U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 User manual

Copyright ©
2011 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
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 possi-
ble 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.
- Manual - English Rev. 1.2
Stand: September 2012

You`ve got the stu to y!
The U-Turn team would like to congratulate you on the purchase of your new U-Turn par-
aglider. You have made an excellent choice. We wish you long and enjoyable ights and
many happy landings with your U-Turn FREE FORCE 3.
The 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 indus-
try standards. The 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 ap-
preciate 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 inno-
vations 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. [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.u-turn.de
E-mail: [email protected]
Please read the entire handbook carefully before using your U-Turn
FREE FORCE 3 for the rst time. We composed this handbook, in order to
make the handling of your new U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 as safe and easy for
you as possible. GG

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Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................
PPN Description and Automatic ight stabilizatin (AFS)...............................................
Page 1
Page 3-4
Linesystem and Risers................................................................................................................ Page 5-6
Speed System................................................................................................................................ Page 7
Suitable Harness and Rescue .................................................................................................. Page 7
Page 7
Page 7
Page 8
Page 8
Gerneral Description - FREE FORCE 3................................................................................... Page 2
Page 9
Page 9
Operation.......................................................................................................................................
Page 9
Range of Operation....................................................................................................................
Page 9-10
Aerobatics......................................................................................................................................
Page 10
Motorised Paragliding ..............................................................................................................
Page 10
Preight Check ............................................................................................................................
Page 10
Take o ...........................................................................................................................................
Page 10
Turning ...........................................................................................................................................
Page 11
Active Flying .................................................................................................................................
Page 11
Landing ..........................................................................................................................................
Page 11
Winching .......................................................................................................................................
Page 11
Advanced Handling................................................................................................................
Page 11-12
Wingovers........................................................................................................................................
Page 12
Full Frontal......................................................................................................................................
Page 13
Deep Stall ......................................................................................................................................
Page 13
Fullstall............................................................................................................................................
Page 13
Emergency Piloting ....................................................................................................................
Page 14
Negativ Turn.................................................................................................................................
Collaps ............................................................................................................................................
How to avoid collapses - by Ernst Strobl ............................................................................
Rapid Cescent ..............................................................................................................................
B-Stall...............................................................................................................................................
Spiral Dive ......................................................................................................................................
“Big Ears” ........................................................................................................................................
Maintenance and Care .............................................................................................................
Page 7
Page 8
Safety Advices and Liability ..................................................................................................... Page 15
Nature and environment friendly behavior ...................................................................... Page 15
Removal ......................................................................................................................................... Page 15
Table of area loading -Materiallist FREE FORCE 3............................................................. Page16
Page 17
Page 18
Technical Data ..............................................................................................................................
Line Code Info ..............................................................................................................................
Line plan FREE FORCE 3.........................................................................................................
Certication FREE FORCE 3 22..........................................................................
Certication FREE FORCE 3 24..........................................................................
Certication FREE FORCE 3 26..........................................................................
Page 19
Page 20-21
Page 24-25
Page 22-23

Contents
Page 26
Page 27
Instruction leaet for repairs and 2 annual Check............................................................
Line Order Sheet .........................................................................................................................

Introduction
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 your purchase of U-Turn glid-
er, as it is the brand for those who appreciate the dierence.
The laws of physics are well dened. 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.”The 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 customers 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.
Page 1
IMPORTANT:
Having the necessary level of experience can never substitute the need to familiarize
yourself with the glider before leaving the ground. Please carefully read the handbook and take advantage
of the support from your ight school, or U-Turn directly for that matter.
Please always remember that aviation can be potentially dangerous and your safety is in your own
hands. We strongly encourage you to y conservatively; this includes the judgement concerning conditions
as well as the choices you make in ight.

