GOLDEN II
Contents
1. gradient USER MANUAL Please read this manual carefully and keep its instruction in mind when using your GOLDEN II paraglider CONTENS 1 INTRODUCTION 2 DESCRIPTION OF PARAGLIDER 2 1 Technical description 2 2 Technical data 2 3 Specifications of materials 3 CERTIFICATION 4 ADJUSTING YOUR GLIDER 4 1 Break line lengths 4 2 Addition of speed system 5 FLIGHT OPERATIONS 5 1 Standard flight regime 5 1 1 Pre flight inspection 5 1 2 Launch 5 1 3 Flight 5 1 4 Landing 5 2 Fast descent 5 2 1 Big ears 5 2 2 B line stall 5 2 3 Spiral dive 5 3 Special flight operations 5 3 1 Collapse of one side of the sail 5 3 2 Frontal collapse of the canopy 5 3 3 Deep stall Sackflug 5 3 4 Full stall 5 3 5 Negative spin 6 MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE 7 REPAIRS 8 CONCLUSION 1 INTRODUCTION Congratulations on buying your new GRADIENT GOLDEN II After three years of popular acclaim excellent reviews and almost 2500 Goldens sold world wide Gradient is replacing the legendary Golden with a new glider the Golden Il the next generation in the DHV 1 2 category Our target is clear To create an even better glider that will satisfy a similar pilot sector keeping the comfortable well balanced flying characteristics of the original Golden but increasing the already high performance and safety margins This is our way for the Golden Il We believe that you will be very enthusiastic about your new glider in terms of its2. e practise reserve deployment on the ground in a simulator so that reserve deployment is automatic and efficient e Rapid altitude loss and considerable rotational forces may develop during unstable manoeuvres Take account of these factors in the context of reserve deployment 5 3 1 Collapse of one side of the canopy initiation Take hold of the outer A lines outer A riser on one side and pull them down smoothly The wing tip will collapse downward forming a characteristic big ear The size of the ear depends on the depth to which the lines are pulled as well as the number of lines pulled down You can stop any tendencies to turn by applying the opposite brake and by weight shifting onto the inflated side of the canopy recovery Under normal conditions GOLDEN II will re inflate spontaneously when the pulled lines are released The inflation time and loss of altitude can be reduced by suitable action of the pilot To stop any tendencies to turn off course pull brake on the inflated side be careful not to overreact and stall the inflated side and weight shift to that side If the collapse remains then re inflate the collapsed side by pumping the brake on the collapsed side to quicken the inflation 5 3 2 Frontal collapse of canopy initiation Take hold at the top of both A risers and pull them down until the leading edge collapses recovery In normal conditions GOLDEN Il recovers normal flight automatically as soon
3. Porcher Marine SKYTEX 9017 E38A Classic 40 g m RIDS caricati Porcher Marine SKYTEX 9017 E29A Hard finish 40 g m Reinforcements Scrim F 02 420 X15A 180 g m Dacron 160 g m Thread paghe Benar PES Suspension system LINES eric LIROS Dyneema DC 60 0 6 mm strength 68 daN LIROS Dyneema DC 120 0 8 mm strength 122 daN LIROS Dyneema DSL 70 0 95 mm strength 92 daN Edelrid Dyneema 7850 100 1 1 mm strength 125 daN Edelrid Dyneema 7850 130 1 3 mm strength 136 daN Edelrid Aramid 7343 140 1 3 mm strength min 140 daN Edelrid Aramid 7343 190 1 5 mm strength min 190 daN Edelrid Aramid 7343 230 1 8 mm strength min 230 daN Edelrid Aramid 7343 280 2 0 mm strength min 280 daN Risers ascoli Techni Sangles PAD 1 6 25 mm Thread PAV 9 PAD Pulleys AustriAlpin Parafly Riley Australia Carabiners Maillon Rapide 4 0 mm 3 CERTIFICATION GOLDEN Il have in all sizes a German certification DHV in the category DHV 1 2 GOLDEN II 22 under the number GS 01 1608 07 GOLDEN II 24 under the number GS 01 1607 07 GOLDEN II 26 under the number GS 01 1578 06 GOLDEN II 28 under the number GS 01 1579 06 GOLDEN II 30 under the number GS 01 1580 06 The DHV certificate of each GOLDEN Il is to be found on the rib in the middle of canopy The Certification is valid for all harnesses of ABS type This type of harnesses enables a cer
