PAPILLON P42 User manual

MANUAL
English • Rev. 1.2 Effective: January 2018
Please read this manual
before you y your new Papillon P42
for the rst time.
LTF/EN B

PAPILLON P42:
Thank you for choosing the PAPILLON P42. We would like to thank you for your trust and wish
you many pleasant ights!
The tandem glider, where you could forget that you are ying a tandem glider. Its handling is
agile, its turning ability high and its control pressure low - making it almost like a solo glider.
It reacts precisely and without delay to control impulses and is therefore very easy to turn. The
P42 reliably converts thermal energy into height.
The experience of Papillon Paragliding, Europe’s largest paragliding school went into the devel-
opment of the P42.
If you have any questions about your ight equipment, please do not hesitate to contact us.
See you UP in the sky!
Your Papillon-Team
This manual is an important part of the glider.
Please read it carefully, because there is an OBLIGATION to deal with the glider
and its special features. The manual is supposed to make the handling with the
PAPILLON P42 as easy and safe as possible.
PAPILLON PARAGLIDERS
Wasserkuppe 46
D-36129 GERSFELD
Fax: [phone]
Tel. [phone]
[email protected]
papillon-paragliders.com

CONTENS
Welcome to the PAPILLON WORLD OF PARAGLIDING! 6
PAPILLON P42 7
P42 8
-Usage 8
-Motorised Paragliding 8
-Winching 8
-Base- and brakeline adjustment 9
-Safety precautions 10
Equipment description 11
-Short description 11
-Risers 12
-Trimmer 12
-Distance suspension 13
Information for tandem pilots 14
-Dealing with the passenger 14
-Equipment 14
-Terrain 14
-Instruction of the passenger 14
-Pre-ight check 15
-Suspension and check 16
-Launching the paraglider 16
-Flight 16
-Landing 17
-After the ight 17
The Flight - in general 18
-The Launch 18
-Reverse Launch 20
-Turning 20
-Active Flying 20
-Landing 21
-Strong Wind Landings 22
-Landing on Slopes 22
-Top Landings 22
Rapid descent 23
-„Big Ears“ 23
-B-Stall 23
Advanced Handling 25
-Spiral Dive 25
-Wingover 26
-Full Frontal 26
-Collapses 26
-How to avoid collapses 26
-Deep Stall 27
-Fullstall 28
-Partial Stall 28
-Negative Turn 28
-Emergency Piloting 29
-Transport and storage 29
-Repairs 29

Maintenance and care 30
-Maintenance and care 30
-Nature and environment-friendly behaviour 30
Flying Accessories 31
-Harness 31
-Suitable Rescue Systems 31
Presumption of risk 32
-Liability claim and renouncement of exclution 32
-Safety Advice and Liability 32
Release of liability, renouncement of entitlement 33
Technical data Papillon P42 34
Color-Info 35
Line code P42 36
Line plan P42 37
Instruction leaet for repairs & 2-yearly-check 39
Line order form 40
Reply card 41
MAINTANANCE MANUAL 42
Topic of the inspection and reinspection intervals 43
-Who may inspect/test? 43
-Individual personal prerequisites for the inspections 43
-Necessary equipment and documentation 44
During the inspection the following steps are to be taken in: 44
-Positive identication of the device: 44
-Inspection of the reserve parachute 44
-Testing of the topsail, undersail, seams, reserve parachute of 44
-Holes and tears 44
-Abrasion and deformities 45
-Testing of the ribs 45
-Check of the tear resistance 45
-Porosity check of the canopy 45
-Connection parts 46
-Lines 46
-Check of the line length and line attachments 46
-Occasional check of trim and adjustment 47
-Description of the materials and technical data 47
-Miscellaneous 47
Completed check very important! 48

WELCOME
TO THE PAPILLON WORLD OF PARAGLIDING!

