U-Turn BLACKLIGHT S User manual
Manual
English Rev. 1.2 Stand: August 2012
Please read the manual before you y your new U-Turn BLACKLIGHT
Copyright ©
2012 by U-Turn GmbH, all right preserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or developed
further on in any way without written approval of the U-Turn GmbH
Text: Stefan Preuss and Daniela Martin
Text and Graphics: Ernst Strobl
All technical details in this manual have been carefully checked by U-Turn. However we like to mention
that we don`t take any liability for possible mistakes, neither in legal responsibility, nor in liability cases that
derive from mistakable details. We preserve the right to change this manual in any way to achieve technical
improvements.
U-Turn your airline Page 1
ank you
- Usage
e U-Turn BLACKLIGHT
General despription
Baseline and brakeline adjustment
Safety Precautions
- Winching
e Flight
- Operation
- Speed System
- Risers
- Lines and Risers
- B-Stall
- „Big Ears“
Rapid Descent
- Landing
- Active Flying
- Turning
- Take o
Maintenance and Care
- Emergency Piloting
- Negativ Turn
- Fullstall
- Deep Stall
- How to avoid collapses
- Collapses
- Full Frontal
- Wingover
- Spiral Dive
Advanced Handling
Nature and environment friendly behavior
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Contents
- Motorised Paragliding Page 4
- Transport and storage Page 15
- Harness
Flight accessories Page 17
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Assumption of Risk
- Suitable Rescue System
Lineplan
Leinencode-Info
Material List U-Turn BLACKLIGHT
Table of area loading and Color-Info
Technical Data U-Turn BLACKLIGHT
Release of Liability / Renouncment of Entitlement
Safety Advice and Liability
Liability claim and renouncement of exclusion
- Necessary equipment the following steps are to be taken in
- Individual personal prerequisites for the inspections
- Who may inspect/ test?
Maintanence log
Business Replay Card
Line Order Sheet
Instruction leaet of repairs and 2 annual check
Certication U-Turn BLACKLIGHT L
Certication U-Turn BLACKLIGHT M
Certication U-Turn BLACKLIGHT S/M
Certication U-Turn BLACKLIGHT S
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During the inspection the following steps are to be taken in
- Porositycheck of the canopy
- Check of the tear resistance
- Testing of the rips
- Abrasison and deformaties
- Holes and tears
- Testing of the topsail, undersaild, seams, reserve parachute of
- Inspection of the rerve parachute
- Positive indentication of the device
- Check of the line length and line attachments
- Lines
- Connection parts
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- Topic of the inspec Page 41
- Description of the materials and technical data
- Occassional check of trim and adjustment Page 45
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- Completed check very important
- Miscellaneous Page 45
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U-Turn your airline
U-Turn GmbH was incorporated in 2002 by omas Vosseler and Ernst Strobl aer some
years of market analysis. Vosseler, hobby-pilot and successful entrepreneur in the computer
and soware business, is the sales and marketing specialist, while Strobl is in charge as
Head of Development.
e company grew fast in Germany and Austria, and in 2004 the international distribution
started. Today U-Turn gliders and related products such as rescures, helmets or ight-wear
are available all over the world. e company`s headquarter is in Tuningen near the Black
Forest and 30 minutes by car to the lake Constance.
U-Turn paragliders are in a class of their own. U-Turn doesn`t compromise on safety, and
uses the best quality components and hallmark ight characteristics. Congratulation on you
purchase of U-Turn glider, as it is the brand for those who appreciate the dirence.
e laws of physics are well dened. We aspire to achieve to possible within the framework
of its laws. We admit this is ambitious but you will always nd U-Turn at the cutting edge of
technology. As Oscar Wilde once said in this very British understatement: “His taste is very
basics; only always the best is good enough.” e U-Turn team embodies this attitude; “We
always want to deliver the best possible glider”. Nothing more and most certainly nothing
less. U-Turn sta takes notice of its customer wishes, so we appreciate any comments or
feedback!