Gerätebeschreibung FREE FORCE 3
The FREE FORCE of U-Turn is established as the perfect wing to begin acrobatic paragliding. Now the
wing is upgraded: The FREE FORCE 3 got features like the Precision Prole Nose (PPN-system) which im-
proves the start and ight characteristic. More than ever the FREE FORCE is the wing to enter the world
of the cool acrobatic tricks- the genes of the reference wing THRILLER are obvious in every trick.
The FREE FORCE 3 got like the THRILLER compared to the in its time revolutionary G-FORCE a reduced
aspect ratio. Because of the modern and high eciency prole this is possible without lost in dynamics.
With the AFS and the PPN-system features the FREE FORCE 3 is suited for daily use on EN B level, where
most of the ratings are even better.
“The FREE FORCE 3 stands for dynamic ight fun on a high safety level. Because of the THRILLER-like ma-
noeuvrability and agility combined with the safety reserves of the AFS, it is the perfect wing to all who
want to begin acrobatic paragliding”points out chief designer Ernst Strobl the rage of use. At same time
the FREE FORCE 3 got many friends in the XC pilots as well. Despite its relatively small sail, it is eager to
gain altitude in thermals. With a max speed of 56km/h (fully loaded) the wing is quite fast. And the AFS
cares with many small corrections for the maximum altitude when FREE FORCE pilots go for XC.
The use of the PPN technology and the abdication of the heavy nose mylar reduce the weight of the
FREE FORCE 3. This more in dynamics is clear to feel in ight. Another advantage coming from the PPN
is the improved starting ability. With the PPN nothing is deforming the leading edge anymore and the
FREE FORCE 3 oers consistent performance for a long lifetime.
The AFS feature in a wing made for ambitious pilots- discussed after presentation of the rst FREE FORCE.
But the system is proven now in praxis as expected. So it is used in the FREE FORCE 3 again. The AFS in
its latest version got only advantages. Dynamic gures are just easy to do and the performance reserves
get in action if needed.“In dynamic manoeuvres the AFS is not active because the high internal pressure
prevents interaction”says Strobl.
On the other side in tricks like the MacTwist, when the pilot mistakes the time to break the AFS breaks
automatically and prevents the wing from overshooting too far in a potential dangerous level. “By the
very sporty design of the prole I could increase the sail tension in the FREE FORCE 3 signicant com-
pared to an EN-A wing” announces Strobl. The increase of this eect is clear to notice. Anyhow the sys-
tem is not preventing the pilot learning the tricks: The one who is breaking correct will not notice the
AFS. Naturally this is not only valid for the MacTwist, for all other tricks too.
“All 44 cells of the FREE FORCE 3 are featured by the AFS”, Strobl points out.“The collapse resistance isn’t
the main issue but the prevention of overshooting.” Conclusion: The one who searches a wing to get
into the acrobatic ying like the pros, but wants to have a forgiving wing will nd the perfect match in
the FREE FORCE 3.
The total result: The use of the PPN-system together with the AFS pushes fun and dynamic. FREE FORCE
3 is THE more fun and performance with the extra portion safety.
Topic XC: Despite the small at area the wing is eager in thermals. Gaining altitude is the mission of the
FREE FORCE 3. Once on top the wing rewards with a minimum sink of 1,1m/s. While going for XC the
wing benets from AFS too. The system smoothes out minor turbulences by breaking automatically.
This results in gaining altitude each time. In theory this is a trade o in speed, but still rests a trim of 38-
39km/h and 53 to 56 km/h (full loaded) accelerated. The wing can’t hide its roots in the mega dynamic
G-FORCE and THRILLER. Fly fast, high and safe! Thats the message of the FREE FORCE 3. And the one
who wants to discover the tardiness no problem for the FREE FORCE 3- the average minimum speed is
23 km/h.
Page 2

