paratech P43 Series User manual

Manual

Welcome to
Congratulations on your new PARATECH P43.We wish you many enjoyable flying
hours on your new glider.
Please fill out your warranty card and send it to:
PARATECH AG, Beim Alpenblick, CH-9057 Weissbad
This ensures the registration of your paraglider. At the same time we will also be able
to inform you of new developments at PARATECH and if necessary send you impor-
tant technical information regarding your PARATECH P43.
PARATECH’s goal is to optimally integrate the pilots needs into the development of a
new paraglider. We are always looking for ideas and recommendations to improve
the quality of our gliders. If you as owner and pilot of a P43 have any questions which
your dealer is unable to answer please contact us directly. We are happy to answer
all questions.
Please fill out the warranty card below and return to us. PARATECH will reward you
with a small surprise.
W A R R A N T Y C A R D
Käufer/ Buyer: Verkäufer/Seller
Name/Name:
Adresse/Address:
Flugschule/Flight School:
Telefon/Phone:
Email/e-mail: Kaufdatum/Date of Purchase:
Kleidergrösse:/ Dress size
S: M: L: XL:
PARATECH P43 Grösse/Size:
Seriennummer/Serial Number:

W A R R A N T Y C A R D
(Kopie des Käufers)/Buyers Copy
Käufer/ Buyer: Verkäufer/Seller
Name/Name:
Adresse/Address:
Flugschule/Flight School:
Telefon/Phone:
Email/e-mail: Kaufdatum/Date of Purchase:
Kleidergrösse:/ Dress size
S: M: L: XL:
PARATECH P43 Grösse/Size:
Seriennummer/Serial Number:
PARATECH AG
BeimAlpenblick
CH - 9057 Weissbad

1
Manual for P43
(as of 09/10/2002)
In order to feel comfortable with your glider first read this manual carefully. This way
you will learn quickly and completely how to handle your glider. Additionally, the in-
structions in this manual include safety advise and how to take care of your new
equipment. In case you sell your glider please pass this manual on to the new owner.
Any unauthorized modification of this paraglider will void the permission to
operate this glider. Continuing to use the glider is at the pilots own risk. It re-
leases the manufacturer and dealer of any responsibilities and liabilities. This
manual includes the DHV “Luftgeräte-Kennblatt”.
Every Pilot is responsible for his/her own safety and it is up to him/her to pre-flight
check his/her equipment for safety and wear before every launch. Only licensed pilot
or pilots under supervision of a licensed instructor are permitted to fly the P43.
You are not permitted to fly the PARATECH P43:
• outside the minimum or maximum range of the permitted hang weight
• with more then a 60 degree banking angle
• with motor, unless permitted by DULV
• in rain, snow, clouds or fog
• in moist, respective wet condition
• in turbulent weather
• Acrobatics are dangerous and not permitted
• with inadequate experience or schooling of the pilot

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Table of Contents:
1 Characteristics of the PARATECH P43 4
2 PARATECH Technology 5
2.1 Computer Aided Design 5
2.2 Shape of Canopy 5
2.3 Airfoil 5
2.4 Cell Opening with PAF (Permanent Air Flow) 5
2.5 Reinforcement 5
2.6 Diagonal tapes 5
2.7 Risers 6
2.8 Line-Layout 6
2.9 Cascading Lines 6
2.10 Line Controll 6
2.11 Material 6
2.12 Colors 6
2.13 Conclusion 7
3 Competable Harnesses 8
3.1 General 8
3.2 Adjusting a Paraglider Harness with adjustable Cross Straps 8
3.3 PARATECH M2 8
3.3.1 Basic Package 8
3.4 PARATECH A5 9
3.4.1 Basic Package 9
3.5 Accesories 9
4 Flying 11
4.1 Risers with Speed System 11
4.1.1 The Speed System of the P43 11
4.1.2 Accelarated Flying 12
4.2 Preflight Check and Preparation 12

