SOL paragliders Flexus LOTUSOne User manual

2
WELCOME TO THE S SO OL L TEAM! ............................................................................................................... 4
ABOUT S SO OL L ............................................................................................................................................ 5
PHILOSOPHY .......................................................................................................................................... 6
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 6
F
FL LE EX XU US S - POWER GLIDER ........................................................................................................................ 6
F
FL LE EX XU US S - CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................................................... 7
F
FL LE EX XU US S - THE PROJECT ........................................................................................................................... 7
F
FL LE EX XU US S - TECHNICAL DATA ..................................................................................................................... 8
F
FL LE EX XU US S - D ATA .......................................................................................................................................... 8
F
F
L
LE EX XU US S - M ATERIALS ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Top / Bottom ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Profiles and Internal Diagonal Reinforcements .................................................................................. 9
Reinforcements ................................................................................................................................... 9
Lines .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Risers ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Quick Links .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Pulleys ................................................................................................................................................. 9
M ATERIALS AND LIMITS OF USE ........................................................................................................................ 9
F
FL LE EX XU US S - O VER ALL VISION ......................................................................................................................... 10
F
FL LE EX XU US S - L INE PLAN .................................................................................................................................. 11
F
FL LE EX XU US S - S USPENSION SYSTEM .................................................................................................................... 12
F
FL LE EX XU US S - R ISERS ....................................................................................................................................... 13
F
FL LE EX XU US S - T RIMMER AND ACCELERATOR ......................................................................................................... 14
F
FL LE EX XU US S - A DJUSTING YOUR SPEED SYSTEM ..................................................................................................... 15
F
FL LE EX XU US S - RAKE TOGGLES ........................................................................................................................... 16
F
FL LE EX XU US S - C HANGING THE TRIMMER TA ....................................................................................................... 17
F
FL LE EX XU US S - FLIGHT ................................................................................................................................... 18
F IRST F LIGHT ............................................................................................................................................. 18
T HE POWER ENGINE .................................................................................................................................... 18
T AKEOFF P RE - FLIGHT C HECKLIST - DO NOT FORGET....................................................................................... 19
T AKEOFF WITH PARAMOTOR ......................................................................................................................... 19
For ard Takeoff ................................................................................................................................ 19
Reverse Takeoff ................................................................................................................................. 20
T AKEOFF WITH TRIKE ................................................................................................................................... 20
C LIM ING ................................................................................................................................................. 20
P ERFORMANCE ........................................................................................................................................... 20
T URNS ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
A CCELERATED F LIGHT .................................................................................................................................. 21
F LIGHT IN TUR ULENT CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................ 21
A CTIVE FLIGHT ........................................................................................................................................... 22
L ANDING WITH PARAMOTOR ......................................................................................................................... 23
L ANDING WITH T RIKE .................................................................................................................................. 23
F
FL LE EX XU US S - FAST DESCENT MANEU ERS ................................................................................................. 24
E ARS ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
P OSITIVE S PIRAL ......................................................................................................................................... 24
-S TOLL ................................................................................................................................................... 25
F
FL LE EX XU US S - BEHA IOR IN EXTREME MANEU ERS AND COLLAPSES ......................................................... 26
P OWER INDUCED O SCILLATIONS .................................................................................................................... 26

