User Manual
Contents
1. Anti cravat line support at wing tips Diagram GT LD2 Centre keel weight shift 2 3 What your new Action GT wing comes with The Glider User manual Paramania Ruck sack reversible normal or field Stuff sack amp compression strap Speed barBasic repair kit Paramania T Shirt Helmet stickers amp mini wind socks x2 2 4 Setting up the controls Hang check The following is best carried out by an instructor or at the very least an experienced motor pilot Before flying your Action GT with a motor unit we recom mend that you do a static hang test This is done by hanging your motor unit from an appropri ate structure from the wing attachment points by using a strong rope or strap then by sitting in the harness get an assistant to measure up the risers from the hang points up The aim is to make sure that you the pilot are able to reach the brakes whilst in flight Allowances should also be made for the wind blowing the toggles out of reach The Revolutoin s risers are shorter than most conventional paragliders which reduces the potential problem Brake line lengths Action GT brake lines are clearly factory marked in two places The risers have a secondary lower pulley system to allow for high hang point power units These brake positions should need no adjustments see diagram GTR1 for details Higher hang points require longer brake lines lower hang point s shorter ones Note we recommend that brakes are not2. 10364 mm 4 75 25 80 Sq metres 8172 mm 5 4 CEN Data Label copy 6 SUMMARY We would like to stress again the points made in Section 1 of this Manual The Action GT Powerglider Manual is subject to continuous updating To assist us in our quest for perfection we would appreciate any input that you the customer may contribute towards future ver sions Please don t hesitate to contact us to let us know your views From the Paramania Team Wishing you many hours of flying fun on your Action GT Powerglider Contact TEAM PARAMANIA Web Site www flyparamania com E Mail info flyparamania com
3. Reflex technology in soft wings since designing the original Reflex wing in 1994 His experience has given him and the Paramania team the ability and insight to design wings that consistently bring new technology to the foreground The Action GT is no exception It is the first of a new species of bird a hybrid a powerglider which can change into a paraglider It is two completely different types of wing in one We love it and know you will enjoy it congratulations for choosing the very latest in reflex technology The Action GT Note The Action GT is a high end quality product As such it has been fully inspected firstly by the factory and secondly by your local Paramania dealer Should you not be entirely satisfied with your Paramania Powerglider Please contact your dealer directly And if you re happy contact them anyway 1 2 Pilot skill level recommendations As pilots we feel that you are likely to continue growing into this wing for several years The Action GT can adapt to suit a full range of conditions and types of flying its pilots wish Basically to fully understanding and appreciate exactly what this wing is capable of You the pilot in control may also need to adapt For this reason Paramania recommends that to fly the Action GT a minimum level of pilot experience of at least 50hrs and one full year s season of flying is desirable amp The purpose of this manual is to help you understand so please read c
4. at the faster settings The extra speed involved means a higher energy recoveries The exact trim position where the Action GT changes over its rating category is clearly outlined in the diagrams See GTR 02 for details Itis the same for all current sizes Remarkably the Action GT has a huge and relatively safe speed range nearly 3 75 times greater than its stall speed compared with most air craft that only have between 2 3 times With the trimmers fully off the wing s speed and stability increases and hence its ability to cut through turbulence and go places improves On faster trim or speed bar settings brake pressures generally increase and weight shift or a wing tip stabiliser be comes more effective On the slower settings sink rate improves and handling becomes lighter enabling you to make best use of thermal cores Whilst giving you an improved climb rate and shorter slower take offs and landings See diagram RTR below describing differences in turning radii For correct usage first study the GTR diagrams 1 2 amp 3 showing trim and speed bar movement as well as speed bar hook ups The diagrams also show you the effect on the wing shape relative to the different settings as well as the Center of Pressure changes CP showing differing levels of stability At all speed settings the differential application of both brakes while banking allows you to make very effective turns by increasing the lift to assist the turn when the l
5. own wake or that of others especially at low altitude It is unwise to fly hands off below about 100m AGL as an engine failure below this height may require you to make immediate control inputs to set up a landing approach Never rely on the engine it may cut out at any moment Always fly as if it will so fly the wing NOT the motor Except for collision avoidance making a sharp turn against the torque effect during steep climbs can be dangerous you may rapidly stall and enter a spin Avoid downwind low flying it drastically reduces your options Be sensitive to mechanical problems early A noticeable change in engine tone or a new vibration may spell trouble Land and check it out Make sure your navigation is up to the job Remember not everyone enjoys your engine noise Care must be taken when flying near livestock 4 Care and maintenance The safety and life span of any aircraft however well designed built and flown depends in the end upon how well it is cared for Confidence in your equipment and the quality of its maintenance is essential to good flying Even a product as well engineered and carefully constructed as the Action GT can quickly deteriorate if neglected or abused The better you look after your wing the better it will look after you 4 1 Basic Care As with any paraglider the basic rules for looking after your Paramania wing are Keep it Cool Prolonged exposure to excessive heat in places li