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4.3 Forward Launch 13
4.4 Spiral and Spiral Dive 14
4.5 Thermal Flying and Flying in Turbulant Conditions „ Proactive Flying“ 14
4.6 Landing 15
4.7 Winch Towing 15
5 Fast descend with over 15ft/sec. Sink Rate 16
5.1 B-Line Stall 16
5.2 Spiral Dive 16
5.3 Ears and Big Ears with Speed System 17
6 Extreme Flight Maneuvers 18
6.1 Deep Stall or Parachuting 18
6.2 Asymetric Deflation/Colaps 18
6.3 Frontales Einklappen / Frontal Deflation/Colaps 18
6.4 Line Over or Cravatte 19
6.5 Negatve Spinning 19
6.6 Full Stall 19
6.7 Emergency Steering 20
7 Care, Packing, Repair and Check-Up 21
8 Final Remarks 22
9 Technical Documantations 23
9.1 Technical Datas 23
9.2 Line Plans 24
9.2.1 P43 (all sizes) 24
9.3 Permits 25
9.3.1 P43 XS 25
9.3.2 P43 S 29
9.3.3 P43 M 33
9.3.4 P43 L 37

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1 Characteristics of the PARATECH P43
We recommend the P43 to pilots who enjoy carefree flying. But also experienced pi-
lots looking for a simple paraglider will be happy with the P43. Its easy flight charac-
teristics are hard to beat. Glide and sink rate as well as speed range of the P43 easily
compete with paragliders with a higher DHV rating. Handling the P43 is direct, bal-
anced, forgiving and offers high safety reserve.
Though the P43 is user friendly, the pilot still has to follow the rules of con-
trolled paraglider flying techniques. Flying without being actively involved is
dangerous as with any other flying vehicle.
The P43 was designed as all other PARATECH paragliders with highest priority on
safety. The design team reached a break through in stability in connection with per-
formance, fun and balanced handling.
Longtime experience and intensive development combined with continuing refine-
ment and rework of the glider resulted in a mature paraglider comparable with the
best in today’s market.

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2 PARATECH Technology
2.1 Computer Aided Design
In order to develop the pattern for the P43 canopy we used a variety of Computer-
Aided-Design software. The fabric is cut with highest precision by a computerized
cutting machine.
2.2 Shape of Canopy
The P43 is captivating with its elegant and esthetic shape and at the same time main-
taining a high aerodynamic quality and passive safety.
2.3 Airfoil
The P43’s airfoil was researched and refined by PARATECH in intensive and in-
volved calculations and test flights. Different airfoils spread over the total canopy op-
timize the lift. This is the reason for a balanced combination of performance and sta-
bility.
2.4 Cell Opening with PAF (Permanent Air Flow)
We named our newly developed geometric zigzag design of the cell opening PAF,
short for ’’Permanent Air Flow’’ .It consists of a consecutive development of partially
closed cells. This allows for a even, quick and dependable inflation at any angle by
smallest cell opening. This explains the extremely easy launching by high trimspeed
of the P43.
2.5 Reinforcement
Careful design of the reinforced areas of the P43 takes care of the strength at critical
points while permitting easy inflation at launch and quick reinflation from collapses
due to turbulence.
2.6 Diagonal tapes
Diagonal ribs were also used for the P43. The extreme light construction makes it
possible to have fewer hang points at a high cell number, great aerodynamic quality
and lowest canopy weight. The diagonal ribs have a big influence on the performance
potential and the aesthetic of the P43.

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2.7 Risers
The PARATECH P43 is equipped with a 4 part riser with an additional speed system
attached. A second A-Riser makes ’’Big Ears’’ easier .Optimal simplicity for launch-
ing. B-Stall possibility, steering with D-Risers and perfect geometry for accelerated
flying plus weight specified strength where the most important aspect during devel-
opment of the risers.
2.8 Line-Layout
The clever line layout of the P43 allows for a layout which not only warranties a para-
glider with great strength but also exceptional flight performance and launch handling.
This line layout is also reduces the hindering air resistance to a minimum.
2.9 Cascading Lines
The trailing edge is steered with the cascading lines. The design permits one to han-
dle the P43 with very little pull on the steering line and without negative spinning. The
brake lay out is arranged so that even the pilots who over compensate will be ab-
sorbed by the P43.
2.10 Line Controll
All lines used by PARATECH are prestreched and are measured and sewn with
highest precision. Every P43 receives a well documented final line length control.
2.11 Material
The top surface and cell walls consist of an special coated water repellent Nylon fab-
ric of highest quality. Next to superb durability this fabric is also highly colorfast, di-
agonal elastic and does not stretch out of shape. The bottom surface consists of a
extremely pliable Nylon fabric with high tear resistance. The ribs are sewn of a Nylon
fabric made to handle optimal stress.
The P43’s lines are made with a HMA center (High-Molecular-Aramid) coated with a
PE synthetic for protection. A combination of lines with a diameter of 1.8 mm,1.3 mm
and 1.1 mm and a maximum pull of 229 daN, 144 daN and 114 daN are used. The
advantage of this combination is an extremely small stretch and an precise defined
elasticity with high pliability and long durability.
2.12 Colors
The P43 is available in many tasteful color combinations.