3
L ATERAL A SYMMETRIC C LOSING .................................................................................................................... 26
L INE -O VER ................................................................................................................................................ 27
F RONTAL S YMMETRIC C LOSING ..................................................................................................................... 27
P ARACHUTAL ............................................................................................................................................. 27
F ULL S TALL ................................................................................................................................................ 28
N EGATIVE T URNS ....................................................................................................................................... 28
E MERGENCY F LYING .................................................................................................................................... 29
W INGOVER ............................................................................................................................................... 29
F
FL LE EX XU US S - UP-KEEP, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS................................................................................. 30
S TORAGE .................................................................................................................................................. 30
ACKPACK ................................................................................................................................................. 30
F OLDING ................................................................................................................................................... 30
C LEANING ................................................................................................................................................. 31
M AINTAINS AND INSPECTION ........................................................................................................................ 31
P ULLEYS .................................................................................................................................................... 31
R ECOMMENDATIONS FOR A LONG LIFE ............................................................................................................ 31
R EPAIRS .................................................................................................................................................... 33
T EARS ...................................................................................................................................................... 33
L INE REAKAGE .......................................................................................................................................... 33
S EALING .................................................................................................................................................... 33
MAINTAIN OF THE POWER ENGINE ...................................................................................................... 33
F
FL LE EX XU US S - NATURE AND EN IRONMENT AND OUT OF USE .................................................................... 33
F
FL LE EX XU US S - WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................... 34
W ARRANTY T ERMS ..................................................................................................................................... 34
W ARRANTY P RE - REQUISITES ......................................................................................................................... 34
T HIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER ................................................................................................................. 35
F
FL LE EX XU US S - GOLDEN RULES ...................................................................................................................... 36
FINAL WORDS ...................................................................................................................................... 37
F
FL LE EX XU US S - FLIGHT LOG ........................................................................................................................... 38
F
FL LE EX XU US S - INSPECTION ........................................................................................................................... 39

4
WELCOME TO THE S SO OL L TEAM!
Thank you for selecting a S SO OL L Paragliders. You have just acquired a high quality
product, manufactured under one of the most demanding industry standards
worldwide.
We trust your F Fl le ex xu us s will bring you many great life memories you will cherish forever.
We would like you to read this manual carefully and thoroughly. In it, you will find
important information about using your new equipment.
In the event you should have any questions about its usage or should you wish to be
updated on the latest news at S SO OL L, we remain at your disposal:
Phone: [phone]
Mail: [email protected] or [email protected].
Don’t forget to access our website often at
http://www.solspowergliders.com.br.
to keep current on the latest models’ launchings, results and news from the world of
paragliding.
Welcome to the SOL Team!
Attention
Please read this manual carefully and note the following details:
• This power glider meets at the time of delivery the requirements of the LTF
certification or of the EN!
• The manufacturer and its representatives are not liable and therefore not
responsible for any misusage nor mishandling of this equipment.
• It is a basic assumption that the pilot is certified to fly this power glider.
• Every pilot is responsible for the maintenance and assessment of equipment
usability.
• This manual offers information about your power glider. It is not a training manual.
• It is a assumption that the pilot respects the law and order of aviation and that his
skills are up to the challenge of this particular equipment!

5
About S SO OL L
Founded in 1991, after six months of research and many visits to several
manufacturing facilities and suppliers, S SO OL L began its production in partnership with the
European brands Condor, Comet and Nova.
S
SO OL L became autonomous in 1999 with its own testing and development centers. From
the beginning S SO OL L has adopted the philosophy of utilizing certified designs,
manufactured with imported materials of the highest quality by specialized and skilled-
trained staff.
In early 2004 S SO OL L became certified by DHV, which is the most respected regulating
body of free-flying worldwide. Its mandate is to make sure its members have the
capacity to reproduce faithfully the certified equipment on an industrial scale. Few
facilities in the world possess this certification in their manufacturing process. S SO OL L was
one of the firsts to obtain it!
In 1995, the company moved to its current facility, occupying an area of 4.000 m² and
has at its disposal a team of about 140 employees, of which are about 20% pilots. S SO OL L
provides a comprehensive benefits package such as Health Plan, Life Insurance,
partnerships with pharmacies, transportation vouchers, incentive getaways to
employees who outperform each month, and education grants. At S SO OL L, we take
extreme measures to maintain our machinery and manufacturing equipment current
with the world market. This way, we safeguard our accuracy everyday in the
production process, control and assuring the high quality of S SO OL L brand and products
throughout more than 70 countries around the world.