6. wing common to all paramotors the extent of the power management required is critically dependent on your set up and flying ability Power induced Oscillations Certain combinations of weight power and propeller size can cause oscillation where the torque and gyro effects lift the pilot to one side you then drop back only to swing up again To counter this you can Alter the throttle setting and or Adjust the torque strap if fitted and or Shift your weight in the harness Weight shift is the best counter Oscillations usually occur on high power settings more power and a larger propeller causes more effect It could be that your control inputs are amplifying the oscillation In this case throttling back a little and flying hands off should take care of the problem It is quite common for less experienced pilots to be too busy on the controls this is referred to as pilot induced oscillation and the simple answer is stop moving your hands 3 2 d Level Flight On reaching a safe height after take off and if you wish to go cruising turn on to your chosen heading reach up and release the trimmers if on a slow setting and if you like let go of the brakes completely If conditions are very rough you may wish to keep hold of them however the Action GT is even more stable at higher speeds so we suggest you let go and enjoy the flight Note All paramotors should have adequate netting to prevent toggles entering propellers whilst i
7. 29 POVVERGLIDERS ee REFLEX Contents Introduction 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 Paramania Action GT Powerglider Owner s Manual V1 Pilot level requirements About the Action GT FAQ s About this manual About the Action GT 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 Designers definition Construction What your new Action GT powerglider comes with Setting up the controls Flight Operations 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 5 Flying with and without a motor Flying Under Power 3 2 a Forward Launching the Action GT in Nil Wind 3 2 6 Reverse Launching in Stronger Winds 3 2 The Climb Out 3 2 d In Flight controls 3 2 e Using the Trimmers and Speed Bar Landing 3 3 a Power off Landings 3 3 0 Power on Landings Advanced manoeuvres Golden Rules Care amp Maintenance Basic Care Periodic Maintenance Repairs Care and maintenance of your power unit Technical Data 5 1 diagrams GTD1 GTD2 GTD3 5 2 Lining tables amp diagrams GTLDO1 GTLT28m GTLT26m GTLT23m amp GTLT41m 5 3 Technical Specifications table GTSP01 5 4 Data Labels Summary 1 1 Introduction Paramania feels privileged that through its products the Reflex MK1 amp 2 the Action and Revolution to have progressively im proved levels of safety speed and performance for our sport paramotoring Our designer Mike Campbell Jones has worked to develop
8. 6mMid cell n26m GT Prim 26m Csecc 26m Colour code lengths 96 s number of lines 0 0 4 0 0 13 0 0 51 0 0 99 stitcl excess lo total line on the win 0 mm 0 Lines Notes TE RINGS mounted at centre of tailing edge panels see 3d drawi Brake line tabs mounted to the middle of each odd numbered panel Action GT 28m lines V10 M C J 26 4 06 VER REV8 UPDATED 09 May 06 28m G1 Action GT 28m lines V10 M C J 26 4 06 VER REV8 UPDATED 09 May 06 Brake lines E s prime 28m secor 28m thirta 28m GT 28m Mid cell nu 28m Prima Seconda Colour code materials TOTALs lengths 96 sewin number of lines 0 o 4 0 0 13 0 0 51 0 0 99 167 stitching total line on the wing complete win 0 mm 0 Notes TE RINGS mounted at centre of tailing edge panels see 3d drawing Brake line tabs mounted to the middle of each odd numbered panel Technical Data for Paramania Action GT 66 cells 23 5 Sq metres 2625 mm 541 mm 1983 mm 11680 mm 5 89 9425 mm 4 75 22 01 Sq metres 7429 mm 470 mm 420 mm 65 135 Kg 55 80 Kg 7 2 Kg 19 cms 66 cells 26 04 Sq metres 2763 mm 569 mm 2070 mm 12186 mm 5 89 9825 mm 4 75 24 Sq metres 7820 mm 470 mm 420 mm 75 155 Kg 65 100 Kg 8 Kg 19 cms 66 cells 28 04 Sq metres 2973 mm 600 mm 2163 mm 12733 mm 5 89
9. P1UK copywrite Mike Campbell Jones 22 6 06 Why a parafoil wing with reflex is more stable in pitch A standard aircraft configuration Stabilising force elevates Fuselage Angle of attack A paraglider with a Reflex wing section AIR FLOW A standard paraglider Stabilising force Elevator Note As well as a built in elevator a reflex wing section naturally has the centre of aerodynamic forces centre of pressure closer to the LE further contributing to stability lt Pendular stability Pilot mass Pendular stability RP2 UK copywrite Mike Campbell Jones 22 6 06 Why a parafoil wing with reflex is faster MOT standard paraglider A paraglider with a Reflex wing section Whilst sink rate is reduced not a problem with power the glide and efficiency at speed is improved because the area flown on has an effective higher aspect ratio which gives a flatter polar curve Eg Reflex wing sections more stability and efficiency at higher speeds Note Some of the latest developments in reflex technology are in the control of the elevator area using intricate systems that improve slow speed flight characteristics so giving the best of both worlds with a wider range of speed and performance 1 2 About this manual The purpose of this manual is to offer guidelines to the pilot in the use of the Paramania Action GT powerglider and is in no way intended to be used as a t
10. We recommend that when the wing is laid out that all the lines are at full length with little or no slack between wing and pilot Then pull the brake lines in to ensure that the middle inflates first The Action GT is easily inflated by using A riser s only When launching simply move forward from this position pulling on the A risers whilst keeping the pressure balanced between each side meaning the tension on the A risers The glider shows little or no tendency to dive overhead so frontal collapses which so often lead to failed launches are rare Instead the glider almost waits for you to catch up with it Note Too forceful a pull on the A s may crumple the leading edge and hinder the launch Indeed in certain trim positions the Ac tion GT requires no pull at all just accelerating forward movement only See GTR 02 for ideal Take off trim position details Reverse launch Yet again the glider is very easy to launch because it does not over shoot so the pilot has little or no need to hold the wing back before making the turn Reverse launches on this wing can be carried out in as little as 5 Kph In Flight In flight the greater speed range of the Action GT may require some management But once you have mastered how to use the speed to your advantage it becomes pure fun Its tight handling allows you to make the best use of thermal cores and its glide at speed means less time is spent in sinking air masses before reachin
11. arefully 1 3 ABOUT YOUR ACTION GT POWERGLIDER some FAQs What makes the Action GT so different Within our sport there are limits For instance there is a limit of how fast you can fly and still be able to foot launch Over the last few years Paramania and its team have been exploring new possibilities of extending this flight envelop in both directions Paramania are now proud to introduce the Action GT with a flapped reflex wing section Our latest Reflex aerofoil section is shape controlled by a combination of our innovative line gathering and semi ridged trim systems When the wing is flown above the neutral trim bar position it has all the characteristics of our previous Reflex designs only much more efficient The pilot flies inactively generally fast with hands off toggles most of the time see diagram GTD 1 2 amp 3 When trimmed below the neutral position the GT moves much closer to a paraglider with similar performance of sink rate and glide ratio as other top models it becomes the equivalent of a performance intermediate paraglider and depending on the condi tions should be flown more actively with the pilots hands more on the control toggles Why the extra large center section fuselage There are 3 principal reasons why the Action GT has a big centre cell 1 Structurally When paragliders are constructed with increased aspect ratio they usually become less ridged this is because the centre chord of the wing is narrow