BETRIEBSHANDBUCH | PAPILLON | P42 6 | 7
PAPILLON P42
The tandem glider, where you could forget that you are ying a tandem glider. Its handling is
agile, its turning ability high and its control pressure low - making it almost like a solo glider.
It reacts precisely and without delay to control impulses and is therefore very easy to turn. The
P42 reliably converts thermal energy into height.
The P42 can be started very well with a low take-off speed and therfore short take-off distance.
Thanks to its good low-speed ight characteristics and high performance, the P42 glides very
well when landing, making it easy to land.
Due to the intelligent material mix of the P42 and its high-quality manufacturing, a low canopy
weight and long service life can be achieved.
The Sharknose ensures high stability and an extended inow area. His canopy reactions are
moderate and subdued. In addition to the Sharknose, the PPN supports increased prole
delity along the leading edge. Elaborate calculations of the ballooning and optimized wing
pre-stressing ensure the perfect ow around the prole. The High Pressure Crossport Design
(HPCD) optimizes cross-ventilation of the cross ports and creates a balanced inside pressure of
the wing. In the rear area, Miniribs (MRB) and the Brake Gathering System (BGS) ensure ef-
cient power transmission of the brakes.
The riser is equipped with a new trimmer system. The effective system prevents the prole
from warping by not only accelerating the D and C levels, but also changing the B level in re-
lation to the angle of attack. As a result, the shape of the prole is retained, resulting in signif-
icantly better gliding. A special clamping device is mounted on the D-risers, which allows the
pilot to x the brake lines in any position. This way you can take care of the passenger even in
turbulent conditions. A separate A-riser makes ying with Big Ears easy.

Usage
The P42 has been developed and tested exclusively for use as a paraglider for foot and winch
launch. Improper use is not permitted. The P42 was not built and tested for aerobatics. It is not
suitable or approved for this purpose. If you perform aerobatics with the P42, your life is in danger.
When performing aerobatic manoeuvres, unpredictable ight positions can occur as well as an over-
load of material and pilot.
The P42 is a light aircraft with a mass of less than 120 kg in the class of paragliders.
The P42 is designed for two-seat operation. In order to ensure safe ight operations, all persons
and equipment involved must have the required licences and certicates. This applies to the pilot,
harness, rescue system and tandem suspension. The P42 is type-tested and classied according to
LTF/EN B.
Motorised Paragliding
The P42 is not certied for paramotor usage.
Winching
Take the following points into account:
– Do not use a tow line tension over 150 kp with the Papillon P42.
– If you are not operating at your usual winch, get aquainted with the local procedures. Every visi-
tor on unfamiliar ying grounds needs to get a good brieng by a local pilot.
– Never winch the Papillon P42 with loads outside the permitted weight range.
– All involved persons, machines and accessories need to have the appropriate licenses, approvals
or certication for winching. That applies to pilots, hoist operator, towing attachment, attachment
points as well as all further machines and accessories for wich a certicate of competence is
required.
P42

BETRIEBSHANDBUCH | PAPILLON | P42 8 | 9
Base- and brakeline adjustment
The factory brake-line setting corresponds to 0-free travel plus 5 cm. It is recommended to
adjust your brake line travel after the rst ight to your personal preferences. Be aware not
to adjust the brakes too short, otherwise the glider may y with a little, but continuous applied
brake pressure. This could be extremely dangerous during takeoff , ight and landing!
The afore mentioned factory brake setting allows for ample brake travel in extreme ight
situations as well as for landing.
At the same time it enables during ight at trim-speed a position of comfort for the pilots arms. In
no case the setup A, B and C main lines should be changed before the wing has been own in the
original setup. Please also note that adjusting the height of the suspension to the hangpoints on the
harness, changes the relative braking travel. When setting the adjustment it is to be made certain
that both sides are symmetrical and that a permanent knot is used. The bowline works particularly
well because of the fact that it weakens the lines the least with excellent slip resistance.
Pile stich
Factory
default marking
①②③

