Flow Paragliders Cosmos User manual

WELCOME

Thank you for flying Flow Paragliders. We hope you will be satisfied with this product and wish you many happy flights. We strongly recommend

that you read this manual before the first flight. This manual is designed to help you to quickly familiarize with this beautiful glider.

Welcome 2

1. General Information 4

2. Certification 4

3. Pilot’s Profile 5

4. Specifications 6

5. Take Off and Flying Techniques 7

5.1 Before take-off 7

5.2 Take-off 7

5.3 Landing 8

5.4 Turning 8

6. Rapid Descent 8

6.1 Spiral Dive 8

6.2 B-line Stall 9

6.3 Big Ears 9

7. Performance 9

7.1 Use of Brakes 9

7.2 Use of Speed Bar 9

8. Asymmetric & Frontal Collapses 10

8.1 Asymmetric Collapse 10

8.2 Frontal Collapse 10

9. Full Stall 11

10. Flying without Brakes 11

11. Cravats 11

12. SIV 12

13. Adjustment of the Harness 12

14. Maintenance & Checks 13

14.1 Maintenance Tips 13

14.2 Periodic Inspections 13

15. Warranty 14

16. Summary 14

17. Line Plan 15

18. Riser Diagram 16

19. Overall Illustration 17

20. Materials 18

21. Line Measurements 19

22. Bridle Check-Sheet Lengths (mm) 21

General Information

User manual for Cosmos XS, Cosmos S, Cosmos M and Cosmos L

The Flow Cosmos is an easy and fun paraglider with excellent glide and a very efficient speed system designed as a low end EN B class glider.

The Cosmos is aimed at pilots who are willing to progress in the sport safely, chasing their first XC flights but who are also comfortable with the

technical control of this type of glider.

The pilots should understand the implication of flying an EN B-class wing.

The Cosmos has a high level of passive safety. The Cosmos has been certified as EN B, having met all the requirements of EN 926-2/August 2005

and LTF NFL II 91/09.

Please note that any changes to the paraglider will invalidate the result of the certification. Correct usage of the glider is the pilot‘s responsibility.

The manufacturer and distributor do not accept liability for loss or damage as a result of the misuse of this paraglider. It is the pilot’s responsibility

to comply with legal regulations and to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.

This guide meets the requirements specified by EN 926-2:2005 as well as LTF NFL II 91/09 for user manuals.

This user manual version V2 is dated: 11/2017.

Flow Paragliders PTY LTD –1/24 Clyde Road, Dee Why, NSW 2099 Australia –[email protected]

PILOT’S PROFILE

The Cosmos was designed to be nothing but a fun paraglider. With that in mind we concentrated on the handling and the fun factor of the glider.

Coupled with a shark nose profile and reduced line plan we have a glider which sits in the low end of the EN B class.

Its passive safety makes the ideal glider to progress safely in the sport and to gain experienced as a first Cross Country glider. It has a usable

performance and handling for even those pilots with more experience who often fly in the B category. Novice pilots will enjoy its passive safety

and experienced pilots will be delighted to explore the fun factor and amazing LD and real-world performance the Cosmos delivers.

The Flow Cosmos is not suitable for use in school training.

SPECIFICATIONS

FLAT AREA

24.2m2

25.80m2

27.3m2

29.3 m2

PROJECTED AREA

21m2

22.22m2

23.44m2

25.47m2

FLAR WINGSPAN

11.18m

11.55m

11.88m

12.34m

PROJECTED SPAN

9.05m

9.29m

9.48m

10.03

ASPECT RATIO

5.17

PROJECTED AR

3.9

MAX CHORD

2.65

2.73

2.81m

2.93

NUMBER OF CELLS

GLIDER WEIGHT

5.0

5.5

5.8

6.2

TAKE OFF WEIGHT

60-85

70-95

85-105

95-120

CERTIFICATION

EN B *

EN B

EN B*

TAKE-OFF, FLIGHT, AND FLYING TECHNIQUES

The Flow Cosmos should be flown as a normal paraglider. However, there are several points listed below which should help you to familiarize

with your new paraglider quicker.

The Cosmos was designed as a foot launchable solo paraglider and can also be tow-launched. It is the pilot’s responsibility to use suitable harness

attachments and release mechanisms and to ensure that they are correctly trained on the equipment and system employed.

Before Take-off

•Check the canopy for rips or tears. Also, inspect the internal structure (ribs, diagonals) and seams.

•Check if lines are not damaged or tangled.

•Check the quick links connection between lines to the risers are undamaged and tightened.

•Check if the risers are not damaged or twisted.

•Check if the speed system works freely and that the lines are long enough.

•Check that the brake handles are correctly attached and that each line runs freely through the pulley.

Take-off

Lay the paraglider out with the leading edge in a horseshoe shape. Hold the A risers close to the quick links and move forward until the lines get

stretched. You should now be perfectly centred with your wing. With no wind or light headwind, with lines stretched, The Flow Cosmos inflates

rapidly and rises over your head with some dynamic steps. We recommend that you do not pull risers too forward or down, which could cause a

collapse of the leading edge, but simply follow them until the glider reaches its angle of flight. It is important that the centre of gravity of your

body stay in front of your feet during the inflation of the glider to constantly load the risers. A controlled inflation allows you to check the canopy

and lines during the last phase as it comes up and thus avoids the need to use brakes. Depending on the wind conditions or the slope, an adequate

use of brakes can help you to take-off quicker.