6
Philosophy
S
SO OL L's philosophy is to introduce products that are considerably better than current
ones, in order to guarantee significant advancements in four aspects: Safety,
Performance, Ease of Operation and Innovation.
Safety: The new product has to offer a level of safety that is at par or better than the
one it is replacing.
Performance: The new product must perform better than the one it is replacing.
Ease of Operation: The new product must display higher levels and better operational
ease than the one it is replacing.
Innovation: New products must display real benefits to the user, facilitating free-flying,
increased safety, or both.
The development process and design of every new product begins at the computer.
Drawing Software, 2D, 3D modeling and simulation are utilized before the actual
manufacturing of prototypes, in order to ensure greater accuracy in each new design.
Introduction
S
SO OL L is producing a complete line of
modern gliders: from teaching to
competition and acro all pilots will
find their gliders.
Since we are often in the air - testing
our gliders, for fun or breaking world
or national records - it was only logic
to develop our own power glider to
assure the evolution in safety, performance, ease of operation and innovation.
As in any other product of S SO OL L, we are using always the best and most carefully chosen
materials, they are granting a long life and a high security standard. All S SO OL L gliders are
manufactured in our own industrial park.
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Power glider
F
Fl le ex xu us s was projected and built with the reflex technology, searching for the best
security level, speed, performance and easy handling within his category. This power
glider is very fast and has a high performance for pilots who wish to enjoy a simple
flight or to long distance flights.

F
Fl le ex xu us s -
Characteristics
The F Fl le ex xu us s
was built and developed with an extra portion of attention. The team who
created the power glider
has received a large number of suggestions from all over the
world. See the results:
Risers -
new design for easy use of the trimmer, acceler
Takeoff - easy inflagem
within little space
Landing -
The effect of delay makes the
Closing - The reflex
technology is diminishing the possibility of closin
Speed -
Increase of speed because of the
F
Fl le ex xu us s - The Project
The F FL LE EX XU US S combines our
technology
• HPAR -
High Project Aspect Ratio: higher A/R in each class.
• FHT -
Full Hybrid Technology: Hybrid utilization of different types of fabric,
combining durability with low deformation resistance and less weight.
• LCT -
Laser Cut Technology: Panels, profiles an
equipment.
• HTM -
High Tech Materials
-
Technora Lines, Diax Laminates, Inox Hardware, Polyester of High Tenacity.
• BT -
attens Technology: Flexible battens applied in order
profile characteristics in every moment of the flight.
• PBP -
Pressure ooster Profile: New profile design who ma
pressure. This increases the performance in all velocities.
• SMSR - S SO OL L
Maxi Stable Reflex: Reflex profile with great stability and
suspension
. The reflex profile relocates the weight distribution to the front of
the profile.
This let the power glider fly in front of the pilot angle, creating
speed, stability and safet
• Mini Ribs -
Profiles between the cells
performance and handling.
The F Fl le ex xu us s consists of
53
profiles to distribute the weight uniformly. This maintains the canopy very shapely and
cleans
and reduces the induced drag.
Characteristics
was built and developed with an extra portion of attention. The team who
has received a large number of suggestions from all over the
new design for easy use of the trimmer, acceler
ator
and brakes
within little space
.
The effect of delay makes the
moment of landing easy.
technology is diminishing the possibility of closin
gs
.
Increase of speed because of the
reflex technology.
technology
of performance, safety
and long life
High Project Aspect Ratio: higher A/R in each class.
Full Hybrid Technology: Hybrid utilization of different types of fabric,
combining durability with low deformation resistance and less weight.
Laser Cut Technology: Panels, profiles an
d parts cutting with Laser
High Tech Materials
–
highest technology materials guarantee durability
Technora Lines, Diax Laminates, Inox Hardware, Polyester of High Tenacity.
attens Technology: Flexible battens applied in order
to maintain the
profile characteristics in every moment of the flight.
Pressure ooster Profile: New profile design who ma
i
ntains
pressure. This increases the performance in all velocities.
Maxi Stable Reflex: Reflex profile with great stability and
. The reflex profile relocates the weight distribution to the front of
This let the power glider fly in front of the pilot angle, creating
speed, stability and safet
y in turbulence.
Profiles between the cells
of the trailing edge,
performance and handling.
53
cells and has internal crossed diagonals applied at the
profiles to distribute the weight uniformly. This maintains the canopy very shapely and
and reduces the induced drag.
7
was built and developed with an extra portion of attention. The team who
has received a large number of suggestions from all over the
and brakes
.
.
and long life
:
Full Hybrid Technology: Hybrid utilization of different types of fabric,
combining durability with low deformation resistance and less weight.
d parts cutting with Laser
highest technology materials guarantee durability
Technora Lines, Diax Laminates, Inox Hardware, Polyester of High Tenacity.
to maintain the
ntains
form and
Maxi Stable Reflex: Reflex profile with great stability and
. The reflex profile relocates the weight distribution to the front of
This let the power glider fly in front of the pilot angle, creating
which improve
cells and has internal crossed diagonals applied at the
profiles to distribute the weight uniformly. This maintains the canopy very shapely and