Safety precautions
– Before the rst ight, the canopy, lines, all connections and sutures, the shackles and brake lines,
as well as any twisted lines must be checked by appropriately trained personnel and conrmed in
the type plate.
– Make your maiden ight in a familiar ying site and calm conditons.
– Test your Papillon P42 only over water.
– In a „dynamic ight“ not only you are exposed to Hike loads but also the glider. Do not underes-
timate this!
– Only y the P42 with at least one reserve parachute.
– Observe and abide to the local aviation laws which rule in the respective country in question.
– Successful completion of appropriate training/schooling, having the needed knowledge as
well as the actual ight experience are a prerequisite to operate your Papillon P42.
– The use of suitable, certied and in the respective country approved accessories (helmet, harness,
reserve) is a requirement for the use of the Papillon P42.
– Before every take off execute a thorough inspection of your equipment (top sail, bottom sail, ribs,
especially the lines, carabiners, buckles, cloth speed system etc.) A ight with a tear in a glider or
lines can be life threatening.
– Always make sure that your ying gear is in good condition and all checks are done.
– Be aware that you as a pilot have to be in a physical and mental state to control each ight
unimpaired. You have to concentrate completely on ying, in order to avoid potential distressing
ight conditions. Most accidents are caused by pilot error.
– Never y in close proximity to high voltage power lines, airports or motorways, over people or
with lightning! You cold endanger your life and the physcial well being of yourself as well as third
parties and at the same time act reckless and negligent. At no circumstance should the minimum
distance fall below 50m at any given time. At airports this minimum distance to maintain is 5km.
– Inform yourself on the weather forecast and/or the predominating local weather conditions. Use
the Papillon P42 only in wind strengths, in which you are able to control the wing to 100%. Do
not use the Papillon P42 in wind with a great gust factor. Never use the glider with approaching
thunderstorms or if probability of those of the development of thunderstorms is high. If a thun-
derstorm is approaching land immediately!
– The ying of aerobatics is generally forbidden and is dangerous. Unforeseen ight orientations
can occur, which can spill out of control, arising the danger of overload on pilot and equipment.
ATTENTION: Ignoring one or several safety precautions can lead to a
leisurely fun ight turning into a fatal event!

BETRIEBSHANDBUCH | PAPILLON | P42 10 | 11
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Short description
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑧
⑨
⑦
①Obersegel / Top
②V-Tape
③ Prolrippen / Prol rips
④Galerieleine / Galeryline
⑤Untersegel / Bottom
⑥Gabelleine / Gabelline
⑦Stabiloleine / Stabiloline
⑧Stammleine / Mainline
⑨Tragegurte / Riser

Risers
The A- and B- risers are colour-coded and equipped with the Pilot Assistant System to ensure a
clear identication during take-off and ight. The D riser is equipped with the BRAKE-FIX-CLIP. The
neoprene-covered clamping device allows the pilot to x the brake lines in any position. This way
you can take care of the passenger even in turbulent conditions.
Trimmer
The P42 is equipped with a new trimmer system. The effective system prevents the prole from
twisting by not only accelerating the D and C planes, but also changing the B plane in relation to the
angle of attack. As a result, the shape of the prole is retained, resulting in signicantly better gliding.
Papillon recommends keeping the trimmer closed during take-off and landing. All extreme ight
conditions (e. g. collapses) are more dynamic at higher speeds.
In addition, the P42 is equipped with a replaceable trimmer band. This can be easily replaced by a
carabiner covered with neoprene. Other adjustable, removable or variable devices are not available.
Trimmer open Trimmer closed

BETRIEBSHANDBUCH | PAPILLON | P42 12 | 13
Distance suspension
The P42 is delivered with a hard spreader. However, soft spreads can also be used. The two-seater
distance suspension has a suspension loop for the pilot (1), two suspension loops for the passenger
(2+3) and the central paraglider suspension (4). The pilot hangs himself/herself in loop 1. loop 3 is
provided for small passengers and loop 2 for larger passengers. Care must be taken to ensure that
it is symmetrically suspended. Unsymmetrical suspension can cause the pilot and passenger to be in
a n u n c o m f o r t a b l e  i g h t p o s i t i o n a n d m a k e i t d i f  c u l t t o c o n t ro l t h e g l i d e r.
③
① Pilot suspension loop
②
④ central paraglider suspension
variable
passenger
loop

