|
CHOICE OF CANOPIES |
|
When choosing a canopy for powered paragliding
there are a few criteria that are useful to bear in mind. |
1. SAFETY |
|
This above all should be at the top of any ones list of priorities. Powered
paragliding does not necessitate the use of high performance wings, as
staying in the air now is not directly related to minimizing drag, flying
fast between thermals and constantly searching for lift. It is these factors
that facilitate the use of low performance wings in powered paragliding.
Many a powered paraglider is and may be, safely flown with high performance
wings. It simply depends on what is available, cost and the requirements
from the respective pilot and skill level. |
2. LEGISLATION. |
|
Many countries have implemented rules governing the use of specific type
of wings. This in it`s self is not a bad thing as long as the motive behind
the legislation is safety and not a means of monopolising certain markets.
Certain countries have even ruled that only wings that have been tested
in that specific country may be flown. I live in a country where our local
market has revolved around gliders that have been copied of existing models.
We use the same material and in most instances a higher quality fabric
which is exported to other leading manufacturers. What this means is that
we can produce an identical wing at a fraction of the cost that other
countries can, yet because not all of them are rated ie passed
through a recognised testing facility, they are prevented from flying
in certain countries. There are however certain potential problems that
revolve around unethical rogue manufacturers placing unsafe wings on the
market.
2nd Hand Canopies ideal for powered
and non-powered
flight from R4000.
2nd Hand Paramotors also available |
3.LENGTH BEFORE HAVING TO UPGRADE |
|
I place much emphasis on this point. A student entering the sport
of motorised paragliding often has little or no idea of what equipment
he or she should be purchasing. A small minority also would like to
use the canopy for conventional paragliding when not flying motors,
which makes it fairly important to purchase the right size which will
accommodate both. In other words once the weight of the motor has
been removed, will the pilot still be in the recommended weight range
of the glider?? It is also important to purchase a wing that will
not require upgrading to another within a year. This will result in
unnecessary wastage of money and is totally avoidable with the correct
advice.
|
4. RECOMMENDED WINGS |
|
We have for a while now been exporting a glider called a PROFILE
This is an incredibly safe glider which has 12A`s been awarded by
the Acpul testing facility. During testing the glider is deliberately
put into various situations and depending how easily it recovers back
to stable flight patterns and how much pilot input is required, will
determine what rating it is given. Any rating of an A means it recovers
easily with minimum pilot input. It also means that theoretically
it should be allowed to fly in most countries. Shortly we will also
be launching another glider. This will also be rated as a beginner
/ intermediate wing and will be perfect for all motorised pilots entering
the sport. Looking at the glider specs provided one will find a wing
called the XTC. Although this wing has never been sent
for official testing it has been used for all new students entering
powered paragliding. It is made standard with trim tabs which allow
the wing to be slowed or speeded up while in flight depending on various
applications and speed bar attachments which facilitate the speeding
up of the wing should for example one require more speed. It`s
weight of 31,5 square metres makes it ideal for powered application.
I have also flown this wing during our central African expedition
with never any concern for it`s behaviour in turbulence. It is classified
as an intermediate wing, which means it is faster than a beginners
glider and will thus respond slightly differently and quicker, however
I believe there is no compromise in safety with new pilots entering
motorized paragliding. |
IMPORTED WINGS: |
|
Prodesign world class paragliders.
The only wings guaranteed worldwide with
a 3yr or 400 hr warranty.
The EFFECT (DHV! or 2 under speed bar) From
R17000 (Size dependent)
THE JAZZ (DHV 1/2) from R17400 Both made
from incredible light fabric allowing virtually nill wind reverse pull
ups!
TITAN (DHV2) for more advanced pilots. All
these ideal for paramotor pilots
EFFECT - The standard in DHV-1 class. The
relation of performance and safety never before was that good, like on
the Basic-Intermediate. The EFFECT is proving, that a wing which is considerably
forgiving a passive flying style, nevertheless can have incredible performance.