12. bar system running freely and out of harm s way Malions secure on risers Steering toggles and brake lines free and not twisted Trims set Engine delivering full power Airspace is clear for take off Attach the glider proceed with the launch as in section 3 11 Launching From now on you should try to control the glider whilst facing forwards If the wing is low behind you and you turn around the lines will trail over the propeller However falling backwards onto the motor is both dangerous and expensive and must be avoided at all costs even that of a few damaged lines During the launch If the pressure on each of your hands feels even open the throttle to full take off power leaning backwards against the thrust so that the engine is pushing you along the ground rather than into it It is best to try and leave the brakes alone and just let the canopy come up If it starts to go off to one side increase the pressure on the riser on the lower side whilst moving sideways towards it and the centre of the wing Where possible maintain the direction of your launch If the wing starts to drop backwards increase to pressure on both A risers to help it up as you increase power try to maintain a constant angle with the motor and smooth power control Any sudden changes will alter your course because of the powerful gyroscopic and torque effects If the canopy is so far off to the side or behind that it cannot be recovered kill the engine a
13. ble the difficulty of running backwards safely with a motor on makes a forward launch preferable It is wise not to open your Action GT out to the point where it is liable to be caught by the wind until you are ready to launch es pecially if it is already connected to your motor Lay the folded glider on its back with the trailing edge pointing into the wind Unfold it sufficiently only to locate and untwist the risers and check that no lines have gone over the leading edge Extend the risers upwind as usual separating left from right We suggest that you pre twist the risers over each other half a turn in the direction in which you wish to turn during launch and lay them out in this position with the rear risers uppermost This is because once clipped in the propeller cage on your back makes it virtually impossible to turn without assistance when the wing is on the ground Carry out your standard pre flight checks now Having started and warmed up your motor upwind of the canopy attach yourself to the power unit face the canopy approach the risers and clip them on to the appropriate malions Build a wall first using front and rear risers simultaneously We recommend that you momentarily raise the glider off the ground to check for tangles and line snags Holding risers brakes and throttle control as outlined above pull the front risers up to lift the glider over your head It is unlikely to over fly you especially if it is trimmed to
14. er By increasing the depth in the middle of the wing it becomes much stiffer allowing us to produce a wing with a higher aspect ratio whilst keeping the same levels of stiffness as wing with less aspect ratio 2 Aerodynamically The large centre cell acts as a wing strake this helps to control the span wise airflow Birds and aircraft alike all have a fuselage this helps to align the airflow at the centre of the wing which reduces induced drag and gives better directional stability In the case of a standard paraglider there is nothing to align the airflow and because a paraglider has a lot of an hydral negative front profile span wise flow is exaggerated compared to flatter profiles This fuselage finishes as a point this is good for vortex separation 3 The large center rib also provides a method of linking the lines from both sides pilot hang points This link gives the wing faster inflating characteristics because the weight of the pilot is transferred to both sides at once much like cross bracing on a harness but as an integral part of the wing See centre keel lines in diagram GTLD2 Why the unusual line configuration The Action GT has an interactive line configuration Both sides of the wing are linked through the center cell the wing remains responsive to weight shift because of center keel that allow controlled weight shift movement from side to side So the pilot is able to transfer weight with
15. fly fast This may be contrary to what your paragliding intuition tells you but on the faster settings trim neutral or above the Action GT s reflex wing section stabilizes the wing and prevents it from pitching forward It may even sit back a little but applying a small amount of brake makes it pop forward When the glider is steady above you turn round apply power and take off As with forward launching the trim power brake relationship must be established for the best rate of climb and forward speed Points to Note This is a cross hands reverse launch You must master this technique before attempting it under power Your local Paragliding School will assist you here All control inputs should be smooth and progressive Don t attempt to take off if the canopy isn t roughly level overhead Dangerous oscillations may result if you apply full power with it off to one side Keep your undercarriage down until you are definitely flying The faster the trim setting the more brake the glider will need to get off the ground Speed systems may cause problems when clipping in Don t get your lines crossed 3 2 c The Climb Out Once off the ground and flying safely continue into wind using the brakes to achieve the desired climb rate Don t attempt to climb at too steep an angle Attempting to use too much brake to force a higher climb rate will only degrade the climb by creating extra drag and with the addition of lots of thrust could