Dealing with the passenger
The launching place should be chosen away from the big hustle and bustle. It is advisable to car-
ry out warm-up exercises with the passenger before the start and to practice the take-off run in
succession or side by side, depending on the chosen technique. It is especially important to point
out that the start consists of two phases: the lifting phase and the acceleration phase. Practical expe-
rience has shown that many passengers get into their harness far too early because of the brake
during the take-off run and thus provoke a false start. It has therefore proved to be a good idea to
explain that the paraglider must rst be lifted with slow steps in order to have correction possibilities,
but that it must then be brought up to speed like any other aircraft before it can take off.
Exception: In case of strong headwinds, the passenger and the pilot have to push themselves
against the wind during the wind-up phase (preferably by grabbing the T-bar) in order not to be
knocked over backwards.
Equipment
Passenger’s clothing should be adapted to the temperature and include ankle-high shoes with a
non-slip sole and a helmet. Gloves are also recommended. Integral helmets offer better protection,
but should be equipped with a removable or wide chin strap because of the possible danger of
suffocation in case of vomiting (panic). Please remember to inform the passenger in good time, not
only on the mountain, about the necessary equipment.
Terrain
When choosing the launch site, special attention must be paid to the special requirements of tan-
dem ying, i. e. a possibly longer take-off phase and a limited correction possibility must be taken
into account. In addition, care must be taken to ensure that the run-up section is completely free of
obstacles. When choosing the landing site, a longer glide distance has to be taken into account due
to the generally higher speed of double-seaters, as well as the limited manoeuvrability at ground
level. The landing site should be free of obstacles and turbulence.
Instruction of the passenger
The following commands are dened for the start run:
• Lifting (better: 3-2-1 go)
• run
• stop
• right
• links
INFORMATION FOR TANDEM PILOTS

BETRIEBSHANDBUCH | PAPILLON | P42 14 | 15
From the command “Run”, the passenger has to put pressure on the paraglider. In case of aborted
take-off, the pilot immediately calls “Stop”. The direction of a possible aborted start must be de-
termined before the start! In particular, the pilot should bear in mind that the higher wing loading
requires a longer take-off distance and a higher ight speed than in single-seater operations. The
further ight phase must also be discussed with the passenger before take-off. It is important to
note that if the passenger refuses to do so, the start must not be forced.
It has also proved helpful to point out to the passenger that he/she should not look downwards,
but should focus attention on other aspects of the ight in order to avoid possible fear of heights.
Also in this phase the pilot actively involves the passenger in all activities, although only the pilot
is responsible for the proper execution. After the lines have been laid out and sorted, the pilot will
assist the passenger in putting on the harness. It is advisable to carry out a seat test, the easiest way
is to use another pilot who lifts the passenger in his harness on the karabiners from the ground. In
this way, the seating position in ight can be controlled and any necessary corrections can still be
made. The control of the leg and the chest straps is of crucial importance! Seatbelts with an airbag
or protector have proven their worth, as many passengers tend to sit in the grass instead of running
out when landing.
Pre-ight check
A thorough pre-ight check is required for each aircraft, including the P42, and our experience has
shown that tandem paragliders are often own by several people. Please double-check if you are
not the only pilot using this paraglider. If you lend your glider, please inform the lender of this fact
as well. Also make sure that the lender knows the operating limits of the P42 and has the necessary
qualication certicate. Before every take-off check the lines, risers and canopy for damage. Even in
the case of small defects it is not advisable to start. After the paraglider has been unpacked and laid
out in a semicircle, the following must be observed:
The paraglider should be laid out in such a way that the lines in the centre of the paraglider are ten-
sioned a little earlier than the lines at the wingtips when the A-risers are pulled. This ensures an easy
and directionally stable start. When laying out the glider, please pay attention to the wind direction,
so that both halves of the paraglider are loaded symmetrically when being pulled up against the
wind. Carefully separate the lines and arrange the risers. The A-lines deserve special attention. They
must run freely and without entanglement from the A-risers to the canopy. It is also important that
the brake lines are completely unobstructed and cannot get stuck during the launch. If the risers are
not twisted, the brake lines run freely through the eyelet to the rear edge of the glider. Make sure
that no lines run under the canopy. A line throw-up at the start can have fatal consequences. It is
highly recommended to involve the passenger in the pre-ight check to familiarize him/her with the
equipment.

