UP Ascent 4 User manual

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Owner's Manual
and Service Booklet
Serial Number: ____________________
The data and statements contained within this manual may be changed without prior notice. No
part of these documents may be copied or transmitted for any purpose in any manner or by any
means, either electronic or mechanical, without explicit written permission from UP International.
© 1995-2018 UP International
Version 1.0
Effective: 01/2018
Updated: 12/2017

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Table of contents
WELCOME IN OUR TEAM...........................................................................................................4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS............................................................................................................ 5
CORRECT BEHAVIOUR IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT .............................................5
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................ 5
LTF AND EN CLASSIFICATION......................................................................................................6
Target group and recommended flying experience...............................................................6
Necessary skills for normal flights........................................................................................6
Necessary skills for dealing with disturbances...................................................................... 6
Necessary skills for dealing with rapid descent methods......................................................6
Suitability for training............................................................................................................6
Recommended Takeoff weight.............................................................................................6
TECHNICAL DATA UP ASCENT4................................................................................................ 7
CONSTRUCTION .........................................................................................................................8
Front Section Support..........................................................................................................8
CANOPY MATERIAL .....................................................................................................................8
LINE MATERIAL...........................................................................................................................9
LINE SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................. 9
RISERS...................................................................................................................................... 9
UP BACKPACK......................................................................................................................... 11
Adjustment of the back pack.............................................................................................. 11
BEFORE THE FIRST FLIGHT.................................................................................................... 11
ADJUSTMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 11
Position of the brakes ........................................................................................................ 12
Speed system.................................................................................................................... 12
SUITABLE HARNESSES.............................................................................................................. 12
RESCUE SYSTEM......................................................................................................................13
USE OF THE UP ASCENT4......................................................................................................... 13
AEROBATICS............................................................................................................................13
MOTORISED PARAGLIDING ........................................................................................................13
FLIGHT PRACTICE AND SAFETY............................................................................................ 13
FLIGHT PRACTICE ................................................................................................................... 13
PRE-FLIGHT CHECK .................................................................................................................. 13
THE START PHASES.................................................................................................................. 14
SPEED CONTROL...................................................................................................................... 14
Using the brakes................................................................................................................ 14
Using the Speed System.................................................................................................... 15
TURNING ................................................................................................................................. 15
LANDING.................................................................................................................................. 15
WINCH TOWING........................................................................................................................15

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Attaching the towline release system................................................................................. 16
FLIGHT SAFETY........................................................................................................................ 16
THERMALS AND TURBULENCE ................................................................................................... 17
GETTING DOWN FAST................................................................................................................ 17
Steep Spiral Dive............................................................................................................... 17
B-Line Stalls....................................................................................................................... 17
Big Ears............................................................................................................................. 18
FLYING OUTSIDE THE NORMAL FLIGHT ENVELOPE ........................................................... 18
BEHAVIOUR IN EXTREME SITUATIONS ......................................................................................... 18
COLLAPSING THE PARAGLIDER .................................................................................................. 19
Asymmetric collapse..........................................................................................................19
Cravatte............................................................................................................................. 19
Full frontal collapse............................................................................................................19
THE STALLS ............................................................................................................................. 19
Deep Stall..........................................................................................................................20
Fullstall .............................................................................................................................. 20
Spin...................................................................................................................................20
WINGOVERS ............................................................................................................................21
EMERGENCY STEERING............................................................................................................ 21
FURTHER REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 21
Rain-induced deep stall......................................................................................................21
Adhesive logos .................................................................................................................. 22
Overloading....................................................................................................................... 22
Salt water........................................................................................................................... 22
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING............................................................................................. 22
TAKING CARE OF YOUR PARAGLIDER.......................................................................................... 22
Packing the wing................................................................................................................ 22
Paraglider fabric................................................................................................................. 23
Paraglider lines.................................................................................................................. 24
Storage and transport........................................................................................................ 24
CLEANING................................................................................................................................ 25
CHANGING FSS BATTENS......................................................................................................... 25
CHECKS AND REPAIRS........................................................................................................... 25
MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................................... 26
Airworthiness Check.......................................................................................................... 26
UP Craftsmanship.............................................................................................................. 26
Spare parts........................................................................................................................26
UP WARRANTY........................................................................................................................ 26
National warranty conditions.............................................................................................. 26
International UP warranty...................................................................................................26
CHECKING THE UP ASCENT4..................................................................................................... 27
SENDING THE UP GLIDER AND OTHER UP PRODUCTS..................................................................27
ATTACHMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 28
LINE PLAN................................................................................................................................ 28
SERVICE BOOKLET ................................................................................................................... 29

