Skywalk TONKA User manual

Seriennr:
MANUAL/SERVICE

30
INHALTSVERZEICHNIS
Einleitung Seite 3
Beschreibung Seite 4
Technische Daten Seite 5
Aufhängesystem Seite 6
Beschleunigungssystem Seite 8
Gurtzeug Seite 9
Flugpraxis und Flugeigenschaften Seite 10
Abstiegshilfen Seite 14
Extrem Flugmanöver Seite 16
Materialien Seite 19
Wartung Seite 20
Entsorgung Seite 23
Natur- und landwirtschaftsverträgliches Verhalten Seite 23
2-Jahrescheck Seite 24
Zulassungen Seite 24
Schlusswort Seite 25
Leinenplan Seite 26
Tragegurte Seite 27

EINLEITUNG
Congratulations on the purchase of your new skywalk TONKA! Thank you for your trust
in skywalk paragliders. We are certain that you will enjoy every minute with your sky-
walk TONKA. We recommend that you read this handbook attentively so that you can
feel comfortable with your new paraglider. The handbook will comprehensively inform
you on the skywalk TONKA. This handbook also gives you tips for flying safely and with
confidence, so that you can enjoy many hours in the sky with your TONKA. For helpful
suggestions, questions or critic, please call or send us an e-mail. The skywalk Team is
gladly at your disposal.
THE SKYWALK TEAM
31

32
DESCRIPTION
The TONKA is a small, light glider with very appealing glide performance, high agili-
ty and fun factor. The design and construction of the TEQUILA3, outstanding in good-
natured and straightforward handling, served as the basis for the construction of the
TONKA.
Thus, the TONKA is a fun and light but still robust wing, suitable for a wide range of
use. For soaring in strong winds, your next hike & fly tour or in the thermals, the TONKA
will be your trusty companion.
In order to realize the compromise between low weight and durability, the top sail of
the TONKA is composed of a new material of UTT in combination with a light cloth from
DOMINICO.
Of course the TONKA is also equipped with the groundbreaking JET FLAP technolo-
gy. JET FLAPs have consistently prevailed in the past few years and make it possible
to land at low speeds with high safety potential, along with providing top climb perfor-
mance.
PILOT SPECIFICATIONS
Due to the high wing load, the TONKA 15 demands a pilot with regular flying experi-
ence, solid active flying experience with other paragliders and experience dealing with
canopy collapse. The TONKA is very predictable in its reactions, but to some extent re-
quires a dosed and quicker braking reaction than a normally-sized glider.
If the TONKA is flown with low wing load, with a maximal total launch weight of 75kg, it
is also recommended for experienced hobby pilots.

33
TECHNICAL DATA
Type 15
Cells 44
Area (m2) 17,5
Wingspan (m) 9,6
Aspect ratio 5,3
Area projected 14,6
Aspect ratio projected 3,75
Canopy weight 3,3kg
Weight range 56-105kg
Certification LTF09/EN: D
CAUTION:
THE IDENTIFICATION PLATE IS PRINTED ON THE INSIDE OF THE
STABILO. HERE THE DATE OF FIRST FLIGHT AND THE NAME OF THE
PILOT MUST BE ENTERED. THE TYPE INSPECTION TAG IS PRESSED
INTO THE MIDDLE CELL ABOVE THE CHECKAIR STAMP. THE DATE
OF THE INSPECTION MUST ALSO BE ENTERED.
IF THIS LABEL IS MISSING, IT SHOULD BE ASSUMED THAT THE
GLIDER IS AN UNINSPECTED PROTOTYPE .