Suspension and check
The decision as to whether the passenger is to be attached to a longer or shorter loop of the T-Bar
(if present) must be made taking into account the passenger’s height and any difference in weight.
If the passenger is smaller than the pilot, it must be attached to the lower suspension loop. This pre-
vents the co-pilot from being lifted off the ground too early and also keeps the pilot’s visibility clear.
After attaching the pilot to the T-Bar with risers and fastening the carabiners, he asks the passenger
to stand in front of him in order to be able to attach him correctly. He is prompted to follow the pro-
cess visually. Don’t forget: the carabiners of the passenger are also to be secured (except Twistlock).
The passenger is located in front of or beside the pilot during all phases of the ight. For safety
reasons, suspensions that allow the co-pilot to be positioned behind the pilot are not permitted!
Launching the paraglider
The paraglider is lifted by the pilot as described in the chapter “Flight Practice/The Start”.
It is important that the pilot carefully checks whether the glider is lled correctly. In the event of
problems, the start will be terminated immediately, otherwise, if the glider is properly lled and the
lines are free, the decision to start will be made and communicated to the passenger with the com-
mand “Run”. After the “Run” command, rapid acceleration to the take-off point takes place. If the
passenger runs too timidly, the command “Run” must be repeated loudly and the passenger must
be encouraged to run faster if necessary by pressure from the pilot.
Flight
After take-off, the passenger is asked to look up to see the open canopy. This builds condence
in the glider (and calms the nerves). It is also important to ask the passenger whether he or she is
comfortable in the harness and not just sitting on the front edge of the seat board. If the passen-
ger’s knees are clearly lowered, he or she is not yet in the correct position, but if his or her knees
point upwards, the pilot recognizes that his or her passenger has already slipped into the harness.
If necessary, it will help the passenger to slide into the harness properly after a sufcient ground
distance. Only then does he or she adjust his or her own harness to avoid too much unrest.
Always keep in mind that a tandem glider has a larger turning radius and reacts slower than your
solo glider. But also in the tandem the handling can be decisively improved by shifting the weight.
Overlled thermals are taboo for tandem pilots!
The sitting position in a row means that you cannot look into the passenger’s eyes. Therefore, it is
important to constantly exchange encouraging and inspiring words during the ight, in order to
counteract a possibly arising fear of heights or even just an unease, or to recognize this already in
the beginning. A good piece of advice in such a case is to target the horizon and not look down.
Generally speaking, the more relaxed the pilot is towards the passenger and the more tranquillity he
or she radiates, the more trust the passenger will gain and the more he or she will enjoy the ight.

BETRIEBSHANDBUCH | PAPILLON | P42 16 | 17
Landing
Passengers should be prepared for landing only during ight. Too much information prior to take-off
means that the passenger is only unnecessarily overtaxed.
Especially for longer ights, it is advisable to stimulate the blood circulation of the legs of the pilot
and passenger by exercising before landing. The wind direction at the landing site, altitude and air
trafc must be checked at a sufcient height and before the position is own. Particularly in the case
of double-seated ights, this is of crucial importance due to the generally higher approach speed
and limited mobility. A downwind landing with a tandem carries a high risk of injury!
The landing approach should be dimensioned on a large scale. Corrections near the ground should
be avoided due to the pendulum inclination. The landing should always take place next to each oth-
er, as practice has shown that many passengers do not run out despite being asked to do so and sit
down instead. It would be possible for the pilot to hit the passenger’s helmet with his chin and knock
his teeth out or at least bite his tongue, or to fall over the passenger and hurt him.
Also point out to the passenger that he or she should not rest his or her hands on the ground when
landing because of the risk of injury. Before landing in a stabilized nal approach, it has proved to
be a good idea to press the passenger with one leg to the side and, on command, ask him to slip
out of the harness into the upright position. Then take the step position to be able to run out more
easily! The position of the passenger must be checked by the pilot!
Carry out the nal approach in the medium to high speed range in order to be able to are for the
nal approach.
After the ight
After the ight, the passenger should be given the opportunity to describe his or her experiences or
ask questions, as there is often a need to share what he or she has experienced.