PPN description
2 systems, one purpose:
Highest safety by AFS and PPN
The U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 opens a new safety chapter in paragliding: The combination of the PPN sys-
tem (Precision Prole Nose) with the unique system of automatic ight stabilization (AFS) takes care for
the so far unreached resistance against collapses.
The U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 denes the new safety standart in the DHV/LTF 1-2 gliders.
PPN technology provides unprecedented stability, superior take of behavior, and ideal ying qualities.
For several years, now synthetic rods have served as a replacement to the Mylar panels in the cell walls
of the wing at the leading edge. This reinforce the shape of the nose. U-Turn has taken this a step further
in teaming this technology up with AFS and work togehter in concert.
The synthetic rods in the seams of the leading edge sustain the shape of the nose, optimizing the airow
along the prole. Even under extreme ying conditions the small PPN rods keep the cells at the leading
edge open in a way Mylar would not be able to do. These characteristics give the glider an unmatched-
stability. Internal pressure is maintained noticeably longer and the shape of the nose is held up. Even
if the internal pressure diminishes, the AFS kicks in by equalizing with the providing the necessary sail
tension. The complimentary interaction of these two systems provide this line of gliders with an unpar-
alleled collapse-resistance.
Unlike Mylar, if handled carefully PPN technology will retain the shape of the nose for the entire lifetime
of the glider. In order to provide the greatest possible protection when folding the glider, U-Turn recom-
mends the optional U-Turn Tubebag. This inner packsack enables you to fold and store the FREE FORCE 3
with ease in accordion fold, even on windy days and/or by yourself. The Tubebag preserves the excellent
take-o and ight qualities of the glider, thus favorably inuencing its resale value. PPN technology also
means that the canopy is lighter weight than with Mylar reinforcement. This reduced canopy weight
made possible by the PPN technology increases the performance and improves the handling of the
glider. The Tubebag itself is produced with the workmanship you would expect from U-Turn and lives
up to the highest demands in use. It features many functional details and ensures that the FREE FORCE 3
preserves the launch and ight qualities for many years to come - an advantage that can increase the
resale value.The glider has become lighter ever since abandoning the use of Mylar in the cell openings
and replacing them with synthetic rods. Its handling advantages and increased performance can be
also attributed to PPN technology.
Page 3

Page 4
AFS - Automatic ight stabilization
To y safely means to y actively
- the system employed on the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 allows this to happen automatically to a certain
level. The secret of the AFS-system is based on a pre-tensioning principle. In the area of the brake at-
tachment points the undersurface is pre-tensioned. Whilst the sail is gliding through smooth air, there
is enough pressure inside and the pre-tensioning is neutralized: The e! ect of internal pressure is more
powerful than the pre-tensioning and the trailing edge stays aerodynamically perfect in the air like a
conventional glider. When entering turbulent air with the FREE FORCE 3 the system adjusts immedi-
ately, even the slightest drop of internal pressure allows the system to react. The pre-tensioning at the
trailing edge is eectively like pulling the brakes.
Ernst Strobl recalls the ne-tuning: “Our computer-based calcualtions were impressivel conrmed dur-
ing our tests”. The system is extremely responsive so that a top-quality manufacturing is key. U-Turn Co-
founder Thomas Vosseler adds: “We guarantee a strongly supervised manufacturing process”. The AFS
works like the Electronic Stability Programs known in the automotive industry, you could call it an “ESP
for the air”. It intervenes for the benet of safety when an inexperienced pilot, or a pilot in trouble, enters
turbulence and is unable to y actively. Experienced ight-instructors conrm:“This is a major step as far
as safety is concerned. The main reason for accidents, the full collapse of the canopy, is minimized dram-
actically”. Even without AFS the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 would be a very safe glider says Strobl. Due to the
extremely pulled down wingtips and the resulting spread of the wingloading the UTurn FREE FORCE 3
has far more than average resistance to collapses. The FREE FORCE 3 gliders stably ahead even after an
accelerated asymmetric collapse, a situtation that may happen after leaving a thermal, even with 50% of
the wing area collapsed. This is unprecedented. The computer optimised wing layout leads to very good
thermal lift and maximizes the stall characteristics, both improving safety.