34
LINE SYSTEM
Thanks to extensive testing, the lines of the TONKA have a very high level of strength
with a very small diameter. Line testing, as well as the effectivity of the
speed system, are important matters for us. Safety always remains a priority throughout
all of our design concept and calculation processes. For this reason, we have implemented
an elaborate combination of Liros Dyneema and Tecnora lines in the TONKA.
The skywalk TONKA is equipped with 3 A-, 3 B- as well as 3 C and 1 stabilo line.
The top lines of the last cells attach to the stabilo – main line, together with the stabilo
toplines, which lead directly to the B-riser.
The brake lines are not load bearing and lead from the trailing edge of the wing over
the main brake line throught the brake pulley on the C-riser to the brake handle. There
is a mark on the main brake line where the brake handle is knotted. This adjustment
should not be altered, on one hand to assure adequate brake travel when landing and
on the other hand to avoid constant braking.
For better recognition, the A-lines and the A-riser are red and the stabilo line is pink.
The B-lines are yellow, the main brake line and the brake spider are orange and all other
lines are blue.
The line locks are triangular, a plastic insert prevents the lines from slipping as well as
accidental opening of the line locks.
The skywalk TONKA has 4 risers on each side.
> The A-lines lead directly to the A-risers.
> The B-lines and the tip line lead to the B-riser.
> The outermost C-main line leads to the front C-riser.
> Both inner C-main lines lead to the rear C-riser.
An illustration of the risers can be found at the back of the handbook.

35
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING:
FLYING A PARAGLIDER REQUIRES MAXIMUM CAUTION AT ALL TIMES.
BE AWARE THAT AS A PARAGLIDING PILOT, YOU FLY AT YOUR OWN RISK. AS A
PILOT YOU MUST GUARANTEE THE AIRWORTHINESS OF YOUR PARAGLIDER
BEFORE EVERY SINGLE FLIGHT.
The skywalk TONKA may not be flown:
> outside of the minimum and maximum certified launch weight.
> with a motor, except if there is DULV- or motorglider association authorization
> in rainy, snowy and extremely turbulent weather conditions or high winds
> in fog or clouds (visual flight)
> with insufficient experience or training
Each pilot is responsible for their own safety and must ensure that their aircraft
(paraglider) has been checked and serviced for its airworthiness before launching.
You can only fly your skywalk TONKA with a valid flying license and in accordance
with local rules and regulations.
The skywalk TONKA passed multiple quality control checks during production.
More spot checks were performed before delivery to the dealer.

36
SPEED SYSTEM
The skywalk TONKA can be equipped with a foot-operated speed system. The Speed Sys-
tem works on the A-,B-, C3-Risers. Exact specifications can be found on the riser illustration.
INSTALLING THE ACCELERATOR
EQUIPMENT:Most standard harnesses have pul-
leys attached for the speed system. The
Speed system lines run from the front through
the pulleys on the harness upwards and knotted
at the correct length to the brummel hooks. With
the correct adjustment of the acceleration
lines, the foot bar can be reached easily with an-
gled legs during flight. By straightening
the legs, the entire speed range can be used.
Prior to flying, the brummel hooks of the foot-op-
erated accelerator and the speed system have
to be connected to the risers. Check that the
speed system line runs freely. Function: The pilot pushes on the speed system pulley
block, thereby decreasing the force by half and shortening the A-, B- and C- risers.
Illustration of risers in acceleration - page 64-66.
36

GURTZEUG
All EN- or LTF-certified harnesses from the harness group GH ((harnesses without solid
cross-bracing) are authorized for use with the skywalk TONKA.
CAUTION:
FULLY CROSS-BRACED HARNESSES INFLUENCE HANDLING DRASTI-
CALLY AND DO NOT LEAD TO INCREASED SAFETY PERFORMANCE!
37

38
FLIGHT TECHNIQUES AND PERFORMANCE
PREFLIGHT CHECK AND MAINTENANCE:
It is important to check all paragliding equipment thoroughly before every flight to
inspect for defects. Also check the paraglider after long flights and after long periods
of storage.
Check thoroughly:
> All seams of the harness, the seams of the rescue and risers
> All connecting parts, maillons and carabiners
> The brake-line knots on both sides and follow the brake-line to the top
> All the other lines from riser to canopy
> All the line attachment points at the canopy
> If the top or bottom sail has partial damage or wear and tear
> The ribs and crossports from inside
CAUTION:
DO NOT LAUNCH IF YOU DETECT ANY DEFECTS, EVEN MINOR DEFECTS!