Please feel free to contact your competence center or U-Turn directly for any advice or
direction.
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ank you
e U-Turn team would like to congratulate you on the purchase of your new U-Turn para-
glider. You have made an excellent choice. We wish you long and enjoyable ights and many
happy landings with your U-Turn BLACKLIGHT.
e research and Development team at U-Turn can proudly look back at many successful
years in the ight sport industry. Our own concepts not only meet but exceed industry stan-
dards. e combination between the latest computer based technology and the know-how
of experienced test pilots and professional competition pilots provides an excellent basis for
quality. We certainly keep our customers need in mind, and always appreciate your input
and constructive criticism. Should any questions occur, please don`t hesitate to ask your U-
Turn dealer or the U-Turn team.
In order to provide you with the latest information on technical development and inova-
tions at U-Turn, we ask you to complete the questionnaire attached. Please mail it
to the following address:
U-TURN GmbH
Paragliders and Kites
Im Neuneck 1
D- 78609 Tuningen
Tel. +49 (0) 7464 /9891280
Fax: +49 (0) 07464 /98912828
Internet: www.u-turn.de
E-mail: info@u-turn.de
Have fun and we wish you many ights on your new
U-Turn BLACKLIGHT, your U-Turn Team
Please study this manual extensively, there is an obligation toward this
recreational aircra and its user manual to inform yourself about its
specifc features prior to its rst use.
We composed this handbook, in order to make the
handling of your new U-Turn BLACKLIGHT as safe and easy for
you as possible.
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e U-Turn BLACKLIGHT
To make high-tech from acro and competition wings accessible for leisure pilots- that’s the way U-
Turn goes with the new BLACKLIGHT. e latest design of chief designer Ernst Strobl is now available
in 4 sizes- all are certied to EN/LTF B. An immense performance combined with certied safety.
„To say it straight away: All of the certication ights are made with the serial line setup,“ says Strobl.
e designer dislikes certication with so called folding lines in the EN-B class because they fake a
safety level not existing in reality. But obvious is, that the BLACKLIGHT has a very well-thought-out
line conguration. “For the main lines we use only Aramid/Kevlar lines in 11 dierent diameters” so
Strobl. Each line is calculated exactly to its demanded strength to use the maximum potential of the
wing. “e thinnest line on the wingtip got a diameter of 0.55mm, the strongest one in the middle of
the wing 1.7mm.” Because of the 2-lines system of the wing the total line length could be minimized to
211meters for BLACKLIGHT S and 267m for BLACKLIGHT L.
e BLACKLIGHT is- like the successful PASSION in the EN/LTF C class- equipped with the High
Denition Prole (HDP). HDP means thin plastic rods on the topsail which cover from 45 to 80%
of the prole depth. e optimum of this technology was found in numerous test ights in dierent
prototype design steps.
e system corresponds perfectly with the High Pressure Crossport Design (HPCD) which means op-
timal designed cross ventilation openings in the ribs, which gives a dynamic handling but with a high
stability. is technology is borrowed from the THRILLER and is now used in serial gliders.
e BLACKLIGHT got 50 cells and an aspect ratio of 5,8. Another fact for the high performance of the
wing is the use of supreme NCV fabric material. In the topsail type 40gramm is used in water repellent
quality and Skytex type 36 in the bottomsail. Elaborately is the conception of the ribs, there is type 32
Skytech material in hardnish-quality build in.
e PPN-system instead of the heavy nose mylar gives easy starting characteristic, “and thermaling
the wing is just a dream” so Strobl. e BLACKLIGHT turns willing in the thermal updra and gains
rapidly altitude. “In the end I can only advice to test the BLACKLIGHT and to experience the glide of
10 on an EN/LTF B wing.”
e wing is certied in the known wide U-Turn weight range. ese are 60 - 90kg for BLACKLIGHT
S, 75-100kg for BLACKLIGHT SM, 85-110kg BLACKLIGHT M and 100-125kg for BLACKLIGHT L
Usage
e BLACKLIGHT is only designed for solo usage. e BLACKLIGHT is a light aircra with a mass of
less than 120 kg in the class of paragliders.