Linesystem
In the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 we use 0,9/ 1,1/ 1,3 /1,6 /1,9 und 2,3mm and Technora by TAE-GU Lines Weaving Inc. and
Lyros Dyneema Lines, with a special waved Dyneema core. This stretch resistance prevents changes in ight characteris-
tics caused by dierent stretching after a short time of use. An optimum of safety and strength in proportion to drag is
ieved by the use of di! erent line diameters. The whole line system consists of single elememt that are sewn and looped
on both ends. All suspension and brake lines are forked in the upper cascade. The di! erent color of the lines guarantee
ease of handling and control. All suspension lines are looped separately in maillons and connected to the risers.
The maillons have clips built in to prevent slipping of the lines. The main brake line is looped through a pulley at the D-
riser with a color marking where a brake toggle has to be tief o.
The manufacturer settings is 0 travel plus 5 cm. Shortening more than 5 cm is not allowed and results in a “brake”condi-
tion in ight which is extremely dangerous for takeo , ight and landing. The factory settings provides sucient brake
travel on landing and in extreme ight conditions, as well as a comfortable arm position on trim speed.
Please note that with the height of the harness mounting also the relative distance changes. When adjusting the setting,
both sides have to be symmetric and a permanent knot has to be used. Optimum solution is the so called “Spierenstich”
knot which doesn`t slip or aect the lines adversely.
The A- and B-risers have a dierent colour to ensure positive identication at take o and during a B-stall descent. The
length of all risers has been chosen in a way to get easy access to all and lineshackles in ight for special manoeuvres.
Made of rigid and stretch resistant Polyster-webbing, the FREE FORCE 3 risers guarantee a long term, stable
trim.
Riser
Page 5

Riser
Page 6

Page 7
Speed System
The U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 is equipped with a very eective leg-actuated speedsystem that increases the speed btw. 13
and 17 km/h depending on model and pilots weight area load respectively. During extreme manoeuvers the speedsys-
tem should not be activated, when entering an extreme manoeuvres it should be immediately deactivated. All extreme
manoeuvres (i.e. stalls...) get more dynamically at higher speed.
Because the maximal adjustment of the accelerator is related to the safety characteristics of the canopy it may happen,
that - using certain harnesses - the broad accelerator adjustment is not available.
Suitable Harness
All ocially approved harness systems with mounting about the breast height are suitable for the FREE FORCE 3 (they
have to be LTF and DHV rated GH). The lower the mounting, the better is the steering by shifting of the bodyweight. U-
Turn recommends the new IQ4 harness for its highest level of safety and convenience. The positioning of the mounting
also changes the relative brakedistance. If you have any questions about the usage of your harness with the FREE FORCE
3, ask your U-Turn dealer or directly contact U-Turn. We assist you in any possible way.
Suitable Rescue System
It is required by law and absolutely neccessary for safe operation of your paraglider that you always carry a rescue
system with you. When choosing a rescue system, watch out that it is approved and suitable for the intended takeo
weight. With the innovative rescue systems of the SECURE-series by U-Turn light-weight, convenient and safe reserves
are available. The SECURE rescues oer extremely short opening times and low sink-rates.
Operation
This instruction manual only pays attention to those points of ying technique which are important for the FREE FORCE
3. It is not meant to substitute a basic ying education in an approved ying school! If a ying education and the appro-
priate experience is missing, paragliding is dangerous to life.
Range of Operation
The FREE FORCE 3 has been developed and tested for ordinary takeos, winching, and is also well suitable for motoized
operations. An unauthorized or unapproved use of the FREE FORCE 3, or operation out of its operational limits is im-
proper and dangerous.
Aerobatics
Aerobatics are illegal and dangerous. There is a danger of unpredictable ight conditions that could result in overstress-
ing both material and pilot.

