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USER’S
MANUAL
HOOK 4
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NIVIUK GLIDERS & AIR GAMES SL C/ DEL TER 6, NAVE D 17165 LA CELLERA DE TER - GIRONA - SPAIN
TEL. +34 972 42 28 78 FAX +34 972 42 00 86
[email protected] www.niviuk.com
HOOK 4
The pleasure of choosing
WELCOME
We wish to welcome you to our team and thank you for the condence
that you have placed in a NIVIUK Glider.
We would like to share with you the commitment, the passion and emotions
of the Niviuk design team, which have resulted in the creation of the new
HOOK 4. Niviuk are very proud of this new glider, a glider carefully designed
to bring you maximum pleasure whilst allowing you learn and progress.
The HOOK 4 has born from Niviuk essence, our tradition, from our
experience from the past and future’s innovation. Versatile and
ultramodern, the HOOK 4 offers optimal piloting, adventure to the highest
extent, comfort in ight and efciency. It’s the change from the usual to the
extraordinary. The HOOK 4 does not leave anything else to wish for except
probably more of the same.
We are condent that you will enjoy ying this wing and that you will soon
understand the meaning of our slogan: “The importance of small details”
This is the user’s manual that we recommend you to read in detail.
The NIVIUK Gliders Team.
USER’S MANUAL
NIVIUK Gliders HOOK 4
This manual offers all the necessary information that will familiarize you
with the main characteristics of your new paraglider. Although this manual
informs you about your glider, it does not offer the instruction requirements
necessary for you to be able to pilot this type of wing. Flying instruction
can only be taught at a paragliding school recognised by the Flying
Federation of your country.
Nevertheless we remind you that it is important that you carefully read all
the contents of the manual for your new HOOK 4.
Severe injuries to the pilot can be the consequence of the misuse of this
equipment.
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SUMMARY
WELCOME 2
USER’S MANUAL 2
1. CHARACTERISTICS 4
1.1 WHO IS IT DESIGNED FOR? 4
1.2 CERTIFICATION 4
1.3 IN-FLIGHT BEHAVIOUR 4
1.4 ASSEMBLY, MATERIALS 4
1.5 ELEMENTS, COMPONENTS 5
2. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY 6
2.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE 6
2.2 PROCEDURE 6
2.3 ASSEMBLY TO THE ENGINE 6
2.4 TYPE OF HARNESS 6
2.5 ASSEMBLY OF THE ACCELERATOR 6
2.6 INSPECTION AND WING
INFLATION ON THE GROUND 6
2.7 ADJUSTING THE BRAKES 6
3. THE FIRST FLIGHT 7
3.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE 7
3.2 PREPARATION 7
3.3 FLIGHT PLAN 7
3.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST 7
3.5 WING INFLATION, CONTROL,
AND TAKE-OFF 7
3.6 LANDING 7
4. IN FLIGHT 8
4.1 FLYING IN TURBULENCE 8
4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS 8
4.3 USING THE ACCELERATOR 9
4.4 FLYING WITHOUT BRAKE LINES 10
4.5 KNOTS IN FLIGHT 10
5. LOSING HEIGHT 10
5.1 SPLIT A 10
5.2 B-LINE STALL 10
5.3 SPIRAL DIVE 11
6. SPECIAL METHODS 11
6.1 TOWING 11
6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHT 11
7. FOLDING INSTRUCTIONS 12
8. CARE AND MAINTENANCE 12
8.1 MAINTENANCE 12
8.2 STORAGE 12
8.3 CHECKS AND CONTROLS 12
8.4 REPAIRS 12
9. SAFETY AND RESPONSABILITY 12
10. GUARANTEE 13
11. TECHNICAL DATA 14
11.1 TECHNICAL DATA 14
11.2 MATERIALS DESCRIPTION 15
11.3 RISERS PLAN 16
11.4 SUSPENSION PLAN 17
11.5 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 21 18
11.6 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 23 18
11.7 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 25 19
11.8 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 27 19
11.9 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 29 20
11.10 CERTIFICATION SPECIMEN TEST 21
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1. CHARACTERISTICS
1.1 WHO IS IT DESIGNED FOR?
The HOOK 4 has been clearly designed for pilots that aim for the best:
more independence, more freedom, more adventure, more exclusivity
and more sportiness.
At Niviuk we have very clear that the most important element of the
glider is the pilot. That’s why our new HOOK 4 has a single objective:
the personal growth of the pilot. Its high performance and high level
of comfort in ight will let you chose between a ight with a sporty
character or an astonishing serene ight. You are in charge of setting the
pace. Let your emotions soar with the HOOK 4.