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2.13 Conclusion
It took many months of intensive labor to develop the P43. Even the smallest details
were designed with much care and thought. With the P43 PARATECH has reached
the goal to create a modern paraglider which will give its pilots many flying hours of
pure joy. The P43 pilot can approach any flight situation with the confidence to have a
paraglider with high stability tested under extreme conditions by an experienced
PARATECH development team.

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3 Competable Harnesses
3.1 General
The following permits apply to the P43 in Germany and Austria:
The P43 can be flown with any common paraglider harness which does not have
fixed cross straps (all harnesses of the DHV GH category). Harnesses with fixed
cross straps (Harnesses in the DHV GX category) are not suitable for the P43 be-
cause they can negatively interfere with the handling as well as with some of the sa-
fety relevant parts. This is the reason that we did not include this type of harness (ve-
ry few on the market) in our DHV registration. Also not included are some special
harnesses made for only specific gliders (for example permanently attached steering
harnesses).
To find out which category a harness is assigned please check the permit label. Al-
most all harnesses manufactured after 1993 are DHV GH rated. A list of DHV regu-
lated harnesses separated by categories can be obtained from the DHV.
3.2 Adjusting a Paraglider Harness with adjustable Cross Straps
The more you tighten the cross straps the less likely the pilot will dip sideways during
turbulence. The more you loosen the cross straps the more maneuverability you have
to support the steering of the paraglider with weight shifting.
3.3 PARATECH M2
We especially recommend the PARATECH M2 for the P43. The basic ’Model 2’ is
complete and captivates with variable reserve chute position, comfortable seat and
detailed functionality.
3.3.1 Basic Package
• Automatic closing of leg and chest straps
• Safe-T-Bar, slip-out prevention by open leg straps
• Variable reserve chute position: back, side or front
• Container to store the AIRBAG back protection, glider bag, etc. The AIRBAG
back protection is included in the basic package
• Automatic Twistlock Carbines

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• Big back pocket
• Automatically fitting elastic shoulder straps
• Harness made of CORDURA for optimal quality and lasting enjoyment
• Double sewn and integrated reserve chute attachment with Velcro guide
• Pulleys and eyes for speed system attachment
• Seat board angle adjustable during flight
3.4 PARATECH A5
The basic package of the A5 is complete and captivates with incredible seat comfort
and perfect functionality.
3.4.1 Basic Package
• Automatic closing of leg and chest straps
• Safe-T Bar, slip-out prevention by open leg straps
• Container to store AIRBAG back protector, glider bag, etc. The AIRBAG back
protector is included in the basic package.
• Automatic Twistlock Carbines
• Big back storage bag
• Automatically fitting elastic shoulder straps
• Harness made of CORDURA for optimal quality and lasting enjoyment.
• Neoprene side cover each with a practical pocket
• Double sewn and integrated reserve chute attachment with Velcro guide
• Pulleys and eyes for speed system attachment
• Seat board angle adjustable during flight.
• Back pocket with integrated top container for reserve chute and shoulder posi-
tioned reserve release handle
3.5 Accesories
• Water container for weight

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• Instrument cockpit

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4 Flying
4.1 Risers with Speed System
Risers without Speed System
4.1.1 The Speed System of the P43
The footrest lines are moved with the on the risers with Brummel hooks attached
speedlines. The footrest lines are guided by the on the harness attached pulleys.
Adjust the length of the footrest on each side of the foot pedal so that with stretched
legs the speed system is fully engaged which means, both pulleys touch each other.
As you release the foot pedal it should not cause the risers to shorten and the foot
pedal should not touch the seat board. Please adjust your speed system on the
ground. Sit in your harness and have a helper holding your risers up.
Most of the flying is done without using the speed system. To fly with speed for best
glide in quiet air do not use the speed system. It is being used to fly faster then the
best glide ratio in windy conditions. The speed system is especially helpful to improve
the glide angle when flying against the wind or up wind.
Also for a quick decent after big ears use the speed system. (page 17)