16. g the next thermal Limits have been provided to the range of the trim settings to avoid the danger of stalling when flying with the trim pulled right down and with maximum brake With the trim fully released the wing takes on more solid characteristics carving through the air with even more pitch stability The brake pressures increase and so does the range of movement prior to the stall point Turns and rate of roll are linked in a linear fashion to the progressive feel of the brakes Use of the speed bar The bar increases the speed by approximately 30 Unlike most wings there is little or no loss of stability in fact the wing seems to cut through turbulence even better than before application However if any instability is encountered due to excessive condi tions it is recommended to release the bar for recovery and to return to normal flying mode The brake pressures also increase when the bar is used so it is more for use during straight and level flight As you become more experienced careful release of the bar whilst entering turns gives an effect similar to pulling the stick back in a conventional aircraft Although the speed bar can be used with confidence throughout the whole range of the trim settings it is obviously most effective when used with the trims off l e on the fast setting Note To ensure that the trim system grips efficiently simply lift the webbing adjustment loop in the opposite direction after each adjustment thi
17. ge A spiral is a much safer more efficient way to get down Adverse flight reactions Cravats Despite the intensive testing that has taken place The Action GT is a modern wing and in the name of performance it has an efficient line configuration This means more gaps in between lines so always a possibility of a cravat this being when some of the canopy makes its way between lines after recovery from a deflation either induced by the pilot or through severe turbulence Normally pumping the brakes unravels the wing if not then a sharp pull on the B s or D s usually does the job Stable stall When any wing has many hours or has been over loaded one of the first signs of degradation is a tendency towards stable stall ing This may occur whilst exiting a high energy or advanced manoeuvre When a power unit is added it can even occur during a low airspeed take off Especially when a powerful engine relative to the pilot weight and wing loading is used It is also more likely on the slow speed trims Should you find yourself in this situation In flight The quickest recovery is achieved by coming off the power if any give a short sharp pull on the brakes in unison followed immediately by a firm but even pull on both A s at once During take off ALWAYS ensure that your wing is definitely flying with enough air speed before opening the gas or pulling on any brakes during any launch If it does happen that you have managed to leave t
18. he ground but are not fully flying DO NOT add more power and more brakes but smoothly come off them If the wing does not accelerate just land Re assess the conditions as it may well be you are trying to climb out through a wind gradient Remember Stalling is common to all aircraft that take with insufficient air speed and then try to climb The trust line on a paramotor is well below the wing so adding power adds to the problem All or the previously mentioned manoeuvres and recoveries from them are taught on SIV courses Contact a local instructor or paragliding club for more Information about SIV 3 4 GOLDEN RULES Never place your engine downwind of your wing Check check and re check the fuel system for leaks Have you enough fuel to get you there Better too much than too little Check for any loose articles that could trail or fall into the propeller while flying and fasten them securely If you spot a problem no matter how small deal with it NOW Always put on and fasten your helmet before clipping in to the harness Always carry out full pre flight checks before launching Try to control the glider on the ground facing forwards so as to keep the lines out of the prop You should only turn to face the glider to avoid falling backwards onto the motor Dont fly into danger over water trees power lines etc where an engine failure will leave you in trouble Try not to fly into the turbulence of your
19. ift axis is canted over in the bank Likewise engine thrust and speed bar can be ap plied at certain times to increase turn rate etc These techniques come with 3 2 e Using the Trimmers and Speed Bar continued more experience allowing you to get the most from your wing you to achieve fully coordinated smooth turns much like those possible on a three axis aircraft Points to Note Remember trims and speed bar are controls are extra items for your pre flight checks If the trim settings inadvertently become asymmetric the wing just crabs Likewise if lift is dumped by releasing the trimmers ac cidentally the Action GT s reflex wing section keeps the wing above your head and you just lose some height while accelerating In general when flown with the higher the hang point motor units the wing will have more of a tendency to dive when entering turns and may also result in higher G loadings weight shift is also less effective However often extra pendulum and lateral stabil ity is gained RTR Diagram showing showing the difference in turns FASTER between fast and slow trims Steeper SLOWER Flatter I EE m Ili Ili H A i Wa WI gt AE 1 LU Hid 3 3 Landing There generally
20. ke the car the loft or the airing cupboard as well as contact with hot engine parts can damage and significantly shorten the life of both cloth and lines Keep it Dry Packing or storing a wet wing may make it mouldy damage the coating of the fabric corrode the metal fittings and in extreme cases rot both the cloth and the lines Salt water is particularly harmful as salt crystals form an abrasive coating You should avoid immersing your wing if at all possible If it does happen rinse it thoroughly in fresh water and dry it out com pletely preferably in the shade before packing it away Keep it dark U V light degrades coatings and drastically weakens fabrics Never leave your wing laid out for long periods beneath holes in the ozone layer Fold or pack it away when it s not in the air Keep it clean Some dirt can be highly corrosive Clean off any such contamination as soon as possible using clean fresh water Don t use detergents they can cause as much damage as the stains if not more In particular store and transport your wing away from the motor never in the same bag to avoid any contact with oil or petrol Keep it Clear Sharp hard or abrasive items such as helmets flight instruments harness buckles and the like can accelerate fabric wear and even hole the wing The drawstring stuff bag provided with your canopy affords a measure of protection but you should still try to ensure that you store and transport it clear
21. levant literature for details of care maintenance servicing and repair concerning your motor and harness However we can offer advice if requested 5 Technical diagrams 1 Diam GTRDt shoving Acton GT risers wih fe sem AB C D l dedim in postion Level or neutral IU i Speed bar attachments for hook up 4 Top steering toggle pulley li Magnetic clip Toggle keeper Lower toggle pulley K for use with high hang m points prevents toggle from being out of reach of the pilot or for use when the toggle is in danger of contact with the propellor Trimmer adjustment cam Easiest take of position Safety warning lable this marks the first 9cms of slow trim position where the speed bar must not be used Cordura abrasion protection at riser attachement point GTR2 Diagram showing different trim positions and their effect on the wing section Note e Center of pressure movement Closer to the LE more stability aa Trims fully off so full D Neutral trim setting reflex effect f i i Introduction of reflex effect i i To Bele asian Ideal take off and manoever Dynamio handling and good upan ian B trim position reduced sink rate 1 In going p Thermalling best God climb rate cruise with reflex stability performance sink amp climb rate g A B c D A B A B C Level or neutral A B n W i G Paraglider Powerg