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Important
The following symbols are used to draw attention to particular sections:
WARNING!
Failing to comply with instructions given here may
lead to injury or death!
BEWARE!
Failing to comply with instructions given here may
cause undue wear to, or even damage your new
wing.
NOTICE
This pictogram indicates a tip or some helpful extra
knowledge.
Welcome in our team
Congratulations on the purchase of your new UP Ascent4. UP International is renowned across
the globe for designing and building the finest paragliders available –paragliders characterised by
maximum safety, performance and quality in every aspect.
Please take a little time to complete and send the reply card found in the back of this manual. This
way we can keep you informed of all new products and developments at UP, as well as any
technical information about the UP Ascent4.
We would also be delighted to hear any feedback you have concerning the glider. This is only
possible once we have received your product registration, either through completing and sending
the attached product registration card, or by doing the same online via www.up-
paragliders.com>service>product registration. Your completed product registration is also needed
should any warranty issues arise.
If you have any questions regarding your paraglider or auxiliary equipment please ask your local
dealer or feel free to contact us here at UP directly.
UP International GmbH
Kreuzeckbahnstraße 7
D-82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
[e-mail]
[phone]
Have fun with your new UP Ascent4!
UP International Team

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Safety instructions
Paragliding is an extremely demanding sport requiring the highest levels of attention, judgement,
maturity, and self-discipline. Due to the inherent risks in flying this or any paraglider, no warranty
of any kind can be made against accidents, injury, equipment failure, and/or death. This glider is
not covered by product liability insurance. Do not fly it unless you are personally willing to assume
all risks inherent in the sport of paragliding and all responsibility for any property damage, injury,
or death, which may result from use of this paraglider.
Please read this owner's manual thoroughly before your first flight with the UP Ascent4so that you
are fully acquainted with your new glider. This manual gives you information on the entire specific
and general flying characteristics of the UP Ascent4, but it does not replace attending a
paragliding school. It is important to note the following points:
at the time of delivery the UP Ascent4conforms to LTF NFL II-91/09 and EN 926-2:2014
requirements (see certification information later in this manual),
any changes being made outside the permitted range of adjustment invalidate any and all
claims under the warranty,
using this paraglider is exclusively at the risk of the user; the manufacturer or distributor
assumes no responsibility for accidents occurring while using it,
it is assumed that the pilot is in possession of the necessary qualifications and provisions of
any relevant laws are observed,
when reselling the wing please make sure you also give this manual to the new owner. The
manual is an integrated part of the paraglider and is required for the wing to keep its
certification.
Correct behaviour in relation to the environment
Paragliding is a particularly nature-friendly sport. This makes it all the more important that we as
paraglider pilots behave in a responsible way towards both the environment and the people
sharing it with us. We encourage you to treat nature with respect, to stay on marked hiking trails
when walking to takeoff or hiking out from an XC landing, to avoid unnecessary noise, to never
litter and to observe all local regulations.
Please also make sure to comply with legislation regarding protected areas, privately owned
property or hunting arenas –this ensures the least possible friction in relation to other users of the
great outdoors, to the benefit of both yourself and the sport as a whole.
Technical description
The UP Ascent4was built to fulfil the expectations to a modern, safe and fast entry-level wing. The
launching is excellent and the performance figures impressive.
As with all UP products, the materials used have been carefully chosen for their outstanding
quality and strength, to guarantee a long and trouble-free service life.
Further construction details, including line lengths, are included in the certification specification
sheets, which form part of this manual. Any technical changes will appear in the appendix.