Motorised Paragliding
e U-Turn BLACKLIGHT is suitable due to it`s excellent launching characteristics and uncomplica-
ted handling in ight and high trim speed, especially good for motorized use.
Please keep in mind is that during motorized use NO ACRO MANEUVERS are allowed.
e extreme high wing loading due to the additional weight of the engine will push the
U-Turn BLACKLIGHT to the brink of its load limits. No U-Turn BLACKLIGHT has a motorized
endorsement.
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Winching
Because of its excellent starting characteristics, the U-Turn BLACKLIGHT is well suitable
for winching operations. Take the following points into account:
• maximum linetension for winching is 100kp.
• if not operating at you usual winch, get acquainted with the local procedures and get a
good brieng by a local pilot.
• never winch the BLACKLIGHT with loads outside the allowable weight range.
• all involved persons, machines and accessories have to have the appropriate licenses,
approvals, certications for winching.
Baseline and brakeline adjustment
e factory brake-line setting corresponds to 0-free travel plus 5 cm. It is recommended to
adjust your brake line travel aer 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 ap-
plied brake pressure. is could be extremely dangerous during takeo , ight and landing!
e 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. e bowline
works particularly well because of the fact that it weakens the lines the least with excellent
slip resistance.
Pfahlstich
Safety Precautions
We recommend the following precautions:
• Make your maiden ight in a familiar ying site and calm conditons.
• Test your U-Turn BLACKLIGHT only over water.
• In a „dynamic ight“ are not only you exposed to high loads but also the glider. Please don`t un-
der estimate this.
• Only y the BLACKLIGHT 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 U-Turn BLACKLIGHT.
• e use of suitable, certied and in the respective country approved accessories (helmet, harness,
reserve) is a requirement for the use of the U-Turn PASSION.
• Execute before every take o a thourough inspection of your equipment (topsail, undersail, ribs,
especially the lines, carabiners, buckles, cloth speed system etc.) A ight with a tear in a glider or
lines can be life threatening.
• 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 unim-
paired. 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 transmission lines, airports or motorways, over peo-
ple 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 nor circumstance should the
minimum distance fall below 50m at any give time. At airports this minimum distance to main-
tain is 5km..
• Inform yourself on the weather forecast and/or the predominating local weather conditions.
Usethe U-Turn BLACKLIGHT only in wind strengths, in which you are able to control the wing
for 100%. Do not use the U-Turn BLACKLIGHT, in wind with a great gust factor. Never use the
glider with approaching thunderstorms or if probability of those of the development of thunder-
storms is high. Land with thunderstorms approaching near immediately!
• e 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.
Ignoring one or several safety precautions can lead to a leisurely fun ight,
turning into a fatal event.
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Glider description
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Risers
e A- and B-risers have a di$ erent colour to ensure positive identication at take o and
during a B-stall descent.
e webbing in the risers of the U-Turn BLACKLIGHT consist of sturdy stretch resistant
12mm kevlar polyester webbing, in order to warrant a long-term stable trim.
Hang-point in
the carabiner
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Speed System
e U-Turn BLACKLIGHT is equipped with a very eective foot actuates speed system
It increases the speed when applied with to approx. 18 km/h, depending upon wing size
and pilot weight or surface loading.
erefore it should not be activated in extreme ight situations or deactivate immediately
when their occuring. All extreme ight attitudes (e.g. a-collapses) happen at accelerated
speed more dynamically. Since the maximum acceleration is part of the safety behavior of
the glider, it can happen that with some harnesses the speed bar to full speed cannot be
used.