Page 8
Motorised Paragliding
The U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 is suitable due to its outstanding launching characteristics, its wide weight range and its un-
problematic handling particularly well for the motorized paragliding. Please note that for the motorized use its own per-
mission of the combination is necessary for engineunit and glider. If you intend to operate the EMOTION 2 motorized,
please contact the motor manufacturer, U-Turn and the DULV (Deutscher Ultraleichtug Verband) for ocial approval.
Use only approved motor / glider combinations and adhere to the regulations as well as the training requirements.
Preight Check
A careful pre ightcheck is absolutely mandatory. Double-check everything when you don´t y yourself and make sure
the person ying your FREE FORCE 3 does the same. Also ensure that the pilot ying your FREE FORCE 3, knows its op-
erational limits and has the required license.
All lines, risers and the canopy have to be carefully checked for damage before every takeo . Even in case of minor
damages takeo is not an option. After the glider is unpacked and layed on the ground in a halfcircle-shape, check fol-
lowing items:
• Lay down the canopy to draw on the middle line before the outer lines, when pulling up the glider with the A risers,
to get an easy and stable takeo.
• Set yourself up into the wind to get a symmetrical load on both sides when pulling up the canopy
• The risers may not be twisted to enable smooth looping of the brakelines.
• Make sure no lines are under the canopy to avoid a dangerous situation on takeo.
• Preight all other equipment after the check of the glider carefully.
Take o
It is important to evenly lay out the canopy with care. The middle of the glider is determined by the U-Turn FREE FORCE
3 logo at the leading edge. It is sucient to only hold the A-main harnesses. Being that the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 shows
no tendencies to overshoot forward it only needs to be slowed down minimally in the takeo phase. Necessary corec-
tion in direction using the brakes should only be performed once the canopy is above the pilot, otherwise the glide
might fall back due to excessive braking.
The remaining risers should not be held during takeo. The canopy will ll up with evenly distributed pull but altogether
very light startimpulse. Unlike other gliders it is not necessary to ll the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 with strong ination mo-
tion or even several fast steps. This is also true for very little wind and even zero wind. The easiest and safest way to start
the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 is moderate inate. Once the pilot ensures that the canopy is fully opened above him, the nal
decision for take o can be made. After several forceful steps they take o .

Page 9
Turning
The U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 has a normal agility and reacts directly and instantly to steering inputs. You can y at turns
with little altitude loss by shifting of bodyweight. A combination of appropriate pull on the inner brakeline and shift of
bodyweight is the best way for a coordinated turn. The Turn radius depends on the amount of pull on the brakeline.
At about 75% of brakeline travel, the FREE FORCE 3 increases bank signicantly and performs a fast sleep turn that can
be continued to a diving spiral. The diving spiral has to be initiated and terminated slowly. The bank angle is controled
by increasing and decreasing the pull on the inner brakeline.
Warning: A rapid pull on the the brakeline may cause a spin.
Active Flying
The U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 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 heavy 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 updraft.
If the canopy gets in front of the pilot when leaving a updraft or entering a downdraft the brakes have to be applied to
counter that. Accelerated ight however is advisable when ying through a downdraft zone. The FREE FORCE 3 is very
stable overall, never the less is active ying a big ight safety factor. Collapsing and deforming of the canopy can be
avoided by active ying (as above mentioned) in turbulent air.
Landing
Start your landing preperation at sucient altiude. Due to its excellent aring characteristics, the FREE FORCE 3 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. Ac-
cording 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.
Winching
Because of its excellent starting characteristics, the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 is well suitable for winching operations.
Take the following points into account:
• maximum linetension for winching is 100kp.
• if not operating at your usual winch, get acquainted with the local procedures and get a good brieng by a local
pilot.
• bodyposition and pulling up the canopy does not di! er from a normal takeo . The canopy has to be
completely over the pilot at takeo . No early steering inputs to avoid falling back of the canopy or be-
ing pulled o with a non yable glider. Never give the takeo -command before you have total control
over your glider. Don´t turn too much during the takeo -phase and before reaching the minimum safe
altitude.
Warning: During a strong wind takeo attempt, ground handling and landing tha leadingwdge can hit the ground with
high speed. Avoid this! Otherwise the ribs, the sewings or the fabric can be damaged.