22. lider A 7 OQ V een GTRO3 Diagram showing trim positions with speed bar Note e Center of pressure movement Closer to the LE more stability Warning do not fly with this configuration Full slow trim setting amp full speed bar very unstable Possible front tuck as the CP moves backWards pens do it warning label no speed bar in this position At these faster settings application of brake removes the Reflex stability as the trailing edge is deformed Fly with less brake Try to use wing tip steering and or weight shift instead a gt Speed bar tully on D Trims fully off Full Reflex effect Maximum stability amp speed Neutral trim setting with speed bar speed bar may be used above this trim position faster settings A B C D Level or neutral note brakes may be used but we recommend no brakes and steering with weight shift and or wing tip steering only About the warnings in diagram GTD 3 The Action GT is able to offer a much wider performance range precisely because it can safely change its shape It is the reason why standard paragliders have much less than the 22cms of trimmer and speed bar movement available on the GT On almost all air craft there is a speed restriction on when you can safely apply Flaps the reason is that if you use them whilst flying too fast or increase speed too much with them on you can
23. losophy of the Action GT is that of a high speed paramotor wing which performs well as a free flying glider and may be flown as such with no adjustment Slower trim settings reduce internal air pressure and consequently give a lighter feel to the brakes and a better sink rate The main difference in the Action GT compared with other paragliders is the increased resistance to tucking both on launch and in flight its greater speed range and stability means that generally it can be flown in stronger conditions safely Basically the glider becomes more stable the faster you fly First Flights We recommend that to give yourself the chance to get used to it your first flights should be made on the just below the neutral range of trim settings where the Action GT will feel more familiar like a conventional wing With this trim try flying with a small amount of brake at the point where they just begin to feel heavier In practice this point will be encountered at about the one quarter brake position When you have become fully confident in your wing try experimenting with slower and faster trim settings weight shift and speed bar and enjoy the extra speed and security the Action GT gives you See GTR 02 for details Note To ensure that the trim system grips efficiently simply lift the webbing adjustment loop in the opposite direction after each adjustment this helps the webbing material over the teeth of the cam buckle Forward launch
24. n flight check yours If you have one keep an eye on your alti vario in level flight it is easy to creep into a climb without noticing Use the information from your instruments to optimize your forward speed and reduce drag and fuel consumption This will all be specific to your own set up With its hands off flight capability the Action GT is good at letting you do this With a sound understanding of the current wind conditions at different altitudes and intelligent use of any thermal activity wave convergence ridge or frontal lift it is possible to conserve your fuel and greatly extend your operating range The engine of course makes it easy to put you in the right place at the right time to exploit the conditions Don t be afraid to throw the Action GT into a tight thermal to gain height and save fuel you will find it is particularly good at coring thermals Using slower trim settings will allow you to climb faster in thermals 3 2 e Using the Trimmers and Speed Bar The Action GT s reflex wing section is unique in this way it basically has a huge range of trims and speed bar waiting for you to explore We only ask that you explore the full flight envelop at a safe height and with adequate training and experience When the Action GT is tested under the AFNOR CEN system it was awarded a performance rating at the slower trim settings and a performance rating at the faster settings Despite it having improved tuck resistance
25. nd abort the take off and reassess the launch conditions As the canopy comes up the drag reduces it should stabilize over your head without overshooting you This is a good time to check that your wing is nicely inflated and that there are no tangles or lines fouled but this must be done whilst on the move and without turning When you feel the resistance reduce allow your run to accelerate Feel for pressure on the brakes coming down on them as required to steer or to increase lift for taking off Points to note If your propeller protection cage is flimsy enough the pressure of the lines on it during launch may distort it to the point where it fouls the prop If this is the case make sure the lines have cleared the cage before you open the throttle All control inputs should be smooth and progressive Don t attempt to take off if the canopy isn t roughly level overhead Dangerous oscillations may result if you apply full power with it too far off to one side Keep your undercarriage down until you are definitely flying The faster the trim setting the more brake the glider will need to get off the ground 3 2 b Reverse Launching in Stronger Winds Because the Action GT launches so easily it is possible to perform a reverse launch with both front risers and one brake in one hand and the throttle and opposite brake in the other If the wind is appreciable this is the easiest method of launching but if the wind is light and varia