Operation
is instruction manual only pays attention to those points of ying technique which are
important for the U-Turn BLACKLIGHT. It is not meant to substitue a basic ying edu-
cation in an approved ying school! If a lying education and the appropriate experience is
missing, paragliding is dangerous to life. Of the BLACKLIGHT should be own exclusi-
vely by experienced pilots.
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e Flight
Take o
Aer the paraglider is unpacked and laid out in the shape of a horseshoe, the following
points are to be considered:
• e paraglider should be laid out in such a way that when pulling up by the A-risers, the
• center lines are evenly, and earlier tensioned than those towards the wing tips. is ensu-
res an easy and symmectrical ination at launch.
• Take into consideration the wind direction when laying out, so that when pulling up into
the wind, both sides of the paraglider can rise symmetrically.
• Sind die Tragegurte nicht verdreht, und laufen die Bremsleinen frei durch die Führungen
zur Hinterkante des Schirmes.
• Es dürfen keine Leinen unter der Schirmkappe durchlaufen. Ein Leinenüberwurf beim
Start kann verhängnisvolle Folgen haben.
• Der 5-Punkte-Check darf selbstverständlich nicht vergessen werden.
e center of the glider in the U-Turn BLACKLIGHT is marked by the U-Turn-logo on
the leading edge. It suces to only hold the main A-risers in the hand. Since the U-Turn
BLACKLIGHT has only minor tendency to overshoot, it requires only minimal brake input
during launch. If needed, directional corrections with the brakes should be undertaken only
if the wing already is overhead, since too much brake input could drop the glider back. e
other risers should, during take o, be le alone. With an even pull but overall light input
only, the glider is to be inated. Unlike other gliders, it is not necessary to inate the U-Turn
BLACKLIGHT with aggressive pulling or even fast running.
is is also true with little or no wind. Measured pulling up is the simplest and safest way to
launch the U-Turn BLACKLIGHT. Once the pilot made sure that the glider is overhead and
fully inated, the nal decision is made wether to take o . Aer some dynamic steps the
pilot takes o.
Turning
e U-Turn BLACKLIGHT has a normal agility and reacts directly and instantly to steering
inputs. You can y at turns with little altitude loss by shiing of bodyweight. A combinati-
on of appropriate pull on the inner brakeline and shi of bodyweight is the best way for a
coordinated turn. e Turn radius depends on the amount of pull on the brakeline.
At about 75% of brakeline travel, the U-Turn BLACKLIGHT increases bank signicantly
and performs a fast sleep turn that can be continued to a diving spiral. e diving spiral has
to be initiated and terminated slowly. e bank angle is controled by increasing and decrea-
sing the pull on the inner brakeline.
Warning: A rapid pull on the brakeline may cause a spin.
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Active Flying
e U-Turn BLACKLIGHT should be own with light braking on both sides when there
is turbulent air. An increase in angle of attack provides better stability. When entering hea-
vy thermals or strong turbulences be mindful of that the canopy does not get behind the
pilot. To avoid that, release the brakes a bit to get an increase in speed when entering the
updra.
If the canopy gets in front of the pilot when leaving a updra or entering a downdra the
brakes have to be applied to counter that. Accelerated ight however is advisable when
ying through downdra zone. e U-Turn BLACKLIGHT is naturally very stable due to
the way it`s constructed. Collapsing and deforming of the canopy can be avoided by active
ying (as above mentioned) in turbulent air.
Landing
Start your landing preperation at sucient altitude. Due to its excellent aring charac-
teristics, the BLACKLIGHT is very easy to land. Glider in fairly normal to a straight- in
nal against the wind and get up in the harness early enough. According to the wind, the
brakes have to be pulled rmly and dynamically, about one meter above ground, beyond
the stalling point. If there is a strong headwind, be careful with the amount of braking.
Don`t perform landings out of steep turns and big directional changes short prior landing,
to avoid PLF.