4. as the front risers are released Applying the brakes on both sides simultaneously can assist in re opening the paraglider 5 3 3 Deep stall sackflug initiation Pull both brakes smoothly until the sink rate increase markedly and the forward speed reaches almost zero The pull on the brakes should be controlled so that the canopy stays inflated and doesn t fall back into a full stall recovery GOLDEN Il cannot stay in this regime of deep stall flight so after the brakes are released the glider automatically and returns into normal flight If you need to you may accelerate the recovery of the glider by one of two methods Either you can pull both brakes intensely followed by a fast release of brakes or you can pull on the A risers lightly Caution If you pull on the A risers too intensely you may experience a frontal collapse of the leading edge 5 3 4 Full stall initiation Wind the control lines once or twice around your hands and pull both of them down smoothly Hold them down until the canopy falls behind the pilot and deforms into a characteristic crescent shape Hold your hands firmly press them against the seat and be careful that you do not release the brakes prematurely or asymmetrically recovery GOLDEN II recovers from a full stall automatically after brakes are fluently released During correct recovery from a full stall the GOLDEN shows no extreme tendencies such as a strong surge in front of the pilot In the
5. case of the brakes being released prematurely or too quickly there is a possible tendency for the glider to surge ahead of the pilot This can be corrected for by adequate braking on both sides simultaneously Caution It is common that when brakes are released asymmetrically a massive asymmetrical collapse may arise followed by a tendency to enter a spin 5 3 5 Negative spin initiation Slow down by braking to nearly minimum speed Then pull a brake on one side all the way down while simultaneously releasing the brake on the other side Because the stalled side falls back the canopy suffers air flow separation over one half of the wing which results in a spin and a rapid loss of altitude recovery Under normal circumstances GOLDEN II is capable of recovering from a negative spin automatically when brakes are released Caution In general when there is a very fast or a long lasting rotation and when the brakes are released too quickly the canopy may shoot in front of the pilot followed by a massive asymmetrical collapse Warning In all regimes where the air flow is separated there is always a rapid increase in sink rate and therefore a substantial loss of altitude And remember A wrong manoeuvre at the wrong time may change a fairly easy situation into a dangerous problem and furthermore you are exposing your glider to forces which may damage it So practise your pilot abilities for these special flight regimes only under the supe
6. dive the pilot and glider will experience strong centrifugal forces the overload could be more than 3 g which is a great demand on the pilot The glider is strained just as much initiation Smoothly pull on one brake so that the the glider goes from a normal 360 turn into a steep turn and from there into a spiral dive The transition into a spiral dive can be made easier by weight shifting to the inner side of the turn Keep an eye on the tension of the control line all the time reduced tension signalises an overload of the glider and danger of falling into a negative spin recovery GOLDEN Il recovers from a spiral automatically as soon as the brakes are released Release them smoothly and always finish a spiral dive with safe altitude Caution be sure that your position in the harness is neutral Recovery from spiral dive could be delayed by weight shifting to the inner side of the turn 5 3 Special flight regimes No matter what category of canopy you fly or what level of certification it has in turbulence or in strong thermals you may experience all kinds of collapses GOLDEN Il behaves comfortably in these situations indeed not only does GOLDEN Il deal with extreme flight regimes automatically but also offers an above average degree of safety Even so you must follow all safety rules when practising special flight operations and always pay attention to your altitude Before performing special flight regimes remember
7. flight characteristics and construction GOLDEN II is classified as an intermediate paraglider DHV 1 2 and therefore is meant for the widest flying public from fresh pilot licence holders to the long time experts who for some reason don t fly often and therefore require not just high performance but also exceptional safety from their paragliders This manual provides information which will help you fly safely and keep your wing in good condition If after reading this booklet you have any further questions or uncertainties please do not hesitate to contact our company or any authorised GRADIENT dealer and we will gladly answer all your questions When you have become familiar with your new GOLDEN II we would welcome any feedback that you might have about your new paraglider 2 DESCRIPTION OF PARAGLIDER 2 1 Technical description e GOLDEN Il has a new elliptical ground plan with a slight positive contortion of the leading edge This means that the ears stabilo of the canopy are slightly swept back in flight This modern design gives a number of advantages e The Golden Il has a new airfoil section to meet the requirements of an optimal balance between performance and stability The airfoil s maximum relative thickness is about 17 and its characteristics were defined so as to deliver maximum stability over as wide a speed range as possible e Special focus has been given to the position area and shaping of the cell openings