Landing

Because of the exceptional glide for this type of glider, high caution is recommended in the stages of approaching and landing. The Flow Cosmos

is a fast glider, any action on the brakes may cause significant reactions. It is therefore recommended to execute the first flights in a familiar

environment and under easy conditions. With negative steering, there is more time for the manoeuvres to be performed steadily, which results

in reducing the pendulum movements of the paraglider. Reminder: Negative steering involves applying the brakes symmetrically by about 30%

of the maximum range to slow the paraglider and a simultaneous turning by means of releasing the outside brake. Speeding up just prior to

landing allows a more effective flare and therefore a gentler landing.

Turning

Flow Cosmos was designed to perform well in turns. Negative steering (see above) on one hand slows the paraglider in certain phases of the flight

and on the other hand reduces excessive rolling during turn reversals. It is not only designed to turn (with approx. 30% brake) but also to fly slowly

in order to help identify the areas of lift and to keep the paraglider flatter to minimize the sink rate in a turn (with 15% brake). Symmetrical brake-

input at 20-30 % enables you to keep your wing under control –to brake further when pitching and to release when the canopy banks up.

RAPID DESCEND

Techniques

In order to descend, the paraglider must fly away from the areas of lift. In case any problems occur, the following techniques might be used to

increase the sink rate.

•Spiral Drive:The Flow Cosmos is a manoeuvrable wing which responds to any input easily. To initiate the spiral, apply one brake

progressively to about 35% and hold it in its position. The speed of rotation will increase progressively as well as the pressure on the brake

and the centrifugal force that is perceived. The angle or the speed of rotation can be decreased or increased by releasing or pulling the

brake by several centimetres. Once mastered the spiral allows you to descend by more than 10 m/s. Movements which are extremely

abrupt or badly synchronized or very quick initiation of the spiral can result in an asymmetrical collapse or a spin. CAUTION: A deep spiral

is no harmless manoeuvre. The kinetic energy obtained must be reduced by slow releasing of the inside brake.

•B-line Stall:B-line Stall Grasp the B risers at the quick links and pull them down symmetrically. The paraglider will enter a B-line stall and

drop backwards before stabilizing overhead. The descent rate increases to 6 - 8 m/s. To exit the B-line stall raise both hands together in a

single, positive movement so that the risers are at full extension. On releasing the B-risers, your Cosmos should return immediately to

normal flight.

•Big Ears: Big ears is a moderate descent method, reaching -3 or -4 m/s, speed reduces slightly between 3 and 5 km/h and piloting

becomes limited. The angle of attack and the wing loading also increases.

Push on the accelerator to restore the wing’s horizontal speed and the angle of attack. To activate ears, take the line amain3 and

simultaneously, smoothly pull them outward and downward. The wingtips will fold in. Let go of the lines and the ears will re-inflate

automatically. If they do not re-inflate, gently pull on one of the brake lines first and then on the opposite side. For directional control

while using the Big Ears, use weight shift.

We recommend the pilot to re-inflate asymmetrically, to avoid unnecessary change on the angle of attack, more so if you are flying near the

ground or flying in turbulence.

PERFORMANCE & USE OF BRAKES

Use of Brakes

Flow Cosmos’s best glide is at a trim speed (no brakes) –about 38 km/h. The minimum sink rate is achieved by applying approx. 15% of the brakes.

When using more than 30% of the brakes, the aerodynamics and the performance of the glider are likely to deteriorate and the effort to

manoeuvre will increase quickly. In case of extremely high brake pressure there is a great risk of a stall. Which occurs at a full brake travel (100%

of the brakes) 65cm. In normal flying conditions the optimal position for the brakes, in terms of performance and safety, is within the top third

level of the braking range.

Use of Speed Bar

Flow Cosmos is equipped with a speed system. The profile of Cosmos has been designed to fly stable through its entire speed range. It is useful

to accelerate when flying in strong winds or in extreme descending air. For fitting and positioning the speed bar consult the instructions of the

harness manufacturer. Before every flight check that the speed bar works freely and that the lines are long enough to ensure that it is not engaged

permanently. Use of the speed bar increases the maximum speed of the paraglider by up to 30% of the trim speed. However, it does reduce the

angle of attack and therefore there is a risk of a frontal (or asymmetric) collapse. We therefore do not advise to use the speed bar near the

ground.

ASSYMETRIC & FRONTAL COLLAPSES

Despite the tests proving Cosmos recovers on its own after collapses, it is a EN B glider therefore active piloting is recommended in case of an

asymmetric or frontal collapse. Active piloting will reduce the loss of altitude and a change of direction.

Asymmetric Collapse

Despite the great stability of the profile of the Cosmos, heavy turbulent conditions may cause part of the wing to collapse asymmetrically. This

usually happens when the pilot has not foreseen this possible reaction of the wing. To prevent the collapse from happening, pull the brake line

corresponding to the compromised side of the wing, this will increase the angle of incidence. If the collapse does happen, the Cosmos will not

react violently, the turn tendency is very gradual and it is easily controlled. Lean your body towards the side that is still flying in order to counteract

the turn and to maintain a straight course, if necessary slightly slow down the same side. The collapse will normally open by itself but if that does

not happen, pull completely on the brake line on the side, which has collapsed (100%). Do this with a firm movement. You may have to repeat

this operation to provoke the re-opening. Take care not to over-brake on the side that is still flying (turn control) and when the collapse has been

solved; remember to let the wing recover its flying speed.

Bring both brakes down symmetrically to speed up the reopening of the paraglider, and then raise your hands back up immediately.

Frontal (Symmetric) Collapse

The profile of the Cosmos has been designed to widely tolerate extreme changes in the angle of attack. A symmetric collapse may occur in heavy

turbulent conditions, on entry or exit of strong thermals or lack of adapting the use of the accelerator to the prevailing air conditions. Symmetrical