Page 10
• never winch the FREE FORCE 3 with loads outside the allowable weight range
• all involved persons, machines and accessories have to have the appropriate licenses, approvals, certications for
winching.
Advanced Handling
Even with its high stability and good ight characteristics it is possible that the FREE FORCE 3 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 su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.
The 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 extreme 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!
Wingovers
The pilot has to perform right and left turns with increasing bank until the desired angle is reached. Appropriate break
pressure during up or down swing will prevent the wing tips from folding. Collapsing is only a factor.
Full Frontal
A negative AoA caused by turbulences or the simultaneous pulldown of the A-risers by the pilot, results in a frontal col-
lapse of the leading edge. The FREE FORCE 3 normally comes out of a frontstall by itself very quickly. Smooth and sym-
metric applying of the brakes assists the opening of the canopy positively.
Deep Stall
The FREE FORCE 3 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 condi-
tion or conguration ( i.e. takeo weight to low), a symmetric forward push on the A-risers 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.

Page 11
Fullstall
To enter a fullstall pull both brakes full travel (ensure no twisted or wrapped lines). The canopy has to be stabilized be-
fore recovering the fullstall. Rise both brakes slowly and symmetrically to recover. If done right, the canopy overshoots
a little forward without collapsing. Avoid an asymmetric recovery by all means. The dynamic forces drive the canopy to
overreact and a collapse could occur.
Warning: Never release the brakes at the beginning of the recovery when the canopy tilts forward, the
canopy may accelerate foward in a way that makes contact or even falling into the canopy possible.
The fullstall is a dangerous manoeuver and should not be performed intentionally except during a ight
safety course.
Emergency Piloting
In any situation where normal steering with the brakelines is not possible, the FREE FORCE 3 can be steered with the
back risers easily.
Negativ Turn
To enter a spin the pilot has to fully and quickly pull one of the brakelines when he is near the stallpoint. The glider ro-
tates fast around its center while the inner wingtip ies backwards. For recovery just release the applied brake to let the
glider accelerate.
Warning: The spin is a dangerous manoeuvres and should not be performed intentionally except during a ight safety
course.
Collapses
Even with its high stability and very responds well in turbulence, strong turbulences can cause the FREE FORCE 3 to col-
lapse. That situation is not really dangerous and clears itself automatically, without any further input required. To sup-
port the recovery, rmly apply brakes on the aected 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 airow and entering a fullstall.
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:
The 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
updrafts 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:
Practise 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 towards it. That 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 madow as landing eld,
could cause a lot of thermal activity.

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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 practised that on the ground.
Should a collapse occur close to the ground don´t always try to prevent a turn away.
There is a danger when the braking on the open side is to strong, to lose the airow 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 brakeline adjustment and your armlength. Wrapped lines are cleared by braking the op-
posite side at enough altitude and pumping the aected side a couple of times. Watch out for a possible stall.
If that does not clear the situation, try to pull down the outer line as much as possible. If you are too low for
that, stabilize the canopy on the opposite side to 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. There 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 condence in your glider as well
as your own abilities.
Thus far the expert advise concerning collapses,
by Ernst Strobl
Rapid Descent
In any situation where you have to get down ASAP for dierent reasons (weather, extreme updraft, or other dangers,)
there are a couple of techniques that are described in this chapter.
Warning: The described manoeuvres stress you paraglider more than normal and should only be performed for practise
or in a real emergency!