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Rapid Descent
In any situation where you have to get down ASAP for dierent reasons (weather, extreme
updra , or other dangers,) there are a couple of techniques that are described in this chapter.
Caution: e described manoeuvres stress you paraglider more than normal and should
only be performed for practise or in a real emergency!
„Big Ears“
Pull down simultaneously both designated outer A2-risers (by grabbing at or above the
maillons), about 15-20cm to fold in the wingtips. e brake toggles are to be held in hand
together with the pulled down A-risers. For additional stability and for an increased sinkrate
the speedsystem should be actuated. e glider remains fully steerable by weightshiing and
descents at a rate of 4-7m/s straight forward.
Once you release the A-risers, the folded wingtips reinate automatically, if not, you may
pump the brakes gently. „Big earing“ is due to the high wingload a very stable ight condi-
tion and well suited evine in turbulent air.
Please be aware that you reduce the trimspeed during „big ears“, but this can be compensated
by applying speedbar. „Big earing“ in combination with weight shiing in order to get the
glider to spiral dive, will achieve the highest sink rate. is descent method is oen taught in
SIV training. Be mindful this exposes the glider to extreme loads, should one need to use
this maneuver again we recommend an equipment inspection.
B-Stall
Another very ecient descent method is the B-stall. It allows for a rate of descent of 6 to over
9 meters per second. Check the airspace under and behind you prior to initiating a B-Stall.
To initiate it you hold the two B-risers above the lines carabiner. While holding the brakes
in your hands at all times, pull the B-risers down progressively and symmetrically down
to the shoulder to about chest level. Hold this position. Your sail will stop ! ying forward,
partially empty, and stabilize itself overhead. During this the wing will fall back a little, which
shouldn`t tempt you to release the risers again. e glider would then shoot forward and os-
cillate vigorously. Only once the glider has stabilized overhead it is ok to exit the B-line stall.
For this release the risers symmectrically into their original position.
We recommend no to simply let the risers snap shut as this puts a lot of pressure on the ma-
terial. In the paragraph titled „advanced handling“ you can read what to do if you get caught
unexpectedly in a stall.
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Advanced Handling
Even with its high stability and good ight characteristics it is possible that the BLACK-
LIGHT gets into an extreme ight condition due to pilot mistakes or turbulent air. To be
prepared for such situations and able to handle them in a calm and superior manner it is
best to take part in a ight safety course. Advanced manoeuvers may only be own at suf-
cient altitude, in calm air and with professional supervision (i.e. during a safety course).
Once again we mention that a rescuesystem is required by the law.
e following extreme manoeuvers can be either caused intentionally, by pilots mistakes
or by bad weather conditions. Every pilot can get in such a situation! All mentioned extre-
me
manoeuvers are dangerous if they are performed without the appropriate knowledge
or enough altitude or the necessary introduction. A wrong execution of these manoeuvres
may have fatal consequences!
Spiral Dive
Like a normal turn, it is very easy to get the BLACKLIGHT into a spiral dive. e spiral
dive gets you a descent rate up to 20 m/s. To prepare oneself in case of, practise it in opti-
mum conditions. e diving spiral gets the pilot down faster than other techniques and is
therefore best suited for an emergency descent. ey move down vertically within the air-
mass. Don`t forget the G-forces when diving down, and take that into consideration before
initiating a rapid descent.
Caution: If initiation is too fast there is a danger of a spin, in this case release the
brake an try a smoother initiation.
Caution: e symmetric spiral is exclusively a maneuver for amusement. It`s oen re-
commended as a descent method, however we do not recommend to do so. is is because
no spiral dive can be initiated in strong thermal conditions.
Wingovers
e pilot has to perform right and le turns with increasing bank until the desired angle is
reached. Collapsing wingtips is prevented by gently applying brake pressure in the up and/
or downswing of the wingover.