39
LAYING OUT THE GLIDER:
If you use your paraglider for the first time we recommend that you practice some
inflations and try some simple flights at a training site. This way you are able to get
used to your skywalk TONKA. Lay out the canopy so that the leading edge is slightly
arched. This way the A-lines are tensioned first in the middle during inflation.
The paraglider inflates evenly which ensures a stable and straight take off. Carefully
separate the line levels and risers. If the risers are not twisted, the brake lines will run
freely through the eye to the trailing edge of the glider. All lines should run freely with-
out knotting or twisting from the risers to the canopy. Only seldom will knotted lines re-
lease during flight! The brake lines lay directly on the ground, so pay special attention
that they do not get caught during launch. No lines should lie underneath the canopy.
Tangled lines can have disastrous consequences!
THE LAUNCH
The skywalk TONKA is very easy to launch. It has no tendency to get stuck and does
not demand any special knowledge outside of the standard paragliding techniques.
If you fly in the upper weight range, the launch speed will be noticeably higher than that
of a normal-sized glider.
The TONKA is also equipped with the innovative JET FLAP System. Air is conducted
from the bottom sail (pressure area) and is blown out at the top sail (suction area).
The connection is established by jet-shaped channels, which are located in the rear
section of the wing. When increasing the angle-of-attack the danger of airflow inter-
ruption and subsequent stall is minimized. Results: the constant airflow even at great
angles-of-attack delays the stall, the flyable minimum speed is lowered and the pi-
lot has an increased angle of attack range. This is important, especially during launch
and landing. Of course, having JET FLAPS is not an excuse for unrestrained use of the
brakes, but the slow flight characteristics of the TONKA profit immensely.
Otherwise, no special control of the JET FLAP System is required and flying with a wing
equipped with JET FLAPs is exactly as usual.

40
TURNING:
The skywalk TONKA is very agile and reacts without delay to steering impulse.
Generally, less steering impulse is required for the TONKA than for its big brother, the
TEQUILA3. Because of the high wing load of the canopy at the upper end of the weight
range, the TONKA reacts to even moderate brake input with significant curves and sub-
stantial altitude loss. It is a lot of fun to improve your flying abilities with the TONKA.
CAUTION:
PULLING THE BRAKE LINES TOO FAR AND TOO FAST CAN CAUSE FULL
STALL!
You will recognise a one-sided stall by the high steering pressure and the slight back-
wards bend of the outer wing. If this phase, you must immediately back off the brake in-
side the curve.
EMERGENCY STEERING:
If one brake line tears or releases from the brake handles, you will still have limited
steering and landing capability of the skywalk TONKA with the help of the C-riser.
ACTIVE FLYING:
Active flying means flying in harmony with your paraglider. Anticipate the behaviour of
your skywalk TONKA in flight, especially in turbulent and thermal conditions and react
accordingly. In calm air necessary corrections will be minimal, but turbulence demands
permanent attention and the use of brakes and weight shifting in the harness.
Good pilots have instinctive reactions. It is important that you always have direct
contact to the canopy by slight pressure on the brakes in order to feel the stored
energy of the glider. This way you will recognize a loss of pressure in your canopy and
subsequent collapse early and will be able to react in time. The TONKA is equipped with
a turbulence-damping profile, which in combination with the high wing load provides a
high resistance against collapses. Nevertheless, collapses are still possible if the pi-
lot does not fly actively. Even without pilot reaction the skywalk TONKA will seldom col-
lapse, but you can markedly increase safety by flying actively.

