Niviuk Hook 5 User Manual

Niviuk Hook 5 User Manual Manual pdf 9 page image

93. THE FIRST FLIGHT3.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACEFor the first flight we recommend going to your usual flying area and thata qualified instructor is present and supervising the entire procedure.3.2 PREPARATIONRepeat the procedures detailed in chapter 2 UNPACKING ANDASSEMBLY in order to prepare your equipment.3.3 FLIGHT PLANPlanning a flight before taking off to avoid possible problems later isalways a good idea.3.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LISTOnce ready, but before taking off, conduct another equipment inspection.Conduct a thorough visual check of your gear with the wing fully open, thelines untangled and properly laid out on the ground to ensure that all is inworking order. Be certain the weather conditions are suited to your flyingskill level.3.5 WING INFLATION, CONTROL, AND TAKE-OFFThe HOOK 5 comes up easily, without requiring additional energy, anddoes not overfly you. It is a straight-forward exercise, leaving enoughtime for you to decide whether to accelerate and take off or not.If the wind permits, we recommend a reverse launch, as this allows abetter visual inspection of the wing during inflation. In “strong” winds, thehook 5 is especially easy to control using this launch technique. Winds of25 to 30 km/h are considered strong for paragliding.Correctly setting up the wing on the ground before takeoff is especiallyimportant. Choose an appropriate location facing the wind. Position theparaglider in a crescent configuration to facilitate inflation. A clean winglayout will ensure a trouble-free take off.3.6 LANDINGThe HOOK 5 lands excellently, it converts the wing speed into lift at yourdemand, allowing an enormous margin of error. Wrapping the brake linesaround your hand to get greater braking efficiency is not necessary.3.7 PACKINGThe HOOK 5 has a complex leading edge, manufactured using a varietyof different materials and it must be packed carefully. A correct foldingmethod is very important to extend the useful life of your paraglider.It should be concertina-packed, with the leading edge reinforcements flatand the flexible rods stacked one on top of the other. This method willkeep the profile in its original shape and protect the integrity of the wingover time. Make sure the reinforcements are not bent or folded. It shouldnot be folded too tightly to avoid damage to the cloth and/or lines.At Niviuk we have designed the NKare Bag, a bag designed to assist youwith rapid packing which helps maintain the integrity of the leading edgeand its internal structures in perfect condition.The NKare Bag guides you through the folding process, allowing you toconcertina pack the wing with each rod on top of the other and then foldthe wing as required. This folding system ensures that both the fabric andthe reinforcements of the internal structure are kept in perfect condition.