Niviuk IKUMA P User Manual

Contents

Niviuk IKUMA P User Manual Manual pdf 13 page image

13when compared to a normal flight configuration.5.4 SPIRAL DIVEThis is a more effective way to rapidly lose altitude. Beware that thewing will experience and be subjected to a tremendous amount ofdescending and rotating speed (g-force), which can cause a lossof orientation and consciousness (blackout). This manoeuvre musttherefore be done gradually to increase one’s capacity to resist theg-force exerted on the body. With practise, a pilot will fully appreciateand understand it. Only practise this manoeuvre at high altitude and withenough ground clearance.To start the manoeuvre, first weight shift and pull the brake togglelocated on the inner side of the turn. The intensity of the turn can becontrolled by braking slightly on the outer brake toggle. A paragliderflying at its maximum rotating speed can reach –20 m/s, or theequivalency of a 70 km/h vertical descent, and will stabilise in a spiraldive from 15 m/s onwards. Good enough reasons to familiarise yourselfwith the manoeuvre and understand how to exit it.To exit this manoeuvre, the inner brake toggle (down side of the turn)must progressively be relaxed while momentarily applying tension to theouter brake toggle opposite to the turn. The pilot must also weight shiftand lean towards the opposite side of the turn at the same time.When exiting the spiral, the glider will briefly experience an asymmetricalacceleration and dive, depending on how the manoeuvre was carried out.Practise these movements at sufficient altitude and with moderation.5.5 SLOW DESCENT TECHNIQUEThis technique allows descent without straining the wing or pilot. Glidenormally while searching for descending (catabatic) air and begin to turnas if climbing in a thermal. Beware of potentially dangerous areas andlocate a suitable LZ (landing zone) while descending. Safety comes first!6. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS6.1 TOWINGThe IKUMA P is suitable for towing. Only a qualified tow operatorshould be in charge of operating a certified paragliding winch. Onthe tow, the wing should be inflated the same way used during a hill/mountain flight takeoff.6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHTAlthough the IKUMA P was tested by expert acrobatic pilots in extremesituations, it WAS NOT designed for acrobatic flight manoeuvres. DONOT USE THIS GLIDER for aerobatic manoeuvres. We define aerobaticflight as any form of piloting where the paraglider is placed in attitudesthat are not used in normal flight. To safely learn how to master aerobaticmanoeuvres, instruction must be undertaken at a certified school, underthe guidance of a qualified instructor and in a safe environment.A complete wing and line inspection should be performed every sixmonths, including repairs if necessary, to guarantee the integrity of theequipment. Extreme manoeuvres means you and your wing can beexposed to centrifugal forces that can reach 4 to 5 G.7. CARE AND MAINTENANCE7.1 MAINTENANCECareful maintenance of your equipment will ensure continued topperformance.