8
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Technical data
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Data
LOTUS
One
XS S M L XL XXL unid.
Zoom/Zoom
Zoom/Zoom
0,9
0,93
0,965
1
1,035
1,08
Células/Cells
Zellen/Cellules
42
42
42
42
42
42
Envergadura porj./ rojected span
rojizierte Spannweite/Envergure projetée
8,53
8,82
9,15
9,48
9,81
10,24
m
Área projetada/ rojected surface
rojzierte Fläche/Surface projetée
18,62
19,88
21,40
22,97
24,62
26,81
m
2
Alongamento projetada/ rojected A/R
rojizierte Streckung/Allongement projetée
3,91
3,91
3,91
3,91
3,91
3,91
Envergadura real/Real span
Reale Spannweite/Envergure réelle
10,53
10,88
11,29
11,70
12,11
12,64
m
Área real/Real surface/
Reale Fläche/Surface reélle
21,41
22,86
24,61
26,41
28,31
30,82
m
2
Alongamento real/Real A/R
Reale Streckung/Allongement reélle
5,18
5,18
5,18
5,18
5,18
5,18
Diâmetro das linhas/Line Diameter
Leinendurchmesser/Diamétre suspente 1 - 1,5 - 2,1 - 2,5 mm
Altura/Height
Leinenlänge/Suspentage
680
701
725
750
775
806
cm
erfil max./Max. profile
Max. rofiltiefe/ rofil max.
2,49
2,58
2,67
2,77
2,87
2,99
m
erfil min./Min. profile
Min. rofiltiefe/ rofil min.
0,61
0,63
0,66
0,68
0,70
0,73
m
eso da vela/Weight
Gewicht/ oids
4,9
5,3
5,7
6,1
6,5
7,1
kg
eso de decolagem/Take off weight
Startgewicht/ oids total Volant
65
-
95
---
143-209
80
-
110
---
176-242
95
-
125
---
209-275
110
-
140
---
242-308
125
-
155
---
275-341
140
-
170
---
308-374
<kg
<lbl
Afundamento min./Min. sinkrate
Min. Sinkrate/Taux de chute min.
1,1
1,1
1,1
1,1
1,1
1,1
m/s
Velocidade min.*
Min. Speed*
Min. Geschwindigkeit*
Vitesse min.*
24
-
26
24
-
26
24
-
26
24
-
26
24
-
26
24
-
26
km/h
Vel.max. trimmers fechado*
Max. speed trimmers closed*
Max. Geschwindigkeit trimmer geschlossen*
Vitesse max trim fermé*
40
-
44
40
-
44
40
-
44
40
-
44
40
-
44
40
-
44
km/h
Vel. max. trimmers aberto*
Max. speed trimmers open*
Max. Geschwindigkeit Trimmer offen*
Vitesse max trim ouvert*
49
-
53
49
-
53
49
-
53
49
-
53
49
-
53
49
-
53
km/h
Vel. max. trimmers aberto + acelerador*
Max. speed trimmers open + accelerator*
Max. Geschw. Trimmer offen + Beschleuniger*
Vitesse max trim ouvert + accélérateur*
56
-
60
56
-
60
56
-
60
56
-
60
56
-
60
56
-
60
km/h
laneio/Glide
Gleitzahl/Finesse
8,6
8,6
8,6
8,6
8,6
8,6
Assentos/Seat
Sitzplätze/
1
1
1
1
1
1
Certifica
ção/Certification
Certification/Certification
DGAC
DGAC
DGAC
DGAC
DGAC
DGAC
* The takeoff weight alters the speed range.

