3rd Year Special Annual Double Issue Vol 4 Issue 1 & 2 Jan - Apr 2 3rd Year Special Annual Double Issue Vol 4 Issue | Page 20

ground and,after
a safety period,
can sit down into his
harness. Unlike skydivers,
paragliders, like hang gliders,
do not “jump” at any time during this
process. There are two launching techniques
used on higher ground and one assisted launch
technique used in flatland areas:
Forward launch
In low winds, the wing is inflated with a forward
launch, where the pilot runs forward with the wing
behind so that the air pressure generated by the
forward movement inflates the wing.
It is often easier, because the pilot only has to run
forward, but the pilot cannot see his wing until it
is above him, where he has to check it in a very
short time for correct inflation and untangled lines
before the launch.
Reverse launch
In higher winds, a reverse launch is used, with
the pilot facing the wing to bring it up into a flying
position, then turning around under the wing and
running to complete the launch.
Reverse launches have a number of advantages
over a forward launch. It is more straight
forward to inspect the wing and check if the
lines are free as it leaves the ground. In the
presence of wind, the pilot can be tugged
toward the wing, and facing the wing
makes it easier to resist this force and safer in
case the pilot slips (as opposed to being dragged
backwards).
However,
the
movement
20
pattern is more
complex
than
forward
launch,
and the pilot has to hold
the brakes in a correct way
and turn to the correct side so he
does not tangle the lines. These launches are
normally attempted with a reasonable wind
speed, making the ground speed required to
pressurise the wing much lower.
The launch is initiated by the hands raising the
leading edge with the A’s. As it rises the wing is
controlled more by centering the feet than by use
of the brakes or C’s. With mid level wings (EN C
and D) the wing may try to “overshoot” the pilot
as it nears the top. This is checked with C’s or
brakes. The wing becomes increasingly sensitive
to the C’s and brakes as its internal air pressure
rises. This is usually felt from increasing lift of
the wing applying harness pressure to the
“seat of the pants”. That pressure indicates
that the wing is likely to remain stable when the
pilot pirouettes to face the wind.
The next step in the launch is to bring the wing
into the lift zone. There are two techniques for
accomplishing, this depending on wind
conditions. In light wind this is usually done
after turning to the front, steering with the feet
towards the low wing tip, and applying light
brakes in a natural sense to keep the wing
horizontal. In stronger wind conditions it is often
found to be easier to remain facing downwind
while moving slowly and steadily backwards into
the wind.
Vol 4 | Issue 1 |Jan - Feb 2019