THE FLIGHT - IN GENERAL
Flying experience
This manual is only focusing on the points of the technique of ying that are important for the Pap-
illon P42. It cannot and should not replace a profound ight training in an approved ying school!
Without ight training and according experience paragliding is life-endangering!
The Launch
The 5-point pre-launch check must be performed before each ight. It is helpful to have the
check conducted additionally by a second pilot (partner check).
1. PILOT: All buckles, straps and clips of the harness closed? Leg straps closed? Carabiner
untwisted and closed properly? Helmet on? Radio on?
2. LINES: Lines free? A–lines on top? Risers untwisted? Speed system attached and untwisted?
Control lines free and not twisted?
3. CANOPY: Laid out in an arch? All chambers open?
4. WIND: From the right direction? Is the wind speed right?
5. AIRSPACE: Free on all sides?
The paraglider is laid out symmetrically in an arch, so that the canopy behind you can ll evenly
from the centre. The center of the Papillon P42 is marked on the leading edge.
You launch the wing by a metered pull on the front risers with your arms stretched back and down
and running against the wind.
NOTE: Unlike other gliders, it is not necessary to inate the Papillon
P42 with aggressive pulling or even fast running. That is also true when
there is little to zero wind. Measured pulling up is the simplest and saf-
est way to launch the Papillon P42.
Once the canopy is above you, you let go of the risers and only keep the control lines in hand. Keep
running quickly, but not too fast, adapted to the wind situation. After a visual check of the canopy,
for which you possibly apply some brake pressure to stabilize the wing, the acceleration phase be-
gins. With big, bold steps and still arms you reach take-off speed.
You take off the ground but remain ready to run in order to react to an unexpected drop. Only sit
down with sufcient ground clearance. The control lines are not released.

BETRIEBSHANDBUCH | PAPILLON | P42 18 | 19
In at launch sites you pay attention to the acceleration phase. Large, long and expansive steps with
little brake are ideal here. In steep terrain, on the other hand, you pull gently and apply brake pres-
sure to stabilize. The glider must not be allowed to over shoot as collapses in the lift-off phase on
steep slopes can become unpleasant. Since take off is very quick in steep terrain, it is a good idea to
have an experienced pilot friend who observes and checks the take-off during the lift-up phase.
In at terrain take-off may be more impulsive. After inating and lifting the paraglider, perform a de-
tailed visual check of the canopy. The running speed is reduced and adapted to the wind situation.
In the steep launch site, the start is initiated with a small impulse and then a clear brake pull.
With an adequate launch impulse/input the
canopy lifts off. The lifting force caused by the
pronounced curvature of the prole at the
leading edge is sufcient to lift a portion of
the wing with its own weight.
As the canopy rises, the effective curved sur-
face increases and with it the lifting force until
it is strong enough to lift off the entire weight
of the canopy.
Thereby and by the air entering the cell open-
ings in the canopy’s leading edge the prole
becomes fully inated. The forward force of
the aerofoil prole accelerates the canopy
forward. In order to stabilize the wing above
the pilot a slight brake pull is used.

Reverse Launch
In strong winds and challenging conditions a reverse launch is recommended, as this allows better
control of the canopy. Possible cravats and disorders of the canopy can be detected in the launch
phase already. Thus, the control phase is simpler and an asymmetric rising of the wing can be cor-
rected early on.
To perform a reverse launch, face the canopy and cross the risers when clipping in. If you want to
turn to the right, turn the risers to the right before hooking-in and after sorting the lines. Make sure
that the green loop is hooked into the carabiner on the right and the red loop into the carabiner on
the left side.
Always untwist in the direction in which the upper riser is attached to the harness. Before lifting the
wing, hold the brake lines and make sure that they are not twisted or reversed! Then take all the
A-risers in one hand and step slightly out of the middle of the glider onto the side where you have
only the control loop in your hand. With this control loop the ascent of the canopy is controlled until
the canopy can be stabilized centrally above you.
Thereafter, take all A-risers in one hand. With the second hand, the rising of the canopy is con-
trolled. To perfect the reverse launch technique, we recommend taking part in a reverse launch
training.
Turning
The Papillon P42 has a high agility and reacts to steering inputs directly and instantly. You can y at
turns with little altitude loss by shifting your body weight. A combined steering technique of appro-
priate pull on the inner brake line and shift of body weight is the best way for a coordinated turn.
The turn radius depends on the amount of pull on the brake line. At about 75 % of the brake line
travel, the Papillon P42 increases bank signicantly and performs a fast steep turn that can lead to a
spiral dive.
ATTENTION: A rapid pull on the brakeline may cause a negative spin!
Active Flying
The Papillon P42 should be own with light braking on both sides when there is turbulent air. An
increased angle of attack provides better stability. When entering heavy thermals or strong turbu-
lences be careful that the canopy does not get behind you. To avoid that, release the brakes a bit to
get an increase in speed when entering the updraft. If the canopy gets in front of you when leaving
an updraft or entering a downdraft, the brakes must be applied to counter that. Accelerated ight,
however, is advisable when ying through downdraft zones.