8. to ensure high stability over a very wide speed range angle of attack Graduated sized cell openings help to reduce the air movements and aid pressure distributions within the glider e For better distribution of force within the canopy diagonal segmented rib technology is used The forces in the wing are carefully calculated and balanced to give a flawless sail presentation and an intuitive feel to the flying The special three level line concept with progressively differing diameters has the top level lines made from a special very strong dyneema Liros DC All that lines have the advantage of splice loops giving maximum overall strength durability and the lowest possible drag Four rows of lines A B C D are used for the upper suspension system Suspension lines of rows C and D combine into main lines so a system of three carrying risers can be used This method helps to reduce drag and gives maximum simplicity which pilots will appreciate especially during the pre flight checks and on launch GOLDEN II is certified to be flown with a foot operated speed system The standard speed system comprises two pulleys for each side with a working range of 15 cm Gradient has paid attention to details too with new low drag micro attachment points on the wing tips and a new rucksack inner bag and riser bag etc 2 2 Technical data GOLDEN II 22 24 26 28 30 Rida aaae 22 39m 24 21 m 26 56 m 29 24m 31 63 m Span seie reeet 10 94m 11 38
9. ber line fixation rings on the small karabiners When repairing your paraglider on your own keep the following rules e When repairing the sail use self adhesive patch specified for this purpose To every GOLDEN Il the manufacturer encloses an amount of self adhesive material which is enough for usual repairs during the usage of your paraglider e The only admissible repairs done on lines are those where the damaged lines are changed for new ones exclusively supplied by the manufacturer of GOLDEN Il authorised dealer or service When putting an order for lines use code indicators given in the attached diagram of suspension lines Also give the indicator G Il GOLDEN II and the size of the canopy of your glider i e GII 24 G II 26 G Il 28 G II 30 followed by the line code for example the outside long line in row A for GOLDEN II 28 GIl28A 1 3 e An exception is changing a control line in the terrain For this purpose the manufacturer encloses a spare line with every GOLDEN Il with a prepared loop on one end The right length should be adjusted according to the same line on the opposite side of the canopy and then attach your break handle As soon as you can yourself swap the line for an original one from your authorised GRADIENT service centre e After any changing of lines a thorough pre flight check must be done Don t hesitate to ask your instructor or an experienced colleague for help If you re not sure entrust the job to
10. either the manufacturer or an authorised GRADIENT dealer e f you have to replace any of the line tidy rings a spare ring is supplied with each GOLDEN II Don t forget to check that the lines haven t been swapped accidentally and that they are returned to the small karabiner in the correct order MIDDLE OF GOLDEN II system of suspesion THE CANNOPY 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 6 3 7 3 8 3 9 3 10 3 11 3 12 WII 1 2 3 1 3 2 7 3 4 4 3 5 3 6 3 7 3 8 P 3 12 Yy 2 2 2 4 ROW B 1 1 1 2 DA S 1 1 Su i 4 35 3 6 3 7 3 8 ave 3 11 3 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 BREAKS R Cee ee ee eee 8 CONCLUSION Even though GOLDEN Il has outstanding performance and stability it must be understood that even the safest paraglider is an aircraft and that all air sports can be relatively dangerous Remember that your safety lies in your own hands and that lucky pilots are well prepared pilots Never underestimate weather conditions and never forget that you are flying for pleasure and not to become a fallen Hero Remember this and the fun that only free flying can bring will be yours We believe that your sensible attitude and the flight characteristics of your GOLDEN Il will combine to ensure you Fantastic flying GRADIENT wishes you many fabulous flights and happy landings ONDREJ DUPAL VACLAV SYKORA
