Windtech tonic - Manual (Page 12)

12
> weather to fly
If in doubt whatosoever about the weather and flying conditions, then do not launch!
Before going flying you should check the weather forecast & always ask more experien-
ced pilots about the conditions expected for the day. Never fly if there weather condi-
tions are unsuitable, especially with any of the following present or even threatening:
Strong wind; Rain; Thunderstorms; Cumulus Nimbus; or Cumulus Congestus. If you are
already in the air then get down safely before it's too late! Always be aware of the wea-
ther changing & if in doubt land as quickly as is safely possible.
Even though the TONIC is DHV 1 this is not a guarantee against flying in turbulent air.
Remember that even an airline jet can crash due to rotors and bad weather!
> emergency procedures
&
quick descent techniques
The following techniques are more advanced & should be practiced ONLY with qualified
radio supervision and adequate safety back up. Always be prepared and consider what
will happen if things go wrong! With enough altitude it is possible to safely master these
manoeuvres ready for the day you may need them for real!
More radical’s manoeuvres such as full stall, asymmetrical stall and flat spin are not des-
cribed in our manual. In order to perform these manoeuvres you should do a special
safety course with the correct instructor & over the water with a rescue boat standing
by, and all safety precations taken.
> bigs ears
Big Ears is the simplest descent technique & can be very useful for top landing.
Sit upright in your harness & with the brakes in your hands reach up to the OUTSIDE 'A'
line. Make sure that you have the correct line, and be careful not to pull down the whole
'A' riser on one side which could induce a collapse.
Once you are sure that you have the correct line pull out & down, and the tips of your
glider should fold under symmetrically.
You should be applying NO brake, as you could stall the wing in this way. Steering is done
by weigh-shift.
To recover, release the outer 'A' lines & the TONIC will return to normal flight.
> spiral dive
The Spiral dive is performed by starting a series of 360 degrees turns, gradually pulling
the inside brake harder and harder and weight shifting into the turn. Pull more inside
brake, and weight shift harder, for a faster spiral dive, but be careful not to stall one side
and enter a spin in this way. Ease off on the inside brake, and weight-shift less hard, to