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For lowest sink rate brake with approx. 8 – 12 inches. To fly slow in thermals to gain
altitude is senseless and extremely dangerous.
The speed system works as follow:
Stepping on the speed bar pulls down the A-Riser which pulls down 2/3 of the B-
Riser. This causes the C-Riser to shorten half the length of the B-Riser. The D-Riser
stays unaffected.
The effect of this action causes the penetrating angle of the glider to become smaller
and increases speed. The glide stability of the P43 stays the same do to special ad-
justed geometry of the speed system which is very important for its practical use on
the P43.
4.1.2 Accelarated Flying
Please use the integrated speed system sparingly. The more turbulent the conditions,
the less distance to the ground, the less one should use the speed system. The
speed reached using the speed system is great and can not be underestimated!
Attention: It is absolutely senseless and even danger to accelerate and
brake at the same time. Because of a small penetration angle in accelerated
flight, the leading edge of the glider becomes more sensitive to turbulence.
Simultaneous braking causes the lift to shift to the trailing edge and unloading
the leading edge.
When turbulence induced unloading of an accelerated canopy occurs gently release
speedbar and only after complete stop of acceleration start working with the brakes.
4.2 Preflight Check and Preparation
Careful pre-flight check is mandatory for any flight equipment including the P43. Fol-
lowing points need special attention:
1) While opening you glider check cells and cell walls for damage. Even check
while folding your glider because after the last flight some damage could have
occurred during transportation.
2) Check lines for knots or twisted lines. Check for damaged or frayed lines.
Have your lines measured and compared to the line chart on a regular basis to
make sure the lines have not stretched or shrunk.

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3) Check also the steering lines which should lead unobstructed like all other
lines to the canopy. Check the tying of the main steering line. Both steering
lines should be the same length. The correct length of the main steering line
from the branching point to the ring on the handle should be compared to the
line chart and is not allowed to be changed.
4) Inspect your harness and check that all locks are close.
5) Check that all carbines and hooks on the straps are closed and the straps
are not twisted.
6) Only fly with a full faced helmet and good flying boots.
Unfold you glider in a half moon shape and pay attention to the following guide lines:
1) Lay out the paraglider so if you pull up the glider with the A-Risers the center
lines are tense before the lines on the wing tips. This assures a pull- up in the
right direction and with ease.
2) Check wind direction while laying out your paraglider. Pulling into the wind in-
flates both sides of your glider in a symmetric manner.
3) Separate the line sets carefully and organize the risers. All lines must run free
and untangled from the risers to the canopy. Pay attention to the steering
lines that they are unobstructed and can not catch on anything.
4) If the risers are not twisted, the steering lines move freely through the pulleys
attached to the D-Risers and to the trailing edge of the canopy.
5) Be very careful that none of the lines run under the canopy. A line-over at
launch can be devastating.
4.3 Forward Launch
After your pre-flight check, hold the A-Risers and steering line handles. Hold the
lines stretched, the arms an extension of the A-lines. Take a step back and move
even forward pulling up the canopy with the momentum of your body weight.
The dependable P43’s canopy will inflate and rise over the pilot. Keep your arms ex-
tended in line with the A-lines. As soon as you feel the tension ease (at this point the
canopy should be above the pilots head) break a bit. Look up and check that your
canopy is completely inflated and stays above your head. At this the point make the
decision to launch while your P43 is patiently waiting for the launching acceleration of
the pilot.

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Leaning forward take a few steps releasing gently the brakes and launch. Brake a bit
to fly with the speed of the lowest sinking rate. This position of the steering line is
also the position in which the P43 has the most stability in turbulent conditions.
4.4 Spiral and Spiral Dive
The P43 is flexible and reacts direct and immediate to steering impulses.
It is possible to fly flat spirals with minimal sink or spiral dives with high altitude loss.
A combined steering technique (weight shift and pull on curves inside brake line) ap-
plies best in any situation while flying spirals. The radius of the spiral can be con-
trolled by careful pulling of the steering lines.
One sided strong pulling of the steering line sends the P43 clearly leaning to the side
in a fast and steep spiral which can be converted to a spiral dive. A spiral dive can
be induced by pulling gradually on the inside brake and weight shifting. The bank
angle can be controlled by slowly pulling or releasing the inside steering line. Pay
attention that you finish the spiral dive with enough distance to the ground. Come
slowly out of the spiral. The P43 has no tendency for a stable spiral dive. By high sink
rate or to much weight shift on the spirals inside multiple turns are to be expected.
Proactive finishing of a spiral should be mastered. If under bad conditions (unin-
tended asymmetric or cross tension) the glider continues to spin take active control to
ease out of the spiral.
Attention: If the steering line is pulled to hard or to far the canopy could go
into a negative spin. To induce a spiral dive always let the brake line on the
outside go.
4.5 Thermal Flying and Flying in Turbulant Conditions „ Proactive Flying“
In thermal conditions it is recommended to steer the slowed paraglider by pulling the
steering line and releasing the outside steering line about halfway, on which the in-
side brakeline is pulled ( opposite move of the steering lines).
Fly the P43 in turbulent conditions with slight brake. This causes the penetrating an-
gle to become larger and gives stability to the canopy. It also allows the pilot to feel
the brakes through the canopy and makes it possible for him to quickly pull the
brakes the moment he feels the tension go, to prevent a collapse. Depending on the
strength and turbulence this can consist of 100 % of the brake way, though 100%
brake way means symmetric steering loss which then – under stationary condition-
parachuting begins.