11. essive A harness with fairly loose cross bracing facilitates turning In an emergency i e a torn control line can be manoeuvred by steering with the rear risers or by weight shift Using the speed system Maximum speed is one of the strong points of GRADIENT paragliders and the GOLDEN II is no exception Not only has it got a very high maximum speed but unlike some other paragliders the full speed range is useable In spite of this exceptional stability at high speed don t forget that any collapse at full speed will be more sever than the same event experienced at normal trim speed Always keep both hands on the controls when flying fast in turbulence and be ready to release the speed system immediately at the first signs of a collapse Use the speed system very carefully or not at all at low altitude 5 1 4 Landing Landing with GOLDEN II is very simple and without difficulties On your first flights you may be surprised at just how well it glides Take account of this when making your landing approach Against a wind at about 1m above the ground you may pull down the brakes all the way Under zero wind conditions or if forced to make an emergency landing down wind you may prefer to take a wrap of each control line so as to enable a more dynamic flare 5 2 Rapid descent Every pilot will sooner or later be in a position when he she has to quickly decrease his her altitude This situation may come about as the result of a sudden and unex
12. he canopy and its lines before the actual launch Take off can be made easier by a light pull on the brakes 5 1 3 Flight When the brakes are loose GOLDEN Il is trimmed to fly at best glide angle The best sink rate is produced with both the control lines drawn down evenly to about 20 25 of their range Flying in turbulent conditions When flying through severe turbulence it is recommended that the canopy is stabilised by simultaneously applying a little brake to both sides Flying with a little brake applied will also help to prevent deflations and allow you to get more feedback from your glider about how the turbulent air influences the behaviour of your paraglider Responding correctly to the paraglider s movements by means of the breaks and weight shift is known as active flying A pilot demonstrating good active flying skills will significantly reduce both the number and severity of collapses he or she experiences Turning The GOLDEN Il is very comfortable and pleasant in turns The handling characteristics are very responsive and accurate and demand no special habits or non standard procedures When developing the GOLDEN II special attention was devoted to the control forces required to manoeuvre the paraglider The result is that the break travel and force has been optimised In flight the control forces firm but responsive and precise and allow for a perfect communication with the canopy Break pressure is reassuringly progr
13. he opening may be accelerated by gentle repeated braking symmetrically on both sides slightly pumping the breaks 5 2 2 B line stall This flight technique is a very effective way of making a rapid descent Depending on how much the B risers are pulled down the sink rate is between 5 and 10 m s initiation Take hold of the B risers at the top and smoothly pull them down until the canopy shows a span wise crease where the the B lines attach to the sail Your sink rate will increase considerably while your forward speed will decrease to practically zero Don t be startled when the air flow over the top surface is detached and the canopy enters a parachutal stall without moving forward It will soon stabilise above your head recovery On releasing the B risers GOLDEN Il automatically returns to normal flight without staying in deep stall sackflug or shooting in front of the pilot Let go of the risers smoothly and symmetrically Caution If the B risers are released unevenly the canopy could enter a turn on release from the B stall If the risers are released slowly and very unevenly it could start a spin 5 2 3 Spiral dive The spiral dive is the most effective way of making a fast descent Every pilot should be able to perform a spiral dive and one day you may need to Always be aware of your altitude which decreases very rapidly during a spiral dive The sink rate reached in a spiral dive can be more than 15 m s During the spiral