26. nventional paraglider with smooth sporty handling short slow take offs and steep climb outs So like having two wings in one 2 2 Construction We now produce our wings with Gin gliders based in Korea Gin s renowned quality is clearly visible in all of RRIB Showing Inclined oval hole load distributions our wings and like all Gin s products our wings carry a lifetime guarantee Your Action GT s strength and durability has been achieved through careful choice of modern materi als and innovative design All materials from which it is constructed are batched and every stage in its manufacture can be traced to a named operator and checker The top and bottom surfaces are made from the hard wearing Porsha Marine NCV 44 and 37gm respec tively The wing tips leading and trailing edges are amp standard Paramania rib reinforcements reinforced using a mix of load tape and Mylar The semi closed leading edge improves the air dynamics whilst stabilizing lateral movement between surfaces giving it a more solid rigid feel once in the air The structural ribs have been designed with inclined oval ports that allow air to flow to the areas within the wing where internal pressure is needed most They open like valves to increase their area during inflations when the ribs are off loaded and minimize distortions normally created by conventional holes and distribute the loads efficiently from the line attachment points into the top surface Sus
27. of expensive prop damage if you stuff it up the dangers involved in falling over with the engine running and getting your lines in the propeller if you forget to switch off before the wing deflates Points to note If possible know all about your landing area before you take off Check the wind direction before you set up your approach Power off landings probably need less space If in doubt practise your approach until you are sure you can land safely Advanced manoeuvres The Action GT has achieved an AFNOR rating for the manoeuvres prescribed by the test authorities However it is essential that pilots take proper training before attempting certain aerobatics We also suggest that you seek advice from instructors or experienced pilots before conducting ANY of these manoeuvres or go flying in extreme conditions and that you carry a reserve parachute if this type of flying is for you Big ears This method is a good safe way of descending However care should be taken when pulling down the outer A lines not to pull them too far the Action GT has a lot of load on the A s especially on the faster trim settings A spiral may be a more efficient way to get down Note we do not recommend using big ears with power There is a risk of stable stall and it defeats the object B Lining The Action GT B Lines well however we recommend that you undertake proper training as recovery characteristics change through out the trim ran
28. of contact with anything likely to damage it Keep it Lonely Insects such as grass hoppers and ants will simply eat their way out if rolled up with the wing Grazing cattle can literally lick the coatings off the fabric and mice love to make homes in canopies We suggest hanging up your wing in its bag during long term storage Above all remember that for all its portability your paraglider is an aeroplane and deserves to be treated as such 4 2 Periodic Maintenance Although your Action GT powerglider is designed and engineered to give you at least 400 hrs of air time regular maintenance is essential to pinpoint any problems that may arise as a result of routine wear and tear and is especially important after any incident which may have resulted in fabric or line damage that may not show up in the course of pre flight checks Paramania or its ac credited agents will for a small charge carry out a specified programme of maintenance checks designed to keep your wing in tip top shape and certify its condition in a written report that will become a valuable part of its service history Paramania takes great pride in the quality of both its product and the service that supports it Feedback from periodic mainte nance checks performs a vital role in its quality assurance procedures They are therefore just as important to us as they are to you and you can be confident that all such checks carried out by the manufacturer are comprehensive and thoro
29. ou seek further guidance from your own instructors or direct from Paramania Under no circumstances should you attempt to copy the type of flying that may have been demonstrated to you or that appears on any video demonstration of the wing without first receiving proper aerobatics training from Instructors experienced in the use of this wing It is essential in order to achieve satisfactory performance that proper consideration be given to the matching of this powerglider with a suitable harness motor and propeller While we can make recommendations the choice and suitability of any particular harness or motor remains outside our control and responsibility This manual will soon be available in French Spanish and German please contact Paramania should you require a different version Reference number AGTM UK 1 1 20 5 06 Copyright Paramania 2 ABOUT YOUR ACTION GT POWERGLIDER 2 1 Design The Action GT has been designed by Mike Campbell Jones His history in the development of powergliders that exclusively use Reflex wing sections coupled with his experience in Microlight aircraft and glider design means that your Action GT wing benefits from a wealth of knowledge that spans over 28 years back to the early days of hang gliding Microlights where initially developed as powered hang gliders that later favoured more powerful engines and smaller more stable wings It soon became clear that the faster your wing the more often you could use it Natu
30. out distorting the center of the wing The linking of both sides dramatically improves tuck recovery because the pilot s weight is always loading more than just half of the wing The GT has a lot of extra lines towards the tips these act as a safety net reducing the possibility of cravats caused by fabric passing between lines The angles of certain lines are individually calculated to act as a gathering system for the complex changes of our latest Reflex aerofoil shape How does the Action GT and Revolution maintain such a clean top surface It is a fact that most manufacturers have programs that calculate the diagonal ribs by shrinking the cell between the diagonals This means odd widths and therefore dif ferent cells thicknesses across the span Paramania wings use a new calculation method all the cell widths are in proportion and it is the diagonals that are individually calculated at each point throughout the wing The combination of this new design method the inclined oval holes for the cross port venting and Gin s precise manufacturing insure that all Paramania s wings main tain super smooth top surfaces The result is better load distribution improved perfor mance and faster inflation characteristics x E 2 o What is a reflex profile A Reflex wing section Is a wing section is that has an elevator built into its shaping so is auto stable and pitch positive See diagrams R