Full Frontal
A negative AoA caused by turbulences or the simultaneous pulldown of the A-risers by the
pilot, results in a frontal collapse of the leading edge. e BLACKLIGHT comes out of a
frontstall by itself very quickly. Smooth and symmetric applying of the brakes assists the
opening of the canopy positively. Even, symmetrical, subtle pumping of the brakes can
assist the reopening.
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Collapses
Even with its high stability and very responds well in turbulence, strong turbulences can
cause the BLACKLIGHT to collapse. at situation is not really dangerous and clears its-
elf automatically, without any further input required. To support the recovery, rmly apply
brakes on the aected side and simultaneously steer opposite on the open side. When a large
part of the canopy is collapsed be careful and smooth when applying opposite steering to
avoid a complete disruption of airow and entering a fullstall.
In case of larger deations the counter steering is to be excercised with restraint / in modera-
tion, in order not to completely interupt the airow to the positive side of the wing and spin
the glider.
How to avoid collapses
Single side collapses close to the ground are the number one reason for accidents with
paragliders. To avoid them, or how to handle the situation when it happened, some tips and
tricks from U-Turn test- and competition pilot Ernst Strobl:
e best way to avoid collapses upfront is the right choice of the paraglider. A lot of pilots y
a glider that is a little too hot to handle for them. So why don`t you get a glider with a lower
rating but in the end y better and higher in the updras and have a lot more fun and by the
way be safer, too. To optimize the feeling for your glider on the ground, try the following:
Pratice on the ground with the right wind at a suitable location. Slowly pull up the canopy
and try to hold it up as long as possible without looking towords?? it. at is a good way to
improve the feeling for your glider and is a prerequisite for „active ying“ (the key to avoid
collapses). Very important is also a close look at the terrain. Watch for obstacles that could
cause turbulences (buildings, trees, ...). On certain days, for example a freshly mowed ma-
dow as landing eld, could cause a lot of thermal activity. Fly very alert on a thermal active
day. Watch your canopy, collapses most of the time, announce themself. Light braking in
turbulences mostly avoids a collapse. You should have already pratised that on the ground.
Should a collapse occur close to the ground don`t always try to prevent a turn away. ere is
a danger when the braking on the open side is to strong, to lose the airow on this side and
stall the glider. Rather use the turn away motion to try to open the collapsed side.
Apply smooth braking on the open side, depending on the size of the collapse, and maybe a
little pumping action. Some canopies open a lot better when the brakes are fully applied once
on the according side, but that depends on the brakelines adjustment and your armlength.
Wrapped lines are cleared by braking the opposite side at enough altitude and pumping the
aected side a couple of times. Watch out for a possible stall. If that does no clear the situati-
on, try to pull dow the outer lines as much as possible. If you are too low for that, stabilize
the canopy on the opposite side avoid turning away, and leave the lines like they are. Instead
of any - risky manoeuvers rather concentrate on the landing. In the end one more advice in
order to have all kinds of situations under control.
Visit a safety-training above water. ere is no better way to practice the right behaviour
than simulating a dangerous situation. Don`t get caught o guard by your rst collapse. In
addition, during safety-training you can familiarize yourself with the particulars of your
equipment and you gain condence in your gliders as well as your own abilities.
us far the expert advise concerning collapses, by Ernst Strobl.
Page 13
Deep Stall
e U-Turn BLACKLIGHT is not stall sensitive. If in a stall, caused by overpulling on the
brakes, the rear risers or a delayed B-stall exit, the release of the brakes or the rear risers,
recovers the stall. Should the stall be caused by an extreme ight condition or congurati-
on (i.e. takeo weight to low), a symmetric forward push on the A-riser or step the speed
system recovers the stall.
Warning: Practicing stalls should be done with enough safe altitude. Never apply
asymmetric brakes during a stall, it could cause a spin. If the BLACKLIGHT in deep stall,
one should only brake release the brake the
glider is in front.
