Owners Manual

Fresh Breeze

SilexX

Edited April 2002.

Congratulations to you and thank you for choosing a Fresh Breeze Paraglider. We believe you will enjoy every minute in the air with your Fresh Breeze SilexX.
The manual will help you understand the caracteristcs of your Glider.
Please don't hesitate to contact us by mail, phone or e-mail for any comments or questions.
The Fresh Breeze Team will always be available for any information you might need.

This manual includes tips for a safe enjoyment of our sport.

Contents

Chapter   1   Specifications

Chapter   2   Accelerator

Chapter   3   Harness

Chapter   4   Flying

Chapter   5   Decent Maneuvers

Chapter   6   Aerobatics

Chapter   7   Materials

Chapter   8   Storage and Preflight Inspection

Chapter   9   Annual Inspection

Chapter  10   A word from the Editor

Chapter  11   Linechart and Certification

Chapter 1

Specifications

Descriptions and technical dates

Technical dates:

Number of cells: 42

Construction: diagonal finger ribs

Span, projected: 9.0 Meter

Span, real: 10.46 meter

Area, flat : 24.8 sq meters

Area, projected: 22.3 sq meters

Aspect Ratio: 3.6

Line length: 6.3 meters

Average Line length: 2.85 meters

Recomennded Take off weight: 80-100 kg

Maximum take off weight with motor: 125 kg


The SilexX has passed both DHV and DULV certification

More details are available through the DHV certification, at www.DHV.de
The lines are measured from the Quick Link to the attachment point with 5 kg load.

Applies to Germany:

DAS TYPENSCHILD IST AUF DIE INNENSEITE DES STABILOS GEDRUCKT. DIE GÜTESIEGELPLAKETTE BEFINDET SICH IN EINER TASCHE AN DER MITTLEREN PROFILRIPPE:
DATUM UND PILOT DES ERSTFLUGES SIND EINZUTRAGEN!
DIE GÜTESIEGELPLAKETTE MUSS AM SCHIRM ANGEBRACHT SEIN!

Suspension system of SilexX:

The SilexX lines are manufactured from white polyethylen (Dyneeema) with a colored sheath.

The suspension system is constructed from individual lines that are looped and sewn at both ends.

A,B,C and D Lines are 1.5 mm diameter, middle Lines 1.2 mm and upper Lines 1.0 mm.

On the main brakeline the proper length is marked and it should not be changed to remain within certification.

The A Lines, Stabilo Lines and the A risers are red for easy identification. The B Lines and all brake lines are yellow while all other lines are blue.

There are 4 Risers per side. The A lines are the most forward followed by the B Lines where the Stabilo Line is also attached. The C lines follow and the rear Riser is the D lines.

A line plan can be found at the rear of this manual.


Important safety notice:

Maximum caution is advised.

You are operating at your own risk. It is your duty to check your equipment before every flight.

The Silexx may NOT be operated under the following conditions:

· outside of minimum or maximum load rating
· during rain, snow, turbulence or strong wind
· in clouds or fog
· In any aerobatic manner
· by an inexperienced pilot

Accelerator

Speedsystem

The SilxX can be fitted with an accellerator.

The accellerator activates A,B and C Risers. The normal length of all Risers is 48 cm.

During accelaration the A Riser is shoertened by 16 cm, The B Riser 11 cm and the C Riser 6 cm. The D Risers stays the same.

Speedsystem-fitting

Trimmer use without motor

Trimmer use with motor.

Brake Line Routing for motoring

During motor flight the Brakelines can be routed through the additional set of lower pulleys.

In this case, both the upper and lower pulleys are used. This will make it easier to reach the Brakelines and make it less likely to get the brake toggle caught in the propeller.

The brake lines need to be lengthened by the additional distance between the pulleys.

.
Details: Upper and lower pulleys.

Chapter 3

Harness

The SilexX is vertified only with the use of a GH type harness.

All modern harness are of the GH type. Fixed Cross Bracing is NOT allowed and does NOT increase safety.

Attention!
Effective models of cross-belt-harnesses ("GH type") worsen the handling drastically and contribute not to higher safety!