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B-Stall
Another very ecient descent method is the B-Stall. It allows for a rate of descent of 6 to over 9 meters per sec-
ond. 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 you hold the brakes in your hands at all times, pull them down progressively and
symmetrically. Hold this position. Your sail will stop ying forward, partially empty, and stabilize itself above your
head. Exit B-stall ight by returning the risers symmetrically into their original position.
We recommend not to simply let the risers snap shut as this puts a lot of pressure on the material. In the para-
graph titled “advanced handling”you can read what to do if you get caught unexpectedly in a stall.
Spiral Dive
Like a normal turn, it is very easy to get the FREE FORCE 3 into a spiral dive. The spiral dive gets you a descent rate up to
20 m/s. To prepare oneself in case of, practise it in optimum conditions. The diving spiral gets the pilot down faster than
other techniques and is therefore best suited for an emergency descent. They move down vertically within the airmass.
Don`t forget the G-forces when diving down, and take that into consideration before initiating a rapid descent.
WARNING: If initiation is too fast there is a danger of a spin, in this case release the brake an try a smoother initiation.
WARNING: Never y a spiral dive while“big earing” the glider. It is illegal aerobatics and may over stress the both pilot
and material.
Big Ears
Pull both on the outer A-risers one after the other (grab the line shackles) about 15-20cm to fold the wingtips. Whilst
holding the braketoggles together with the A-risers. The glider stays fully steerable and descents with 4-7m/s straight
forward. If you release the A-risers, the folded wingtips open automatically. Should there be any problem with the reo-
pening, you may pump the brakes gently.„Big earing“ is due to the high wingload a very stable ight condition and well
suited for turbulent air.
Be aware that you reduce the trimspeed, but that can be compensated by accelerating with your legs.
WARNING: Don`t y extreme manoeuvres in this conguration, it is dangerous due to the danger of overstressing your
glider. Fullstalls and spins are dangerous for a rapid descent because a wrong termination could have fatal consequenc-
es no matter what glidertype you are ying.
ALL KINDS OF RAPID DESCENTS SHOULD BE PRACTISED IN SMOOTH AIR AND WITH ENOUGH ALTITUDE
TO BE PREPARED FOR EXTREME SITUATIONS WHEN YOU NEED THEM!
G

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Maintenace and Care
Because U-Turn only uses high quality materials, your FREE FORCE 3 will be airworthy for many years if you take good
care. The aging of your FREE FORCE 3 depends on the total ying time, the conditions you y in, the amount of UV radia-
tion 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 after overloads (tree landings, water landings, etc.) for its strength and correct length to be checked and ex-
changed if necessary.
• in case of changing in ight handling characteristics, the lines 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 soft sponge.
If you use a detergent for hard stains, make sure that you rinse intensively afterwards. 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. After two years or 300 ighthours, whichever occurs rst, your FREE
FORCE 3 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.
U-Turn cannot be hold responsible for any 2-year inspection and any repairs
not performed by U-Turn or an U-Turn authorized dealer. Any checking or
repairing performed by people not authorized by U-Turn will cause denial of
any warranty!
GG

Safety Advices and Liability
This glider complies with EAPR, AFNOR (SHV and ACPUL) regulations, for the tested type, at time of de-
livery (see appendix).
The operation of the glider is at your own risk. The manufacturer and the dealer don´t take any liability
for accidents and follow on damages. Please consider all safety notes, cautions and warnings for safe
ying. Further, we assume that the pilot has the necessary certications and that the legal limitations are
being followed. Use of the equipment is at your own risk. Follow the safety instructions for a safe ight.
Special emphasis on following points:
• stick to the rules and regs of the country you y in
• required licenses and actual experience
• use only suitable, approved and certi$ ed accessories (helmet, harness, safety systems...)
• appropriate weather condition
• suitable terrain
• all required checks done and airworthiness of the glider
• personal shape of the pilot
• know your manual and stay within the published limits
G
Nature and environment friendly behaviour
Removal
We ask you to perform our sport in a manner, that impacts nature and environment with minimum
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.
The 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.
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