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LTF and EN classification
The UP Ascent4is certified to the following classification in all sizes: LTF09/EN A
Target group and recommended flying experience
The UP Ascent4is recommended for pilots of all levels, from absolute beginners to cross country
pilots looking for a wing with a high passive safety margin. On a more general note, pilots flying
less than 15-20h/year are always recommended to stay within the EN A category.
Necessary skills for normal flights
Flying a wing in this class requires insight into the basics of paragliding; launching, steering,
landing. For thermal flying it is recommended that the pilot knows and understands active piloting.
Necessary skills for dealing with disturbances
The UP Ascent4is a very forgiving wing to fly, and any behaviour following turbulence-induced
disturbance will be within the wing’s class. This does not however mean that no skills are required
to fly the UP Ascent4; the pilot must always be trained to fly correctly.
Necessary skills for dealing with rapid descent methods
Knowing how to perform more demanding flight manoeuvres, like steep spirals, B-line stalls etc. is
important in order to be able to go and land quickly in case the conditions deteriorate. If you have
not been taught these skills we recommend acquiring them in a controlled environment, like a
safety training over water. This will also teach you to get the most out of your UP Ascent4in many
other regards.
Suitability for training
The UP Ascent4, being an entry-level wing, is very well suited for training.
Recommended Takeoff weight
The UP Ascent4is manufactured in five sizes. Each size is optimised for the middle of the weight
range, but can be flown anywhere within the weight range. In order to help you find the ideal size
for your weight we have compiled the following practical tips:
If your total takeoff weight is within the middle 1/3 of a size's weight range then this is the size for
you. In this range you will have the ideal compromise between dynamic handling and docile
behaviour. We recommend this wing loading especially for pilots mainly flying in flatland regions.
Pilots finding themselves in the middle, between two sizes need to approach the process
somewhat differently. Experienced pilots will generally know how they prefer to fly, i.e. if they like
to be heavy on their wing or rather would have a little buffer upwards, and will choose their size
accordingly.
Pilots with less experience are likely to prefer the somewhat damped reactions obtained from
flying at lower wing loadings –this speaks for choosing the larger of the relevant sizes.
And finally, pilots preferring more dynamic rides will want to load their wings up well, and will be
choosing a smaller size.

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Illustration 1: Overview
Technical Data UP Ascent4
Size XS SSM M L
Surface area flat [m²] 21,0 23,3 25,5 27,6 29,4
Surface area projected [m²] 18,3 20,3 22,2 24,0 25,6
Flat span [m] 10,1 10,6 11,1 11,5 11,9
Projected span [m] 7,9 8,3 8,7 9,0 9,3
Flat aspect ratio 4,8 4,8 4,8 4,8 4,8
Projected aspect ratio 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,6
Number of Chambers 34 34 34 34 34
Total line length incl. Brake [m] 279 296 312 321 334
Total # of lines incl.Brake 154 154 154 154 154
Glider weight [kg] 3,9 4,2 4,4 4,8 5,1
Takeoff weight [kg] 50-70 60-80 70-95 80-110 95-130
maximum symmetrical steering travel
at maximum weight [cm]
60 60 65 65 65
Accelerator travel [cm] 120 120 120 140 140
Number of risers (split A-risers) 3+1 3+1 3+1 3+1 3+1
Trimmer -----
LTF/EN Category AAAAA
Description
Basic

