:
1. Check reserve parachute - pin is in and handle secure
2. Helmet on and fastened
3. All harness buckles closed - check leg-loops again
4. Karabiners and maillons tight
5. Holding the A’s and your brake handles
6. Leading edge open
7. Aligned directly into wind
8. Airspace and visibility clear
Launching
Your Zero will launch with either the forward or reverse techniques. It is
recommended to release the trimmers approximately 2cm to aid the ina-
tion behaviour.
Forward Launch - Nil to Light winds
When the wind is favourable, whilst gently holding the A risers move forward
positively, your lines should become tight within one or two steps and the
Zero will immediately start to inate. You should maintain a constant pres-
sure on the risers until the wing is overhead. Do not pull down or push the
risers forward excessively, or the leading edge will deform and possibly
collapse making taking-off more difcult and potentially dangerous.
Move smoothly throughout the entire launch, there is no need to rush or
snatch at it. You should have plenty of time to look up and check your
canopy before committing yourself. Once you are happy the Zero is inated
correctly, accelerate smoothly off the launch.
Reverse Launch - Light to Strong Winds
Lay out your wing as you would for the forward launch. However, this time
turn to face it, passing one entire set of risers over your head as you turn.
Now you can inate the glider with the A-risers. Once the wing is overhead,
release the risers, brake gently if necessary, turn and launch.
In stronger winds, be prepared to take a few steps towards the glider as it
inates. This will take some of the energy out of the glider and it will be less
likely to overy you. This reverse-launch technique can be used in surpris-
ingly light winds too.
IMPORTANT: Never take off with a glider that is not fully
inated or if you are not in control of the pitch/roll of your
wing.
Practice ground handling as much as possible! Not only is it great fun, but
it will give you a much better feel for your wing’s ight characteristics. It will
also improve your overall enjoyment of ying by giving you the feeling of
control and making your launches easier and less stressful.
Speed to Fly
Flying at trim speed (hands-up), the Zero will achieve its ‘best glide’ speed
for still air. You should y at this speed when gliding downwind or when the
air is not excessively sinking.
For better penetration in headwinds and improved glide performance in
sinking air, crosswinds or headwinds, you should y faster than trim speed
by using the accelerator system. Using up to half bar does not degrade the
glide angle or stability signicantly and will improve your ying performance.
You will reach the next thermal faster and higher. At full speed the Zero is
stable; however we recommend that you do not y at full speed close to the
ground or in turbulent air.
By applying the brakes approximately 30cm, the Zero will achieve its
Minimum-Sink rate; this is the speed for best climb and is the speed to use
for thermalling and ridge soaring.
Turning
To familiarize yourself with the Zero your rst turns should be gradual and
progressive.
To make efcient and coordinated turns with the Zero rst look in the direc-
tion you want to go, then lean into it. Your rst input for directional change
should be weight-shift, followed by the smooth application of the brake until
the desired bank angle is achieved. To regulate the speed and radius of the
turn, coordinate your weight shift and use the outer brake.
IMPORTANT: Never initiate a turn at minimum speed (i.e.
with full brakes on) as you could risk entering a spin.
Active Flying
To minimize the likelihood of suffering collapses in turbulent conditions, it is
essential to use active ying.
Flying with a small amount of brake applied (approx. 20cm) will give you
feedback from the wing. In turbulent conditions the internal pressure of
the wing can change and you will feel this through the brakes. The aim of
active ying is to maintain a constant pressure through the brakes. If you
feel a loss in pressure apply the brakes until normal pressure is resumed
then raise hands back to original position (this must be done quickly). Avoid
ying with continuous amounts of deep brake in rough air as you could
inadvertently stall the wing. Always consider your airspeed.
These movements can be symmetric or asymmetric; you may have to apply
both brakes or just one. These subtle adjustments will keep the glider ying
smoothly and directly above you and dramatically reduce the chances of a
collapse. If the glider pitches in front of you, use the brakes to slow it down.
Equally, if the glider drops behind you, release the brakes to allow it to
speed up. The goal is to always keep the wing directly overhead.
These are skills that are best learnt by playing with the glider on the ground!
IMPORTANT: No pilot and no glider are immune to collapses
however active ying will virtually eliminate any tendency
to collapse. When the conditions are turbulent, do not y
with the trimmers open and be more active to the move-
ments of your wing. Always be aware of your altitude and
do not over-react. We strongly advise you to always keep
hold of your brakes. Do not y in turbulent conditions.
Landing
The Zero shows no unusual landing characteristics but as a reminder, here
are some tips:
• Always set up for your landing early, give yourself plenty of options and a
safe margin for error.
• Once below 30 metres avoid turning tightly as the glider will have to dive
to accelerate back to normal ight. If you are at low altitude, or if you hit
sink, this could mean you hit the ground harder than necessary.
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