41
ACCELERATED FLYING:
A small effort is needed to operate the speed system. This can affect the
sitting position in the harness. We therefore recommend an upright position in the
harness. Adjust the harness accordingly, especially during your first few attempts
at accelerated flying. We remind you to only fly in wind conditions that are flyable with the
wing in a normal adjustment. To reach the maximum speed press the speed bar firmly
until both pulleys on the A-risers touch each other. As soon as you operate the speed sys-
tem, the angle of
attack will be reduced, the speed increases, but the paraglider becomes less stable
and can collapse more easily. Therefore, always use the speed system with adequate
altitude from the ground, obstacles and other aircraft. Avoid a brake line adjustment
that is too short. Collapses when accelerated are normally more impulsive and demand
a faster reaction.
NEVER ACCELERATE IN TURBULENT CONDITIONS!
NEVER ACCELERATE NEAR THE GROUND!
NEVER LET GO OF THE BRAKE HANDLES!
In case the glider collapses you must immediately back off of the acceleration-system
in order to stabilize and reopen your paraglider.
LANDING:
The skywalk TONKA can be landed easily but the pilot must adjust accordingly for the
higher flight and landing speed. Make your final approach against the wind
and let the glider slow down. Further reduce the speed by applying
the brakes lightly and evenly. At about 1m above the ground you increase the angle
of attack by slowing down more and eventually completely flare out the glider. When
you have reached the minimal speed apply full brake. Use very carefully dosed braking
in head winds. Once you are safely on the ground, bring the sail carefully into stall.
Avoid a landing approach with steep alternate turns (danger of oscillation!).
WINCHTOWING:
The skywalk TONKA is very suitable for towing. Make sure you climb from the ground
at a flat angle.
> Pilot must be instructed in towing.
> Pilot must use a certified winch.
> Winch driver must have a towing instruction including sail planes.

42
Always steer carefully when towing, do not over-brake, the glider already flies at an
increase in the angle of attack.
MOTORIZED FLIGHT:
Get informed about the current status of certification of motorized flight
at your dealer, national distributor or directly through us. No certification existed at the
time this handbook was published. (July 2012)
LANDING
This handbook is not a textbook for learning how to paraglide.
According to the local rules and regulations, instruction and training must be carried
out at a licensed flight instruction center. The following information will enable you to get
the most out of your new skywalk TONKA.
SPIRAL DIVE:
You can initiate the spiral dive by carefully increasing the pull on one of the brakes
and simultaneously shifting your weight to the inside of the curve.
Due to the higher wing load, entering a spiral dive with the TONKA is simple.
Bank and sink speed can be controlled by dosed pulling or release of the brake line on the
inside of the curve. Gentle braking of the wing at the outer curve will prevent not only the
collapse of the outer wing, but also control the sink speed. A spiral dive is the fastest way
to lose altitude. This is an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time, since you
must learn to control the sink rate. You must always maintain enough altitude because
of the extreme altitude loss. In order to avoid oscillation when exiting the spiral dive, you
must slowly release the brake on the inside of the curve while maintaining pressure on the
curve outer side brake.
B-LINE STALL:
The B-lines are pulled down symmetrically (20cm). Keep the brake handles in the
hands. The airflow on top of the profile largely detaches and the paraglider will enter
deep stall without flying forward. With increased pressure on the B-risers, surface
area decreases and sink speed increases. You can exit this state of flight by rapidly and
symmetrically releasing both B-risers.

43
The paraglider will pitch forward and begin to fly forward again. Do not use
the brakes in this case! If the canopy starts to form a rosette forwards, you must
immediately exit the B-stall. If the wing does not reopen you may speed up the
opening process by dosed, symmetrical brake pressure. Because the TONKA is
equipped with a 3-line system, the pressure on the B-riser is somewhat higher than the
pressure on a conventional 4 line-level wing. However, this somewhat higher pressure
is rewarded with higher sink rate in the stall.
BIG EARS:
In contrast to the spiral dive and B-stall, big ears result in an increase of forward
speed in relation to the gliders sink rate. Big ears are used to avoid or exit dangerous
areas horizontally.