9
F
Fl le ex xu us s - Materials
Top / Bottom
Wtx40 PU+Silicon Coating 40 gr/m
2
Profiles and Internal Diagonal Reinforcements
Pro-Nyl High Tenacity
Nylon Rip-Stop Hard finish 42gr/m
2
Reinforcements
2.5 mm Nylontabs
Lines
The lines are made of technora and polyester. They are known for its high grade of
resistance and low stretching overtime. The bottom lines have a diameter of: 2.5 / 2.1
/ 1.5 / 1.0 mm. The upper lines have a diameter of: 2.1 / 1.5 / 1.0 mm.
Risers
Premium 19 x 2,0 mm Flat Multi 1600kg
uick Links
Ansung Precision 22 mm l 800 kg
Pulleys
Sol PL14
All components are made of high quality materials and were selected for a long life
purpose.
Materials and limits of use
Avoid storing the power glider for long periods in areas with high humidity, heat or
extreme cold, this causes premature aging of the materials and could influence the
flight characteristics of your glider.
The LTF Norm quotes:
* Temperatures from -30
o
C to +70
o
C during the storage should not interfere with the
security during the use of the equipment.
* Temperatures from -30
o
C to +50
o
C and oscillation of the relative air humidity
between 25% and 100% during use should not interfere with the security.
Remember, you have acquired a high quality product which has been produced with
carefully chosen materials. Think carefully about the storage and handling of your
power glider.
The permission of use expires with -30° C.

10
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Over all vision
1 rake lines
2 Upper lines
3 Stabilizer
4 Trailing edge
5 Etiquette
6 Leading Edge
7 Middle lines
8 Stabilizer lines
9 Main lines
10 Risers
4
3
1
8
10
9
7
2
5
6

11
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Line lan

12
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Sus ension system
The F Fl le ex xu us s lines consist of a beige technora core of high resistance to tension and has
low distortion rate, covered by a layer of colored polyester. The set is made of
individual lines, with sewn ties on both extremities.
The upper lines distinguish themselves (next to the inside layer) and the main lines,
which are connected to the Quick Links. These, in turn connect to the main lines on the
risers. The stabilizers' lines are connected to the same Quick Links of riser .
The brake lines come out of the trailing edge, through the master line and are linked to
the toggles, passing through a pulley attached to the D riser.
The brake lines are of different color in order to facilitate takeoff preparation. The
Quick Links are triangular shaped and are made of inox.
On the brakes' master lines, there is a mark at the ideal setting point, at which height
the toggles are affixed. This setting should not be altered as it ensures adequate and
sufficient path and room for the toggles in case of emergency situations during flight
and landing.

13
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Risers

14
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Trimmer and accelerator
The risers of the F FL LE EX XU US S have a system of an accelerator and a trimmer (11, 12, page
13).
Figure 1: Neutral point = est glide and most passive safety.
Risers A A1 B C D
Length cm. 45 45 45 45 45
Figure 2: Accelerator in action = More speed, less passive safety and heavy handling.
Risers A A1 B C D
Length cm. 37 38 39 42 45
Figure 3: Accelerator and trimmer in action = Max. speed, lowest passive safety and
heavy handling.
Risers A A1 B C D
Length cm. 37 38 39 46 53
Figure 4: Trimmer in action = More speed, less passive safety and heavy handling.
Risers A A1 B C D
Length cm. 45 46 47 50 53