14. le of this range when you attach your speed stirrup 5 FLIGHT OPERATIONS This manual is intended as a guide to the characteristic features of your new GOLDEN Il paraglider Under no circumstances should it be as a learn to fly manual for paragliding or as a substitute for a paragliding pilots training course 5 1 Standard flight regime 5 1 1 Pre flight check A thorough pre flight check is essential for safe flying and that s why you should pay special attention to it Above all you should check that the canopy lines and risers are free from damage and tangles Also don t forget about your harness and your reserve parachute Before the launch spread the canopy out into a slight arc and check that all cell openings are free no lines are looped around or under the canopy no lines are tangled or have a knot on them any twigs grass or other objects are not entangled in the lines or the canopy risers are not twisted control lines run freely through the pulleys knots on control handles are secure carabiners on risers are tightened 5 1 2 Launch Launching the GOLDEN II is straight forward either by front launch or by reverse launch A dynamic pull of the front risers A red colour will bring the canopy simply and easily above the pilot s head The canopy inflates from the centre equally and fluently GOLDEN II has no tendencies to outrun the pilot and quickly stabilises above the pilot Don t forget about visually checking t
15. m 11 91m 12 50m 13 00 m Aspect ratio 5 35 5 35 5 35 5 35 5 35 Projected surface area 19 68 m 21 28m 23 34 m 25 70m 27 79m Projected wingspan 9 25m 962m 10 07m 10 57m 10 99 m Projected Aspect ratio 4 35 4 35 4 35 4 35 4 35 Maximum depth 2 54 m 2 64 m 2 6m 2 90m 3 02m Minimum depth _ 0 58 m 0 60 m 0 63 m 066m 0 69m No of cells a a 50 50 50 50 50 Max line length B 6 67 m 6 94 m 7 27 m 7 63m 7 94m Line consumption 316 8m 3294m 345 0m 362 0m 376 5m Weight sessirnir 4 6 kg 5 0 kg 5 4 kg 5 8 kg 6 2 kg Min pilot weight 60 kg 70 kg 80 kg 90 kg 105 kg Max pilot weight 75 kg 90 kg 100 kg 115 kg 130 kg DHV category 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Trim speed 37 km h 37 km h 37 km h 37 km h 37 km h Max speed 50 km h 50 km h 50 km h 50 km h 50 km h Min sink rate 1 0m s 1 0m s 1 0m s 1 0m s_ 1 0 m s Gliding ratio 8 8 8 8 8 Pilot weight is the weight of the pilot including equipment and paraglider 18 25 kg The performance data are purposely for information only and by no means should serve for comparing to the other wings 2 3 Specifications of materials Canopy Upper Sail Porcher Marine SKYTEX 9092 E85A Evolution 45 g m Porcher Marine SKYTEX 9017 E38A Classic 40 g m Bottom Sail
16. nnecessary exposure to sunlight UV rays can damage many parts of a paraglider Try not to pack your glider when wet If there s no other way then dry it as soon as possible but away from direct sunlight Be careful to avoid storing your canopy wet this is the most common reason for cloth degradation which you can easily prevent Don t let your glider come into contact with sea water If it does rinse the lines canopy and risers with fresh water and dry before storing After flight or when storing always use the inner protection sack When storing or during transport make sure your glider isn t exposed to temperatures higher than 50 degrees Celsius Never let the glider come into contact with chemicals Clean the paraglider with clean lukewarm water only For long term storage don t pack the glider too tightly and store it in a cold dry and well ventilated room After tree or water landings always examine the glider carefully If you suspect that the flight features of your paraglider have changed contact the nearest authorised GRADIENT supplier as soon as possible After 200 flying hours or after 2 years at the latest your GOLDEN II must be thoroughly checked and tested by the manufacturer 7 REPAIRS Only small repairs may be done by the user which means repairs that don t change the airworthiness of the paraglider Among these are fixing small tears besides seams up to 10 cm changing damaged lines or the change of rub
17. pected change in the weather Reaching cloudbase and not wishing to enter the disorientating cloud or simply because you need to finish your flight quickly Also if the landing approach takes place through thermals it is often very difficult to finish your flight without a rapid descent method being employed There are three main methods for achieving a rapid descent and they are Big ears B stall and Spiral dive Practise your pilot abilities for these special flight regimes only under the supervision of your instructor and with a reserve parachute always pay attention to all aspects of security in flight 5 2 1 Big ears This is the easiest technique for a rapid descent Depending on how much of the wing tip you deflate 3 to 6 m s sink rate can be achieved While in big ears your sink rate and forward speed can be further increased by using the speed system GOLDEN II can also be steered in big ears by means of weight shift initiation Take hold of the outer A lines outer A riser on both sides as high as possible and pull them down fluently and hold them firmly The effective area of the paraglider is reduced equally on both sides of the wing The size of the deflated area depends on how deeply the lines are pulled down or on the number of lines pulled one or two outer lines on both sides Be sure to pull both sides equally recovery Under normal circumstances GOLDEN II opens automatically when the A lines are released T