44
CAUTION:
FLYING WITH BIG EARS CAN CAUSE STALL. THEREFORE, BE CAUTIOUS WITH
THE STEERING LINES AND DO NOT USE BIG EARS IN A FAST DESCENT IF THE
GLIDER IS WET.
EXTREM-FLUGMANÖVER
ASYMMETRIC TUCK:
In strong turbulence, a collapse cannot be excluded. As a rule, the skywalk TONKA
opens automatically. The rotation towards the collapsed wing section can be minimized
by braking on the open side of the canopy. In case of a big collapse you will have
to brake with caution in order to avoid a stall. If the wing still does not open despite
counter-steering, you can speed up the opening process by pumping the brake on the
tucked side.
CRAVAT / LINE OVER:
This type of instability never occurred during any of our test flights with the skywalk
TONKA. Still, in extremely turbulent air or as a result of exceptional pilot error it is
possible that the folded wing section might get tangled in the lines. The pilot may then
stabilize the paraglider with carefully dosed counter-braking. Without immediate pilot
intervention, a cravat will turn into a strong spiral dive.
There are several possibilities to untangle the paraglider:
>Pumping on the folded side.
>Pulling the stabilizer-lines (tip-lines).
In case none of these manoeuvers are successful, you can try to unfold the paraglider
by performing a full stall. Only experienced pilots with sufficient experience should
attempt this manoeuver. Make sure you have enough altitude to recover from the stall.

45
CAUTION:
IF NONE OF THESE MANOEUVERS ARE SUCCESSFUL OR THE PILOT
FEELS OVERWHELMED BY THE SITUATION, THROW THE RESERVE IM-
MEDIATELY!
FRONT TUCK:
The paraglider will enter a tuck by a strong pull on the A-risers or from a very sudden
strong downwind. The leading edge will fold along the whole length of the wing.
Carefully dosed braking will reduce oscillation and simultaneously speed up the open-
ing of the canopy. As a general rule, the skywalk TONKA will recover from
the front tuck automatically.
CAUTION: DO NOT OVERBRAKE!
THE PARACHUTAL STALL:
The paraglider has no forward speed and simultaneously strongly increased sink rate.
The parachutal stall may follow a too passively exited B-stall. Porous canopy fabric
(excessive UV-degradation) or frequent towing (stretched A-lines) can result in an in-
creased risk of parachutal stall.
The pilot can recover from a stable stall by slightly pushing the A-risers forward at the
maillons or by using the speed system. The skywalk TONKA normally exits the para-
chutal stall automatically.
CAUTION:
IF A PILOT HAS EXCESSIVELY SHORTENED THE MAIN BRAKE LINES, THERE
IS AN INCREASED RISK OF FULL STALL AFTER THE B-STALL. THUS, NEVER
SHORTEN THE BRAKE LINES.