15
Attention
• The use of the trimmer simultaneously with the accelerator makes your power
glider more vulnerable for closings. We recommend not to use both in turbulence.
• In case of closing the reaction of the power glider could be aggressive if the pilot is
using the trimmer or the accelerator or both. Avoid using them with little space
over ground.
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Adjusting your s eed system
The majority of the latest harnesses have pulleys for assembling the Foot Speed
System. In the eventuality the pulleys are not there, it is important to attach such
pulleys (sewing them) in such way to make the operation of the speed system softer.
The little chord on the speed system must be firmly attached (by a non-slippery knot)
to the stirrup (aluminum bar). The other end of the cable is fed through the harness'
pulleys and comes out vertically, and firmly attached to a Quick Link with a strong coil,
a quick hook-up or preferably closed by a nut. In order to adjust the Speed System, we
suggest that you connect the harness and the risers together, suspended from the
ground. Ask a friend to pull the risers 'A' upwards. At this time, adjust the length right
to the bar in such way to be easily reachable with your feet in flight and by stretching
the legs, make sure to allow for a clear path to maximize the accelerator usage.
1 - Clip
2 - Pulley
3 - Elastic ring
4 - Foot steer for accelerator
Attention
• An incorrect system assembly, that allows for different measurements other than
the indicated could cause accidents!
• Remember that when using the speed system, the angle of attack decreases which
may result in the collapse of the paraglider, consequently, the use of the speed
system close to the ground should be avoided. We do not recommend the use of
the speed system in turbulent conditions.
• Never use the speed system in extreme maneuvers.
• In the event the canopy collapses, release the stirrup immediately and make the
appropriate corrections.
• Never let go of the toggles!

16
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Brake toggles
In case you switch do another power unit it might be that you have to readjust the
lengths of the brake lines. This adjustment can easy be made on the riser, in the figure
number 5 is the original adjustment which works with most of the power units on the
market. Number 9 readjusts the toggles by 10 cm.
Attention
• In case of readjustment of the pulley position from 5 to 9 don´t forget to
readjust the brake line on the toggle by 10 cm.
• Confirm that both sides are symmetric.
• Make the necessary readjustments and fill the glider on the ground to make
sure that the brakes are working fine before flying with your power glider.

17
F
FL LE EX XU US S - Changing the trimmer tab
The trimmer tab may be damaged after hours and hours of use. The riser of the
F
FL LE EX XU US S permits an easy change of the tab.

18
F
Fl le ex xu us s - Flight
First Flight
A careful First Flight is necessary with every power glider, the F Fl le ex xu us s is no exception.
This flight must take place on a practice hill.
After unpacking the power glider and laying out it in a horseshoe shape position, the
following steps must be taken:
• The power glider must be laid out in such a way that, when tension is applied to
risers ‘A’, the canopy center should be extended before the extremities. This
allows for an easy takeoff with good directional stability.
• Special attention must be taken to the wind’s direction upon the lifting of the
canopy, so that the two halves are inflated symmetrically.
• All lines must be organized and completely free of any entanglements. Special
attention must also be given to the lines ‘A’, which must be free right from the
risers ‘A’ (with the red mark) to the canopy.
• Same priority and care must be given to the brake lines, which must also be
completely free and without any possibility of entanglement on any obstacle
during takeoff.
• All lines should be checked and all the risers in appropriate order. When the
risers are aligned and not twisted, the brake lines will be free from the pulleys
(on the rear risers) to the canopy’s rear edge.
• It is extremely important that no entanglements nor bunched lines are present.
Any line going under the canopy or tie may result in disastrous consequences.
• efore and after each flight the lines, risers and canopy must be checked for
any possible damage.
• In case there is any damage present, as insignificant as it may be, the canopy
should not be flown!
Attention
It is not advisable to fly the F Fl le ex xu us s in rainy days or with a wet power glider, since the
in-flight maneuvers become more sensitive and a reserve deployment may occur upon
exiting a -Stoll or in the event of excessive usage of breaks.
The ower engine
To manage and maintain your engine and components read the manual of your
provider carefully.