31. pension line attachments are reinforced in 3 dimensions vertically with the main rib then at an angle with diagonal ribs and 90 degrees with bottom surface lateral tape The ribs are heavily reinforced with Mylar wherever the loads are substantial i e around the A and B line attachments The line configuration and diagonal rib structure are sharing the same angles throughout the wing enhancing the load distribution whilst ensuring that the lines are evenly loaded This we have found gives much quicker more efficient inflations 50 over and above its tested loading It has been engineered to perform to its specifications for about 400 hours All lines are made of Gin Arimid Technora the latest in line technology and incorporates the best qualities of its predecessors Kevlar and Dynema It is both strong and flexible whilst remaining temperature stable and less prone to shrinkages when lightly loaded The lines are split into 4 categories Quadries Thirtaries secondary and primaries Line diameters are 0 6 1 1 1 3 1 6 amp 2 3 mm respectively The larger diameters being the primary lines The malions to which the lines are attached to the risers are made of polished stainless steel which avoids corrosion and gives ex cellent strength and durability The riser material is 1 2K 25mm polyester webbing The main attachment points are reinforced with Cordura to protect against wear from the karabinas
32. physically tear the wings off Luckily in our case the aircraft paraglider rebuilds its self with its ram air system The same effect is present with any top performing paraglider when brakes are applied with full speed bar Generally it is easier to induce a frontal collapse especially in turbulence Fortunately the combination of speed with flaps serves no purpose as it is like driving a sports car with the handbrake on The paramania team have explored the GT s stability at all the trim settings and have found this one area to be avoided For this reason is clearly marked on the glider and in this manual information Action GT 23 5m lines V10 M C J 17 2 06 Action GT 23 5m lines V10 M C J 17 2 06 VER REV8 PDATED HHHHHHHE Brake lines E s correction 26 4 06 prime 23 5m seco 23 5m_thirta 23 5m Colour code materials TOTALs lengths number of lines 0 0 4 0 0 13 0 D 51 0 0 99 stitch excess loop total line on the wing complete wing 0 mm 0 Lines Notes TE RINGS mounted at centre of tailing edge panels see 3d drawing Brake line tabs mounted to the middle of each odd numbered panel Action GT 26m lines V10 M C J 17 2 06 VER REV8 UPDATED 09 May 06 D A iL LL LL EE LL ai prima secondary Thirtei 26m GT 26mGT 26mGT 26mGT 26mGT 26m GT 26m 26mGT 26mGT Action GT 26m lines V10 M C J 17 2 06 VER REV8 UPDATED 09 May 06 Brake lines E s prim 26m secc 26m Gthirte 26m GT 2
33. raining manual for this or any other paramotor wing or paraglider You may only fly an aircraft of any description when qualified to do so or when undergoing training from an accredited School or Instructor It must be understood that flying can be a dangerous activity unless undertaken by properly trained people flying in a respon sible and disciplined manner As the owner of a Paramania Action GT Powerglider you have chosen to fly one of the safest aircraft of its type available Nevertheless in the final analysis any aircraft is only as safe as the pilot flying it and it is incumbent upon you to make sure that you have the required training and experience to make your own judgements about how where and when you fly Paramania its Directors Employees and Agents can accept no liability for any consequences arising from the use of their products howso ever caused Particular attention must be paid to the danger of injury to the pilot and bystanders from a rapidly rotating propeller which can break and inflict injury at some distance and the dangers inherent with flammable fuel and other combustible or fusible materi als Paragliding is a relatively new activity that is still evolving and powered paragliding paramotoring is one aspect of this form of sport aviation Should you have any doubts about the suitability of the wing for the type of flying you wish to practise or should you wish to extend your flying in other ways We recommend that y
34. rally it follows that the concept of a utility paramotor flying machine requires the same philosophy So the pilot can spend less time and effort flying actively in response to every lump and bump and more time navigating whilst getting comfortably from A to B or performing other tasks such as photography observation or general flying Although your Action GT wing has been designed to fly like a conventional paraglider the reflex wing section means that it has an elevator built into its shape The wing no longer completely dependents on payload as its only source of stability It maintains its own attitude in pitch rising and falling through thermals and turbulence whilst remaining stable above the pilot s head requiring minimal control input The trimmer system allows you to raise the rear of the airfoil effectively reducing the chord and surface area by some 30 giving the wing a higher wing loading and increased speed without changing the angle of attack The centre of pressure also moves for ward adding further to the pitch stability This redistribution of loading gives the wing exceptional tuck resistance and increases the working aspect ratio the result is a faster more efficient wing under power and at speed much like a traditional powered aircraft When requiring more lift at lower speeds the rear section can be trimmed down to restore a fully flapped Reflex airfoil the Action GT changes its characteristics becoming closer to a co
35. result in a stall or a spin Under power the Action GT behaves more like a powered fixed wing airplane than a paraglider and it helps to think of it as such Provided there are no obstacles in your path it is often safer and quite spectacular to fly level with the ground after take off gain ing more speed before converting it into considerable height using the brakes and then easing off into the climb out The other reasons for not climbing out too steeply are the risks involved when having engine failure i e a stall and diving recovery Although the Action GT will not sit back behind you the way that some gliders may a slow forward speed and high angle of attack is still likely to put you into a near stalled attitude if your power source suddenly goes on strike In this situation you should always be able to set up a reasonable approach so don t make things hard for yourself fly with sufficient airspeed at all times and keep your angle of attack under control a low altitudes Depending on the geometry of the set up of your power unit the propeller s torque effect may make itself felt as you leave the ground Expect it to turn you and if necessary steer against it in order to maintain your direction However when countering the torque effect during a steep climb on slower trim settings under a lot of power care must be taken to avoid the risk of stalling Because of the large vertical distance between the thrust line of the prop and the
