Axis VEGA II Pilot's Manual

VEGA II

PILOT'S MANUAL

Thank you for taking the time to read this booklet.

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CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Pre flight

 Pre-delivery inspection
 Brake-line lengths
 Weight range
 Pre-flight safety

3. Flying the Vega II

a. Normal flight

 Pre-flight inspection
 Launch
 Flight
 Landing

b. Losing altitude

 Big ears
 B-line stall
 Spiral dive

c. Dealing with turbulence

 Asymmetric collapse
 Symmetric collapse
 Deep stall
 Full stall
 Negative spin

4. Care, maintenance and repairs

 Ground-handling
 UV damage
 Storage
 Repairs

5. Technical details

 Certification
 Technical data
 Line plan
 Specification of materials

6. About Axis

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1. INTRODUCTION

When setting out to design our next-generation cross-country glider we had a clear
target: we wanted to create the best paraglider possible for discerning sports and
recreational pilots. Pilots who want top performance and sensitive handling, but who
rightly demand ever more security.

The Vega II is that glider, keeping the comfortable but precise characteristics of the
original Vega while improving on the glider’s already high performance and safety
margins.

With an internal structure based on the successful Mercury competition glider the
Vega II includes our unique differential speed system. This means pilots can achieve a
good sink-rate at half or one-third speed bar, and maintain good stability at maximum
speed: in short, it gives the glider excellent usable speed.

The Vega II is an intermediate-performance glider (EN-C, corresponding to DHV2 or
AFNOR Performance) and is meant for qualified pilots who hold a full paragliding pilot
licence. It is designed as an ideal cross-country glider, suitable for experienced pilots
who fly regularly and who will enjoy a performance glider with good safety
characteristics.

This manual provides information about the glider, which will help you to fly safely
and keep your wing in good condition. If after reading this manual you have any
further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or any authorised Axis dealer.

Thank you for choosing the new Vega II from Axis.

www.axispara.cz

www.axispara.co.uk

SAFETY NOTICE

By the purchase of this equipment, you are responsible for being a certified paraglider
pilot and you accept all risks inherent with paragliding activities including injury and
death. Improper use or misuse of paragliding equipment greatly increases these risk s.
Neither Axis nor the seller of Axis equipment shall be held liable for personal or third
party injuries or damages under any circumstances.
If any aspect of the use of our equipment remains unclear, ple ase contact your local
paragliding instructor, Axis dealer or the Axis importer in your country.

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2. PRE FLIGHT

Pre-delivery inspection

The Vega II is delivered with a rucksack, inner bag, compression strap and this manual.
The dealer or your instructor should have made a test inflation and test flight before
delivery to you.

Brake-line length

When you receive your new Vega II, the brake-line length is set the same as the Axis
test glider. This length has been finely tuned by Axis test pilots and it should not be
necessary to adjust it.

If you feel it is necessary to adjust the brake-line length to suit physical build, height of
harness hang points, or style of flying we recommend you test-fly the glider after every
20mm of adjustment.

There should always be free brake travel when the glider is flown hands-up. This
means when you look at your brake lines in flight with your hands up, there should be
a slight bow, or arc, to the line – the brake lines should not be tight. This is to prevent
the brakes being applied when the speed-system is used.

Brake lines that are too short:

 May lead to fatigue from flying with your hands in an unnatural position
 May impede recovery from certain manoeuvres
 Will certainly reduce your glider's speed range.

Brake lines that are too long will:

 Reduce pilot control during launch
 Reduce control in extreme flying situations
 Make it difficult to execute a good flare when landing.

Each break line should be tied securely to its control handle with a suitable knot.

Other adjustments or changes to your Vega II lead to a loss of guarantee, airworthiness
and validity of EN certification and may endanger both yourself and others.

If you have any suggestions on improvements let us know and our test pilots will try
out your ideas in a controlled situation.

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Weight range

The Vega II must only be flown within the certified weight range as shown in this
manual. The weight range quoted is the total in-flight weight which includes pilot,
glider, harness, clothing and accessories.

Pre-flight safety

Before flying this glider you should:

 Have the appropriate practical and theoretical training
 Have the required licence and insurance
 Be fit to fly and unaffected by stress or drugs
 Wear a suitable helmet
 Use a suitable harness and emergency parachute
 Make a thorough pre-flight check.

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3. FLYING THE VEGA II

We recommend you practice inflating your glider before flying it, and make your first
flights in gentle conditions on a familiar flying site.

A. Normal flight

Pre-flight check

A proper pre-flight check is essential for safe flying.

Before launch lay the glider out into a slight arc and check that:

 Cell openings are free of obstructions
 Lines are free of tangles or knots
 No twigs, grass or other objects are tangled in the lines
 Risers are correctly connected
 Brake lines run freely through the pulleys
 Knots on brake handles are secure
 Carabiners on risers are closed and/or tightened

Launch

The key to successful launching is to practice ground-handling on flat ground as often
as possible. The Vega II inflates easily and steadily using forward or reverse launch
techniques. There is no tendency to overshoot the pilot. To forward (alpine) launch in
light or nil wind there is no need to pull the risers hard. Allow the glider to stabilise
overhead and run positively forward checking the canopy is fully inflated and clear of
any knots or tangles. Reverse launching is recommended in strong wind.

Flight

The best glide speed in calm air is achieved in the hands-up position. The best sink rate
is produced with both brake lines drawn down equally to about 20% of their range.

Turning

The handling characteristics of the Vega II require no special or non-standard
procedures. Brake pressure is progressive. This gives a responsive and sporty feel to
the handling. In an emergency (e.g. a broken brake line) the Vega II can be
manoeuvred by steering carefully with the rear risers or by weight shift.

Using the speed system

The speed system on the Vega II comes supplied with Brummel hooks ready to attach
to your own speedbar of choice. When you have done this, check the speed system

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