19
Takeoff Pre-flight Checklist - DO NOT FORGET
• Make sure reserve is OK! Opening device and pins activated?
• Helmet?
• Carbines closed?
• Harness – Connected all Locks closed?
• ‘A’ risers in hands?
• Untangled brakes in hand?
• Are you in the center of the canopy?
• Takeoff path is clear?
• Power glider and pilot aligned with the wind?
• Airspace ahead of takeoff area is clear?
• Distance between carbines is correct?
Takeoff with aramotor
Forward Takeoff
It’s very easy to fly the F Fl le ex xu us s. When ready to takeoff, the pilot must take risers ‘A’
together with the toggles. In order to differentiate between the lines, line ‘A’ and risers
‘A’ inclusive are marked with a different color.
efore takeoff, a last check is required to ensure all the equipment is laid out properly.
The arms must be extended to the side, as if they are extensions of risers ‘A’. A
decisive run allows for a quick and stable inflation.
Canopy overtakes are not common. After the initial inflation momentum, the pilot
must keep the tension forward on risers ‘A’ (pushing them ahead, and not pulling them
downwards), until the canopy is above your head.
At this point, the brakes must be carefully activated, ensuring room for the possibility
of directional changes. A move to underneath the center of the power glider is the
best method for corrections, provided there is room for it. The pilot glances at last
upwards to ensure the canopy is properly located above, completely unobstructed and
inflated. At this point, the pilot decides whether or not to takeoff. When the glider is
beginning to sustain the engine, apply carefully power.
Attention
If you apply power before the canopy is properly located above and before the glider is
sustaining the engine you are at risk that the engine is pushing you forward to the
ground. Injuries could be consequences. Always apply power carefully at the moment
the canopy is properly located above you.

20
Reverse Takeoff
Reverse takeoffs in strong wind conditions are also very easy to execute. Due to risk of
takeoff with entangled lines (twist), it is highly recommended to take some time and
practice reverse takeoffs on a small, leveled hill initially.
Takeoff with trike
For launching with a trike you need a long flat runway. A second person could be helpful.
This helper could push your trike to inflate the canopy whilst engine idling. If the glider is
rising let the engine accelerate more and pull the glider up slowly. After visual check
accelerate until you take off.
Attention
We are advising not to fill up the canopy with the power of the engine.
Climbing
Once you are safely airborne, continue heading against the wind, using brakes to
correct the direction. Do not try to climb too steeply. In powered flight the F Fl le ex xu us s
behaves more like an airplane than a paraglider, and it is a good idea to regard it as
such. If there are no obstacles present, it is by far safer to fly level for a while after
take-off, clearing the ground gradually, gaining some speed before converting it to
height with a brief pull on the brakes.
Another reason not to try climbing too steeply is the risk connected with engine failure
at low altitude. F Fl le ex xu us s in a steep climb does not stay behind as much as conventional
paragliders. The weight and force prevent or delay possible stall, but low speed at low
altitude carries inherent danger of stall which will not be able to fully prevent. esides,
you should always be able to land safely in case of engine malfunction, so it’s better
not to take unnecessary chances and always fly with a safe margin of speed and height
Depending on the power unit geometry, it is possible that during the flight you will
notice a propeller torque (known as P-factor). It will try to turn you around, so counter-
steer with a brake and trimmer set. Open the trimmer of the right side if the canopy is
turning right and open the trimmer of the left side if the canopy is turning left.
Performance
The F Fl le ex xu us s in its normal flight, performs better with the hands lifted, applying 50 cm
the canopy enters safely the minimum speed range. In order to accelerate, use the
speed stirrup and trimmer.
Attention
Rough accelerating in horizontal flight can cause the glider to swing. This can happen
to trikes with big distance between the engine and the glider attachment points. Slow
down your speed and stabilize the glider by pulling the brakes slightly. With smooth
acceleration and light braking you avoid this effect.