Piloting requirements
As a two-liner in the top segment of the EN C class, the TAU DLS is reserved exclusively for very experienced, performance-oriented cross-country and competition pilots. Several years of flying experience, regular practice with at least 100 flying hours per year and extensive experience on at least one sport class glider are required. The TAU DLS is not suitable as a transition glider to the C class.
High-C class gliders generally react dynamically to turbulence and pilot errors and require an active flying style, precise control technique and sound glider handling and SIV skills. Only with the appropriate experience can the full performance potential of the TAU DLS be safely exploited.
SIV
The TAU DLS is intended only for advanced pilots who are able to demonstrate above-average experience and competence in safety training. The TAU DLS is under no circumstances suitable for a pilot’s first experience with safety training. Special folding lines were used for certification of the TAU DLS. See the section Folding lines. Without these folding lines, asymmetric collapses and front stalls vary from the EN guidelines.
Suitable harnesses
ADVANCE paragliders are compatible with all ADVANCE harnesses, provided nothing to the contrary is explicitly stated in the paraglder manual. Basically, the TAU DLS may be flown with any harness that does NOT have rigid cross bracing.
During certification testing, harnesses with the following characteristics were used:
- All-up in-flight weight less than 80 kg: carabiner distance 40 ± 2 cm, height 40 ± 1 cm
- All-up in-flight weight 80 to 100 kg: carabiner distance 44 ± 2 cm, height 42 ± 1 cm
- All-up in-flight weight more than 100 kg: carabiner distance 48 ± 2 cm, height 44 ± 1 cm
Weight range
The TAU DLS comes in six sizes. The weight ranges for the different wing sizes are listed in the “Technical Data“ section. The figures given there refer to total take-off weight. This includes the pilot’s body weight including clothing, as well as the weight of all the equipment (paraglider, harness, instruments, etc. – everything that’s going to fly).
Seamless Weight Ranges
The Seamless Weight Ranges of the TAU DLS make a clear transition from one wing size to the next, so that any pilot suits only one ideal takeoff weight range. In this way, the TAU DLS guarantees the optimum balance of useful airspeed and climb performance in all flying conditions.
Flying with a wet paraglider (risk of deep stall)
Flying with a wet glider creates a risk of deep stall. Deep stall is often the result of a combination of factors. The weight of the wet canopy goes up, and this increased weight increases the angle of attack, which always puts the glider nearer the deep stall limit. Added to this, water drops on the top surface have a detrimental effect on the laminar flow of the boundary layer near the leading edge, which distinctly reduces the maximum lift coefficient. If the wet glider is also being flown at its lower weight limit there is a further small effect of increasing the angle of attack, as well as there being a lower airspeed because of the reduced wing loading.
In order to avoid the risk of deep stall with a wet glider, the wing should be braked as little as possible, and big ears not used at all. As a further preventative measure apply moderate (25-40 %) speed bar. These actions have a small effect in reducing the angle of attack. If the wet glider does go into deep stall you should recover by using the speed bar only. See also section "Deep stall".
Overstress
When using the product there is always the risk of unpredictable overstress in flight, for example caused by flying conditions or a surprise bump in the air. In rare cases the product could suffer damage. This is especially disappointing in that, usually, neither the manufacturer nor the pilot can be held responsible. Light products tend to be more susceptible to damage due to overstress.
Winching
The TAU DLS is suitable for winch launching. When taking off in windless conditions, ensure that the paraglider is laid out in an arched or even wedge shape (to avoid risk of the glider rosetting).
Winch launch is only permitted if:
- The pilot has completed a tow training course (only Germany/DHV).
- The winch system is certified for use with paragliders.
- The winch operator has been fully trained in paraglider winching.
Acrobatics
During the development of the TAU DLS, the focus was on good characteristics for cross-country and competition flying.
Assuming adequate pilot ability and correct technique, the TAU DLS lends itself well to flying such manoeuvres as wingovers and spirals. The wing was tested to the usual 8G load factor, but is not specially strengthened for industrial strength acro.
Be aware that dynamic manoeuvres put greater loading on the structure and can shorten the glider’s life. This means that a regular check of the paraglider is essential for your safety. In addition there will be the special requirements of your country to be observed.
Tandem flying
The TAU DLS is not certified for tandem flying.
Paramotoring
The TAU DLS is not certified for paramotoring.