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Entering a strong thermal or partial thermal pay attention that the canopy does not fall
behind the pilot and get caught in a dynamic current. This can be prevented by loos-
ening the steering line as you enter the lift to gain some speed.
Conversely when the paraglider enters or leaves an up-draft or a thermal and flies
ahead of the pilot the glider needs to be slowed down. Speeding up (using the speed
system) makes sense in order to cross a down wind zone or by cross wind. This type
of flying is called proactive flying“.
Already constructed as a stable paraglider, a proactive flying style in turbulent air as
prescribed above, supports the safety of the pilot and can help prevent the collapses
and deformations of the canopy.
4.6 Landing
The P3 is simple to land. Begin the landing in a straight approach into the wind slowly
increasing the brake application and stand up. About 3 feet above ground pull the
brakes totally and lean slightly forward. If there is a strong cross wind brake less.
Landings coming out of a spiral and quick flight direction changes before landing are
not recommended because of the pendulum effect.
Attention: Overshooting of the canopy, which then slams with air filled cell
opening ahead on the ground can pop the cells ( paper bag effect).
4.7 Winch Towing
When winch towing with the P43 make sure the glider is vertical above the pilot be-
fore starting. Don’t use too much pull in the beginning phase so that the pilot is pul-
led up in a flat angle. Tow line pull more then 90 kp is not permitted with the P43 M
and P43 L. For the P43 S only a maximum of 70 kp tow line pull is permitted. In any
case the maximum tow line pull should not exceed the pilots body weight.
Germany permits winch towing only if the pilot has a winch tow rating, the winch op-
erator has a permit to winch paragliders, the paraglider is rated for winch towing and
the winch, and winch attachment have a label saying that they are designed for winch
towing paragliders. Follow the local rules and work only with an experienced winch
towing team and the right equipment.

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5 Fast descend with over 15ft/sec. Sink Rate
The P43 allows B-Line stall, spiral dive as well as big ears while using the speed sys-
tem for a fast descent with more then 15 ft/sec. sink rate.
5.1 B-Line Stall
The B-line stall is induced by grabbing the B-lines above the line connections and
pulling the B-risers down. The P43 will start the B-line stall after pulling on the B-
risers about 6 ½ to 7 inches. The B-risers can be pulled down the full length (without
also pulling along the A-risers). This will result in a sink rate of about 24 ft/sec.. To
come out of a B-line stall release quickly and at the same time both B-risers. After the
release of the B-lines the P43 resumes flight again immediately with a gentle ride
and continues with a normal flight. If a deep stall occurs , the flight can be proactively
corrected as explained below under „Deep Stall“ (pressing forward the A-risers). As
a preventive measure we recommend generally to put your hands on the A-risers
after coming out of a B-line stall. Finish your B-line stall with plenty of distance to the
ground to have enough altitude in case you need to recover from a deep stall.
Attention: Wrong beginning or ending of a B-line stall can be very danger-
ous. Avoid under any circumstances following mistakes:
• to slow coming out
• Releasing the risers asymmetrically
• Braking directly after or during the coming out of the B-stall
• pulling to hard on the B-risers so that the A- risers are pulled along
• Accidentally pulling on the C-risers instead of the B-risers (could cause a for-
ward spurt during recovery of the B-stall)
• Flight practice to try to feel your way to a lift edge should always be done with
enough altitude, a reserve and if possible over water.
5.2 Spiral Dive
-Spiral dive has already been explained in chapter 4.4 Spiral and Spiral Dive on page
14.