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FSS
Illustration 2: FSS
Construction
Most LTF 1 and EN A gliders never really leave the immediate surroundings of the school hill, and
for a good reason. On the one hand it is natural for a pilot fresh out of school to approach their
newfound passion with caution; on the other hand the reality of the poor-performing wings
generally sets in very quickly if a pilot ventures out on a glide into the relative unknown. We think
that the greater part of the UP Ascent4pilots will also be found in or around the school
environment, and we’re sure they’ll be having loads of fun there, but we also think it must be a
reassuring feel to know that should one feel the call of the mountains (steppes...) the glider is
technically and performance-wise up for it in every way, without compromising pilot safety in the
process. It is a glider that is simply begging to be discovered, a glider that showcases what is
possible with the latest advances in paraglider technology.
Front Section Support
UP was first with the Aerofoil Stabilising System, an idea
that has since been widely accepted in the industry. The
Ascent4 uses a modified version of the same, and we
have chosen to call this the FSS. Instead of Mylar® the
FSS comprises a Nylon® batten that defines the leading
edge curvature and helps keeping the cell opening open at
all times. This Nylon® batten is insusceptible to bending
damage and has no ageing properties –it will normally
outlast the rest of the canopy by a good margin. This
means that the UP Ascent4will retain its perfect launching
characteristics all through its service life. In the unlikely
event that a batten should break it can be replaced in a few
easy steps –please refer to the chapter “Replacing FSS
battens” for guidelines.
Canopy material
The UP Ascent4is sewn from polyamide cloth, which is particularly stretch-resistant and durable,
and is specially treated for maximum UV-resistance.
At UP we are always testing new materials to see if our wings can benefit from new developments
in the textile industry. After comprehensive tests we have settled on the following Porcher Marine/
Dominico material mix for the Ascent4:
Top sail: 9017 E25 "Skytex 38 Universal" (38 g/m²)
Bottom sail: DOKO-30DMF(WR)
Ribs and V-Tapes: 9017 E29A (40 g/m²)
This mix comprises the best compromise between weight/bulk and longevity.

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Line material
The lines used on the UP Ascent4are all sheeted Dyneema®- lines made by Edelrid and Cousin
in different diameters. A new manufacturing process in which the lines are pre-stretched makes
these lines particularly stretch-resistant, and they have little or no tendency to shrink. Their break-
load is noticeably higher than that of comparable Aramide lines, and unlike Aramide lines they are
completely insusceptible to bending-cycle damage.
Line system
The lines of each wing section consist of four groups and the brake lines:
A-Level: AI-AII
Split A-Level : AIII
B-Level: BI-BIII,STI
C-Level: CI-CIII
Brake lines : BRKI
The brake lines are collected at one main control line per side. This control line runs through a
pulley attached to the C-Riser and is marked with a black dot at the point where it should be tied
to the brake handle swivel. The brake is pre-set so that the glider is at 0 degree brake when the
toggle is free. Please don’t change the main brake lines without checking the new length carefully
at a suitable training hill before flying!
The line bundles (AI-II, AIII, B and C) are colour coded for easy identification and handling. All
main lines of each level are looped together and attached to delta quick links, which are
connected to the risers. The quick links have special line collectors to prevent lines slipping.
Risers
The split A risers and B risers are colour marked to improve ground handling and B-lining/Big
Ears.
AI-II and AIII Risers: Red
B Risers: Blue
C Risers: Black/no marking
In order to accommodate different pilot sizes the Ascent4risers are lenght-adapted to the canopy
size –XS, S and SM have shorter risers than M and L. This little detail improves the ergonomics
of the wing and makes all the different manoeuvres (b-line stalls, BigEars) more accessible to
every size of pilots, from the smallest to the tallest.
The speed system is optimised along the same lines. We use a very similar riser design for our
competition wings. They allow for very high top speeds with low sink values and give impressive
stability at high speeds. Once activated the speed system pulls simultaneously on the A's and B's.
This maintains the angle of incidence around the leading edge and causes only minimal influence
to the collapse resistance properties of the wing. Top speed is reached when the top pulley
touches the bottom pulley of the speed system, down near the karabiner.

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Riser length [mm] XS, S, SM
XS, S, SM
accelerated
M, L
M, L
accelerated
A I, II 480 370 520 490
A III 480 370 520 490
B I, II, III, STI 480 440 520 460
C III 480 480 520 520
C I, II 480 480 520 520
Accelerator travel (pulley on pulley) 0 120 0140