46
CAUTION:
AS SOON AS THE BRAKES ARE USED DURING STALL, A PARAGLIDER WILL EN-
TERFULL STALL. NEAR THE GROUND, A STABLE STALL SHOULD NOT BE EXIT-
ED BECAUSE OF OSCILLATION. INSTEAD, THE PILOT SHOULD STRAIGHTEN UP
IN THE HARNESS AND PREPARE FOR A PARACHUTE LANDING FALL.
FULL STALL:
In order to full stall your paraglider, wrap both brake handles once and pull strongly
and with equal pressure. The wing will steadily slow down, until the air flow separates
completely. The canopy will suddenly tip back. Despite this violent reaction, keep hold-
ing the brakes down until the wing stabilizes.
The skywalk TONKA flies backwards in full stall and usually forms a forward rosette.
This rosette will form if the full stall is entered slowly. If the brakes are pulled down too
quickly, forward rosette will not form. To exit the full stall, the pilot must release the
brake lines slowly and symmetrically upwards. (response time >= 1 sec). The glider
opens and surges forward to pick up speed. Braking symmetrically will prevent the sky-
walk TONKA from surging too far forward. If the pilot does not brake, the TONKA will
surge forward dramatically and a front tuck may result.
CAUTION:
IF A FULL STALL IS EXITED TOO EARLY, TOO QUICKLY OR INCORRECT-
LY, THE CANOPY MAY SHOOT FORWARD DRASTICALLY.
NEGATIVE SPINS:
A paraglider spins backwards if the airflow disconnects over one half of the wing. In the
process, the canopy spins on a vertical axis and the rotation center is within the wing
span. The inside wing flies backwards.
There are two reasons for the negative spin:
> One brake is pulled too far and too quickly (e.g. when entering a spiral dive)
> One brake is pulled too strongly while flying slowly (e.g. flying in thermals).
> The skywalk TONKA usually re-enters normal flight immediately after the brake is

47
released without any great altitude loss.
> If the pilot inadvertently enters negative spin and exits it immediately, the skywalk
TONKA will return to normal flight without any major sink. The brake which was pulled
too far comes back until the airflow has contact again with the inner wing. Prolonged
negative spin causes the canopy to shoot too far to one side. This can result in an
impulsive collapse.
WINGOVER:
Flying alternating left/right turns results in increased banking of the wing. During wing-
overs with a strong bank, the curve-outer wing will begin to unload. Increased banking
should be avoided, since an eventual collapse can be very impulsive.
CAUTION:
FULL STALL, NEGATIVE SPIN AND WINGOVERS (ABOVE 90°) ARE ILLE-
GAL ACROBATIC FLIGHT MANOEUVERS AND ARE NOT PERMITTED IN
NORMAL AIR TRAFFIC. EXITING INCORRECTLY OR OVERREACTING MAY
HAVE DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES INDEPENDENT OF THE TYPE OF
PARAGLIDER!
MATERIALS
The skywalk TONKA is manufactured out of highest-grade materials. skywalk has cho-
sen the best possible combination of materials in respect to durability,
performance and longevity. We know that durability is a deciding factor in
customer satisfaction.
47

48
Wing and Ribs:
Top Sail: UTT, DOMINICO 10DMF
Bottom Sail: DOMINICO 10DMF, 20DMF
Ribs and Compression Bands: DOMINICO 30DMF, 70032 1580 E4D
Lines:
LIROS has been the world’s leading producer of paragliding lines for quite some time.
We selected a mix of uncovered LTC lines and covered PPSL lines.
Top lines: DSL 70
Middle lines: LTC 120
Main lines and Tip lines: PPSL 200, PPSL 120, NTSL 160
Main brake lines: DFLP 200/32
Risers:
The risers are manufactured by Cousin Freres from 12,5 mm polyester webbing with
Kevlar inserts. Stretch values, strength and stability of this webbing are among the
highest of all products currently on the market.
MAINTENANCE
With proper maintenance, your skywalk TONKA will stay in airworthy condition for
several years. A well maintained paraglider lasts a lot longer than one which is packed
carelessly after use. In the air, your life depends on the condition of your glider.
Proper packing of your glider guarantees that your wing will remain at a consistent-
ly high quality level. Your skywalk TONKA has reinforcements constructed from flexible
nylon rods in the leading edge.
The Superflex material is very bend-resistant and does not require any special handling.
> Shake the canopy out gently to remove leaves,grass, sand,etc
> Sort the lines evenly and arrange them on the canopy.
> Make sure that your glider is in dry condition before packing.
> Lay the glider cell upon cell – from the middle of the glider outwards - from the sec-
ond cell, so that the leading edge reinforcements lay neatly on top of one another.
>> This gathering method naturally goes faster with two people, one at the leading