Chapter 4

Flying and Handling

Preflight Check and Maintenance:

The Glider needs to be thoroughly inspected before every flight and after long periods of storage.

Items to check:

· Stitching on the harness, Glider, Risers and Reserve
· All Quick Links and Carabiners
· Brakelines and knots
· all other lines all the way up
· all attachment points on the canopy
· the canopuy fabric
· the crossports and cellwalls

Don't launch even with small problems!

If you find signs of wear please contact your dealer.

Spreading the glider on the ground:

It is advised to lay out the glider in a Horseshoe Shape so that the A lines tension first. This is also known as the inverted V Layout.

All Lines must be clear. Pay special attention to the brakelines.

Makes sure there are NO Lines over the top of the glider as that will lead to an unrecoverable flight situation.

Makeshiftstearing

In case of a Brakeline failure the Silexx can be steered with gentle pulls on the rear risers.

AKTIVE FLYING:

Aktive flying is advised. You constantly make small adjustments to keep the Glider pressurized and overhead.

A little tension in the brakelines will give feedback from the Canopy.

For example when entering an updraft release the brakes to allow the glider to speed up.
When leaving an updraft apply some brakes to slow any surge.

Should the pressure in the brakes decrease, indicating an impending depressurization you can apply some brake to avoid that.

Flying with accelerartion:

During accelerated flight the glider is more likely to depressurize thus you should use the accelerated flight mode in calm air only and never close to the ground.

Do not set the brake lines too short.

Never Fly accelerated in turbulent conditions!

Never Release the brake lines!

Should the glider collapse release the accelerator.

TOWING:

The Silex is very suitable for towing.

Do noy use too much tension and climb gradually, not too steeply.

Do not use brakes during tow other than for steering.

Chapter 5

Descent possibility

Spiral Dive:

A Spiral dive can be achieved with holding one brake down until the glider enters the dive.

The dive can be adjusted with more or less inside brake and outside brake can be applied to stabilize the canopy.

The spiral dive is the fastest method to reduce altitude but can be very dangerous if the pilot is not familiar with the maneuver.

High G forces occur during a spiral and the inexperienced pilot needs to be very careful!

If you experience any discomfort the spiral should be stopped immediately.

To exit from the dive slowly release the inside brake and give the glider time to continue the turn for a few revolutions.

Spiral dives should be practiced during a safety clinic!

B Line Stall:

Both B Risers are being pulled down symetrically until the glider enters the stall.

To exit, quickly release both B Risers at the same time.

If the glider horsehoes during the B Line stall, exit immediately. It may be necessary to pump both brakes to recover from the horseshoe.

B Line Stall should be practiced during a Safety Clinic.

Big Ears

Big Ears are a gentle decent maneuvers that retains forward speed.

To enter Big Ears pull both outside A Lines until the Ears fold under.

You can steer the glider with weight shift during Big Ears You can also apply the accelerator with Big Ears to further increase sink rate and forward speed.

To recover from Big Ears simply release the lines, one at a time. Pumping the brakes expedites the exit.

All Decent Maneuvers should be practiced in calm air with plenty of altitude, best during a safety clinic.

Extreme Maneuvers

Assymetric Closures

By applying a small amount of opposite brake the Silexx can be kept from turning.

During a large assymetric closure only small amounts of opposite brake should be used to keep from stalling.

Should the glider not open a few deep pumps on the collapese side will help open the closure.

Cravatte

A cravatte ist one or more Lines over the top of the glider.

Opposite brake is applied to keep from entering an involuntary spiral dive.

To recover from the cravatte you can try:

· Pump the brake on the affected side
· Pull down the Stabilo Line on the affected side
· If unable to recover, a full stall can be used by highly experienced pilots,
   otherwise the reserve parachute should be activated.

Frontal Collapse

During te exit from a thermal or upon entering a strong downdraft the front of the glider can symmetrically collapse.

A small amount of both brakes will open the glider quickly. The Silexx usually opens on its own.