18. rvision of your instructor and with a reserve parachute 6 MAINTANENCE AND STORAGE If you handle your glider with care and store it in a suitable place it can last you a very long time On the other hand neglecting maintenance bad storage and the use of unsuitable cleaning products can reduce the lifetime of your glider significantly or may even make a dangerous subject out of it You must keep to these rules e Choose a suitable area for your launches Lines caught on roots or rocks lead to unnecessary strains on the attachment tabs during inflation Snagging lines may rip the canopy tissue or damage lines e When landing never let the canopy fall on its leading edge in front of the pilot The effect of these forceful collisions and the sudden pressure increase can severely damage the air resistant coating of the canopy as well as weakening the ribs and seams Protect the canopy from unnecessary strain Inconsiderate handling of your glider namely pulling it over grass soil sand or even over rocks will significantly reduce its lifetime and increase its air porosity When preparing the paraglider for a launch or when ground handling be sure not to step on any of the lines or the canopy Don t tie any unnecessary knots in the lines A packing method where special knots are made in the lines as used on parachutes and reserve parachutes aren t suitable for packing the lines used on paragliders Protect your canopy and lines from u
19. tain degree of adjustment to be made to the length of the waist strap 42 cm is the recommended distance between the karabiners The following point applies to the GOLDEN II in common with all other paragliders When loosened cross bracing is used the pilot s weight shift control is greater The glider is also more sensitive to the movements in the surrounding air When the cross bracings are tighter the pilot feels subjectively more stable but turning by weight shifting is practically ineffectual NOTICE Paraglider GOLDEN II is constructed for hill or tow launches Use of subsidiary motor has not been tested for by the manufacturer or by the DHV THIS GLIDER IS NOT MEANT FOR JUMPING FROM A PLANE BALLOON OR FOR JUMPS WITH A BELATED OPENING OF THE CANOPY 4 ADJUSTING YOUR GLIDER Every GOLDEN Il before it is given to a customer goes through a final check up and test flight to verify that its characteristics and measurements correspond to the manufacturer s specifications You may only make adjustments to the break line lengths or to the speed system of your GOLDEN II and only then in keeping with the recommendations of this manual Other adjustments or changes to your GOLDEN II lead to a loss of guarantee airworthiness and validity of the Certification DHV amateur modification may endanger yourself and other pilots If you do have any suggestions on improvements let us know and our test pilots will try out your ideas without risk to yo
20. urself 4 1 Brake line adjustment When you receive your new GOLDEN II the brake line length is adjusted to be the same as that used during the DHV tests This length should suit most pilots and is indicated on the main control line It is of course possible to adjust the break line length to suit each pilot s physical build height of harness hang points or style of flying We recommend that you act wisely when adjusting break line length Break lines that are too short may 1 lead to fatigue from flying with your hands in an unnatural position 2 impede recovery from certain unstable manoeuvres and 3 will certainly reduce your glider s speed range Brakes that are too long will a hamper pilot control during launch b reduce control in extreme flying situations and c make it difficult to execute a good flare when landing Each break line should be tied securely to its control handle Only use knots which will guarantee this such as a dragon s knot etc 4 2 Addition of speed system GOLDEN Il is equipped with a very effective foot operated speed system as standard Pressure on the foot stirrup shortens the A and B risers and by this reduces the angle of attack of the canopy Thanks to the relative lengths of lines C and D near the trailing edge the profile is inclined in a way that preserves the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing The working range of the speed system pulleys is 15 cm Make sure you can utilise the who
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