This high performance can be combined with perfect pitch stability because
of most modern, very costly sail cutting technology, which does not make
it necessary to "choke" the glider. Now you could think, that
these aerodynamic stability also results in a stable respectively undynamic
handling. - BUT the permanently improved typical construction details
make possible a high stability around the cross axis with well-balanced
roll characteristics around the longitudinal axis. The outcoming direct
handling is also new in this category.
EFFECT - Forgiving topperformance. Because of its high performance the
EFFECT is an Allround-glider for pilots who want to go without stress,
but not without fun and performance. For pilots with XC-ambitions we have
built in the HR-speedsystem. The speed increase as well as the relatively
low sink rate at accelerated flight are impressing. For the EFFECT the
DHV is certifying a maximum speed of 50 km/h!
EFFECT II - the superb Basis-Intermediate! DHV 1* (*DHV
1-2, Accelerated flight only)
The EFFECT II in comparison with the EFFECT features with;
smaller packing
lighter weight
easier launch
easier ground handling
more efficient Speed-System with less pressure
new color range
JAZZ - successor to the renowned Intermediate RELAX!
JAZZ -Intermediate DHV 1-2 |
|
|
JAZZ - by the use of a new lighter fabric
with special coating, by a newly developed profile, by optimising
the glider's shape and by the use of the partial V-rib construction
particularly only in the centre part of the canopy, outstanding features
result such as; very light weight of the glider best easy take-off
characteristics
easy, light and sporty handling optimum performance in the Intermediate
class
JAZZ - maximum possible in flight stability and safety!
Common to all - Technical innovations
Partial V-rib technology
Partial V-rib technology grants an optimum weight distribution to
the top surface with fewer line attachment points on the lower surface.
Reinforcement tape running span-wise near the trailing
edge reduces oscillation and allows for above average in-flight stability.
Ram-Air pockets at the inside of the leading edge
on the lower sail reduce disturbing vibrations and stabilise the glider
at high speed.
TETS-brake-line-attachments for more efficiency on
the brake-effect and optimising the tension on the trailing edge with
minimum brakelines necessary.
HR-Speed-System for a large speed-range and top performance
at high speeds
Differing line diameters/ Splitline
The special line concept with progressively differing diameters allows
for maximum overall strength and the lowest possible drag.
Another important new development is the new pre-stretched
and bend-insensitive Dyneema line. These highly durable lines have
an increased breaking strength while remaining consistent in length.
A special A-folding line for easily
doing big-ears is also standard. |
|
|
|
Featured
Product |
It's not just about Madness
Dave Briggs, a legend among enthusiasts of extreme events in South Africa. It's not just about madness is a rollicking account of various exploits, sometimes hilarious, sometimes hair-raising, told in episodic, campfire-tales style, to bring- as he puts it- some fun into our lives, while it also asks and answers, the question "Why?" So fasten your seat belt and enjoy the raw energy of a sometimes bumpy ride with a pilot who is equally ready to face the challenge of the mighty Colorado River as to express his own frank views on the world he sees around him.
|
|
An Insight into Powered Paragliding.
by David Briggs
Now available on disc and printable from most home PCs. With every purchase of this book you receive a free SkyTribe video.
|
Featured
Product |
Assemble your own Full Face Helmet.
(DVD)
Customized helmets for BMX, motor bikes, paragliding and hang gliding among many more uses. A step by step guide on how to assemble your own helmet designed for you. All templates available as printouts. We include a complete full colour guide to making your own syphon shaker with each purchase.
|
Featured
Product |
It's not just about Madness CD
Dave Briggs, a legend among enthusiasts of extreme events in South Africa. It's not just about madness is a rollicking account of various exploits, sometimes hilarious, sometimes hair-raising, told in episodic, campfire-tales style, to bring- as he puts it- some fun into our lives, while it also asks and answers, the question "Why?" So fasten your seat belt and enjoy the raw energy of a sometimes bumpy ride with a pilot who is equally ready to face the challenge of the mighty Colorado River as to express his own frank views on the world he sees around him.
|
|