Parachutal Stall (Deep Stall):

There is no forward speed with a high sink rate.

During a slow exit from a B line stall parachutage may occur.

A porous fabric and streched A lines will make a Glider more subcepptable for a deep stall.

To recover push the A lines forward and/or apply the accelerator.

Caution: If any brake is applied during deep stall the glider will immediately full stall.

If close to the ground it is advised to land using the PLF (Parachute landing fall) rather than trying to exit deep stall and risk a big surge.

Full Stall

Take a wrap on both brake lines and pull them under the seat. Hold them there and resist the tension. You must hold the stall until the glider has come back overhead.

To exit, slowly bring both hands up when the glider is overhead. Not behind.

If the Full Stall is exited incorrectly the glider can surge very much and the pilot can fall through or into the glider.

Chapter 6

NEGATIVE SPIN:

A negative spin is a rotation around the span of the glider. One side of the wing flies forward while other flies backward.

What causes Spins:

· One brake is being applied too fast and too much.
· During slow flight one brake is applied too much

An accidental spin should be exited righ away and the glider will recover quickly.

If crossbracing on the harness is pulled tight the glider will spin easier.

Wingovers:

Alternating turns with high bank angles.

Chapter 7

MATERIALS

The Silexx is made from best quality materials.

Canopy:

Top Surface: Toray
Undersaurface: Toray
Ribs: Toray
Leading Edge Reinforcements: Dacron

Lines:

We use New Dyneema PPSL200 because of the low strech and longevity.

Risers:

Risers are made from best quality 25 mm Polyester manufactured by Gueth and Wolf with highest values for strengt and stability.

Chapter 8

Storage and Check

With proper care the SilexX will remain airworthy for several years. Do not forget: Your life may depend on this!

Storage:

Store the glider loosely folded, dry , out of the sun and away from chemicals Moisture is an enemy, always store the glider dry, best indoors in a heated/air conditioned room.

Cleaning:

Any cleaning will remove from the lifespan of the fabric, avoid cleaning of possible.

Use only a soft, wet cloth. No chemicals at all.

Repair:

Amateur repairs can cause more damage than use. Use only an approved repair facility.

Aging:

UV Rays are the biggest enemy. Never leave the glider in the sun if you are not using it.

Lines:

Do not overload individual lines as they may stretch.

Do not kink the lines.

Any damage requires replacement of the affected line.

Compare the lines before replacement for correct lenght and only use the proper line material from an approved repair facility.

Kite the glider after line replacement to check for proper routing.

General tips:

· Keep Glider and lines clean as dirt particles will cause damage

· If ines snag on the ground they can be damaged

· Don't step on the lines!

· Make sure no foreign objects enter the glider, like rocks, sand of snow as it may cause a stall.

· Sharp objects will damage the fabric!

· During high winds if the canopy hits the ground it can cause internal damage

After landing avoid the glider hitting the ground with the leading edge as this can cause damage:

· After tree and/or water landings the lines need to be checked

· If the glider contacts salt water immediately rinse in fresh water

· A line plan is attached or can be obtained from your dealer.

2 years Inspection

After 2 years the glider needs to be inspected by an approved repair facility.

This check should be confirmed through a DHV stamp in the glider.

If you forget this to do within all 2 years the SilexX loose the "Musterzulassung" Germany approvement and all guarantie.

Modifications to the Glider:

No Modifications whatsoever are allowed and will void any warranty.

Chapter 10

Closing Comments

The Silexx is the result of high end development.

The glider will last many years if treated and cared for properly Respect and an appreciation of the potential dangers of personal flight are required for a succesful flying career.

Even the safest Glider can not prevent pilot error.

Keep in mind that any airsport is potentially dangerous and your safety is up to you!

You may only fly with proper back protection, helmet and reserve parachute.

Fly at your own risk



We wish you plenty of sunshine, Safe flight and happy landings

SEE U IN THE SKY

Chapter 11

Linechart and Certification

The linechart of the SilexX represented here only serve the idea of configuration. Plans with singles measures and for different sizes are available at the flight school, from your importer or at Fresh Breeze directly.