GIN Atlas - Manual (Page 12)

12
4. Flying the Atlas
We recommend that you first practice inflating your glider on a small training hill or flat ground.
Make your first flights with your new paraglider in gentle conditions on a familiar flying site.
Preparation for launch
Following a consistent method of preparation and pre-flight checks is vital for safe flying. We
recommend the following:
On arrival at the flying site, assess the suitability of the conditions: wind speed and
direction, airspace, turbulence and thermal cycles.
Inspect your glider, harness, reserve handle and pin, helmet and any other equipment.
Choose a sufficiently large take-off area with even ground and no obstacles.
Lay the glider out according to the planform, and get the lines and risers sorted out.
Put your helmet on. Secure yourself in your harness and don't forget the leg loops!
Connect the risers to your harness carabiners, ensuring there are no twists or loops
around the lines.
Connect the speed system to the risers with the Brummel hooks.
Do a final line check by pulling gently on the risers or lines to ensure there are no new
knots, tangles or interfering branches or rocks. Take extra care in nil or light winds.
Pre-flight check list
Reserve parachute: pin in and handle secure.
Helmet and harness buckles closed.
Lines free.
Canopy open and into wind.
Airspace clear.
Take off
The key to a successful launch technique is to practice ground handling on flat ground whenever
you can.
Light or Nil Wind Launch
The Atlas inflates steadily in nil-wind conditions. Simply guide the glider with the A-risers,
keeping your arms bent and hands at the level of the shoulders. Allow your arms to rise in an
arc and wait for the glider to inflate and come above your head - do not push the risers. There is
no need to pull the risers hard.
Run positively as the glider comes above your head. Be sure to
look up and check that the canopy is fully inflated before you take-off, and that there are no
tangles in the lines. If any irregularity should occur and you are not yet airborne, abort the
launch immediately by stalling the glider. On steep launches, stall one side of the glider and run
parallel to the hill.
If the glider should come up sideways, and the situation is recoverable, run towards the lower
side rather than trying to struggle against the force.