36. s helps the webbing material over the teeth of the cam buckle Landing The Action GT has a reasonable glide so good planning is required on approaches The brakes light at first become progressively heavier over a healthy amount of travel giving plenty of warning of a stall With trims on slow the wing lands like any other paraglider plenty of air speed on approach progressive flare converting speed into lift till the moment of touchdown When landing with the fast trim on the process of bleeding off the extra speed to land can take longer and require more space In this mode there is a lot of stored energy so you may find yourself climbing out again if you aren t that smooth on the controls However the brakes are very powerful The last bit of brake travel really shuts the wing down and slows you up It does not take long to develop the confidence to fly in stronger winds than normal but great care must be taken when flying fast near the ground The Action GT stores energy well so whilst it is possible to bleed off your speed without losing height before touch down respect must be shown for the higher speeds possible especially in slope landings On landing in high winds the glider may be collapsed with confidence using a strong pull on the rear or B risers 3 2 Flying Under Power Note Thorough Complete pre flight checks for glider harness and engine are essential prior to any launch For powered flight many of the characteristics are
37. seems to be two philosophies about landing paramotor either with or without power 3 3 a Power off Landings Cut all power at about 50m and glide in like a paraglider This minimises the risk of propeller damage but you only get one go at it you have to get it right With or without power the Action GT rides out turbulence much better on a fast trim setting so if it is rough come in fast allow yourself plenty of room like a hang glider and bleed off speed before you touch down The Action GT stores energy well so it may be necessary to round out and float level with the ground converting your excess speed into lift while you slow down before flaring to touchdown Every pilot should practice landings without power because one day your engine will fail and you will need this skill If you aim at a precision or tight landing or in nil wind conditions it is advisable to use about half or even full trim maximum lift configuration This will hardly alter your glide angle but will decrease your sink rate these decisions become more critical at higher wing loadings 3 3 b Power on Landings At a steady tick over lose height at a shallow angle then as you near the ground level out and bleed off speed before flaring to touch down Kill the motor as your feet touch the ground The advantage of this method of course is that if you get it wrong you can power up and go round again at any time The disadvantages are the increased risk
38. set too short othwise full Reflex effect may be lost see DTD 3 GT BL01 Diagram showing factory brake setting amp adjustments For safety reasons Brake lines all new wings are set up for high hang point Systems see text re brake line checking AS Top steering toggle pulley for low or mid hangpoints Factory set brake line marks for top and bottom pulleys Lower toggle pulley for use with high hang lt points Double checking brake line lengths a useful tip Again it is better to seek the advice and assistance of a local instructor or experienced pilot Choose a day when there is a steady breeze of about 10Kph Then with an ordinary harness or your motor unit on your back visually check lengths 2 4 Continued by ground handling the wing above your head When the wing is nicely level check that when the brakes are up against the brake pulleys that the trailing edge of the wing is not being pulled down Then as you gently pull the brake you should have only a few centimetres of movement before the brakes start to pull down on the trailing edge of the wing Make sure it is the same length on both sides Note it is safer to have this adjustment too long than too short Note When free flying the wing should be set up though the top pulley and with the shorter lines All new gliders leave the factory rigged for high hang points 3 FLIGHT OPERATIONS 3 1 Flying With and Without a Motor Although the design phi
39. the same as in the previous section 3 1 However there is a certain amount of additional information particularly where the addition of the thrust of the power unit and correct matching of the wing to the motor unit is concerned Paramania cannot be held responsible for the multitude of combinations that may get used however if you wish to contact us we can offer some advice 3 2 a Forward Launching the Action GT in Nil Wind While there may appear to be no wind this is rarely the case and it is essential for aircraft of this type to take off and make the initial climb out to a safe height depending on the surrounding terrain into wind This makes maximum use of the wind and avoids the danger of losing airspeed when climbing out steeply through wind gradient Particular attention must be paid to trees power lines and other large obstacles and any rotor that they may generate Preparing the wing Lay the glider out downwind of the motor so that the lines are fully extended and as if attracted to the motor or central focal point then lay the risers down ready to clip in Set the trimmers to the take off position faster settings may be desirable in stronger conditions see diagram GTRO2 Make sure that when warming up the engine you do so upwind of the wing and then stop it whilst clipping in After carrying out the following checks Pilot prepared amp clothing safe Nothing is likely to foul the prop Helmet on and fastened Speed
40. ugh We recommend that these inspections are carried out annually or after every 100 flying hours whichever is the sooner They are of course an essential addition to rather than a substitute for the canopy and line inspections that form part of your own pre flight checks 4 3 Repairs A repair kit is provided with your Action GT powerglider that allows you to carry out small scale emergency repairs It consists of about 1 metre of each nylon fabric used in its construction in self adhesive rip stop tape and two spare suspension lines looped at both ends and of the same length and thickness as your longest primary Damage beyond the scope of this kit to deal with and more major repairs that may be necessary to loaded parts of the wing s structure such as seams line attachments ribs risers leading and trailing edges etc should on no account be carried out by anyone other than a Paramania accredited agent or at the very least a qualified parachute rigger The manufacturers can accept no responsibility for repairs however minor carried out by anyone other than themselves nor for any damage to the wing resulting from accident neglect negligence or abuse In all such cases any statutory rights and obliga tions of guarantee are automatically cancelled 4 4 Care and Maintenance of your Power Unit This manual refers only to your Action GT powerglider and any issues to do with the Power Pack you are using is beyond its remit Refer to the re
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