Fullstall
To initiate a full stall, pull both brakes without a wrap slowly to the point of stall. As soon
as the point of stall is reached, hold both hands up. e glider falls back. At point, under
no circumstance should the hands let up or release the brakes. To recover from a full stalls
the canopy should be stabilized overhead and prelled. For this slightly let up both brakes
symmetrically. To exit completely, let up both brakes symmetrically and slowly in its enti-
rety. With a correct symmetrical exit the glider returns swily, as soon as the glider shoots
strongly forward, it must be checked by a brief brake input. An asymmetrical recovery is to
be avoided, this could lead to falling into the glider.
Page 14
Negativ Turn
A negative turn/spin is initiated, when the pilot pulls the brake on one side fast and complete-
ly though the point of stall while letting the other side of the wing y freely. With a negative
turn the glider turns relatively fast around its center, while the inside lies backwards. In or-
der to exist a spin, the applied brake released, where stalled side of the wing can pick up speed
or one exit though a full stall, by braking the ying side into a stall also.
Warning: e Spin and the Fullstall and unpredictable and dangerous ight attitudes and
should only be executed in a safety training under guidance and never be intentionally execu-
ted. ere is danger of riser twist. With a riser twist the brake lines can get blocked.
Warning: e glider has been overloaded. Fullstalls and negative turns / spins as a de-
scent method is dangerous, because a wrong exit, independent of glider type, can have fatal
consequences.
Emergency Piloting
In any situation where normal steering with the brakelines is not possible, the U-Turn
BLACKLIGHT can be steered with the back risers easily. Turns can be own with weightshi,
however be mindful that the glider doesn`t lock into a spiral.
Transport and storage
When transporting the glider dont expose it to any liquids and has to be packed totally dry.
Store the BLACKLIGHT always protected from UV radiation. Furthermore never store the
wing together with acids or similar gods. A dry storage is very important!
Attention: Aer a long storage period the glider must be checked!
Page 15
Maintenance and Care
Because U-Turn only uses high quality materials, your BLACKLIGHT will be airworthy for
many years if you take good care. e aging of your BLACKLIGHT depends on the total ying
time, the conditions you y in, the amount of UV radiation it is exposed to and the intensity
and quality of care. A couple of tips for maintenance and care:
Long lasting exposure to UV radiation and normal use stress the material
• Don`t expose your glider to the sun when there is no need to
• Consider the choice of terrain where you lay out the glider for takeo
• Assymmetrical and changing folding patterns prolong the lifetime of the material especially
in the middle section.
Please take following points into consideration
• regular checks for damage
• no unneccessary bending
• lines aer overloads (tree landing, water landing, etc.) for its strength and correct length to
be checked and exchanged if necessary
• in case of changing inight handling characteristics, the line have to be checked for their-
correct length
• don`t tie the brakelines on the grips if not needed, it weakens the lines
To clean the canopy use warm water and a so sponge. If you use a detergent for hard stains,
make sure that you rinse intensively aerwards. Never apply any chemicals for cleaning, they
weaken the material and damage the coating. Store your glider at a dry and dark location away
from any chemicals. Aer two years or 300 ighthours, whichever occurs rst, your BLACK-
LIGHT has to be inspected by the manufacturer, in case of extreme use we are glad to do that
earlier. Only you know about the condition of your glider. Should there be a need for any
repairs they are to be done by the manufacturer.
Nature and environment friendly behaviour
We ask you to perform our sport in a manner, that impacts nature and environment with mini-
mum intensity. Please do not walk beside marked paths, don`t leave any waste, please be not
noisy and respect the sensitive biological equilibrium in the mountains. Especially at starting
areas maximum care for nature is necessary. e synthetic materials your U-Turn glider is
build must be depolluted appropriately. Please send your U-Turn glider at the end of its life-
cycle back to U-Turn. We will take care for recycling and removal.
Page 16
This manual suits for next models
4
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