With a new and optimized internal structure less material is needed to
produce the HOOK 4, this gives it a reduced internal weight to gain more
serenity to its piloting. The glider allows a relaxed ight with less inertia
and its reactions are smoother.
The prole has been redesigned, with the RAM and TNT technologies the
glider’s performance and the internal pressure have been improved.
HOOK 4 will have a progressive and solid ination to make easier the
take off.
1.2 CERTIFICATION
The HOOK 4 has successfully achieved the European EN B certication.
Description of flight characteristics on B class:
Paraglider with good passive safety and forgiving characteristics. Some
resistance to departures from normal ight.
Description on pilots skills required on B class:
Designed for all pilots including pilots under all levels of training.
The HOOK 4 passed the essential load test of 8G without experiencing
any problems.
On the ight test all the ve sizes of the HOOK 4 received the best
certication EN B.
This test was carried out in the Swiss Air-Turquoise laboratories.
Check the certication results and gures on the last pages of this
manual or at www.niviuk.com
1.3 IN-FLIGHT BEHAIVOR
In order to bring you the best glider in this class the NIVIUK Team have
carried out extensive and meticulous design work. As a consequence of
several prototypes and many hours of test ights numerous adjustments
were made. These prototypes were then tested in all types of ight
conditions.
HOOK 4 is the result, a new way of being one self. A technology
privileged compared to its predecessors, provided of a new prole with
performance and technologies tramsitted down from the competition
wings. Improvements and innovations that Olivier and our R&D team
manage to move from competitions all around the world to the new
HOOK 4, for you to enjoy it. But in spite of evolution, the HOOK 4 is a
Hook glider and it will provide you what is expected of it. HOOK 4 is a
glider for all pilots who wish to be equipped with latest performance and
technology; it is capable to offer the same usual safety, the same feeling
with closed eyes and the same coherence with the original NIVIUK ideas.
1.4 ASSEMBLY, MATERIALS
The HOOK 4 does not only introduce new design methods but also new
manufacture technologies: equipped with SLE, DRS, TNT and RAM
systems.
The use of the SLE (Structured Leading Edge) allows reinforcement of the
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leading edge preventing any deformation during turbulence. The airow
is also vastly improved over the entire front span of the glider.
(See http://niviuk.com/technology.asp?id=JNKPKPN4)
With the DRS, the trailing edge has been reinforced with small ribs that
make thispart atter in order to spread the pressure out evenly. It means
better air-ow and less drag on this important part of the glider. The
addition of theseribs gives exceptional handling (better and more efcient
whenturning) and more control and precision.
The TNT is a technical revolution. It underlines building the internal
structure of the glider with Nitinol to make the prole more uniform and
the glider lighter for better ight performance. Moreover, the nitinol is
resistant to deformations, hot temperatures and breaks as well as more
resistant to the glider folding process.
The RAM AIR INTAKE technology presents and internal situation for the
air entrance to allow an optimal maintenance of the internal pressure as
well as an improving of the laminar ow on intrados. What’s the result?
Gaining turbulent air absorption in the leading edge, more consistent at
every speed and a better performance while assuring maximum security.
(See http://www.niviuk.com/technology.asp?id=JNKQKNP4)
Not a single millimetre of error is possible in the manufacturing process
from Olivier’s computer to the cutting of the fabric. An automatic process
controlled by a laser-cutting program cuts each of the sections that
compose the different parts of the wing. This program not only cuts the
pieces of fabric but it also paints the guideline marks that will aid the
assembly; it also numbers the separate pieces of material. All this is
carried out before human handling of the pieces begins. So we eliminate
possible and understandable errors that may occur during this delicate
procedure.
The lines are semi-automatically manufactured and all the sewing is
nished under the supervision of our specialists. The jigsaw puzzle of the
assembly process is made easier using this method. We minimise the
processes while making the quality control more efcient. All the different
parts of the canopy are cut and assembled under the strict conditions
induced by the automation of the whole process.
All NIVIUK Gliders go through an extremely thorough and efcient nal
inspection.
Every single line of each glider is measured individually once the nal
assembly has concluded. Each wing is then individually inated for the
last visual revision.
Each glider is packaged following the maintenance and conservation
instructions recommended for the advanced materials. NIVIUK Gliders
are made of rst class materials as demanded by the performance,
durability, and homologation requirements of the present-day market.
Information about construction materials is given on the last pages of this
manual.
1.5 ELEMENTS, COMPONENTS
The HOOK 4 is delivered to its owner together with a series of
components that, although not fundamental, do take an important part
in the use, transport and storage of the paraglider. The glider is delivered
together with a rucksack, large enough for all of the equipment to t
inside, once appropriately packed. The rucksack is designed to make
transport on foot as pleasant as possible. The internal bag, intended
to protect the HOOK 4 from possible damage, during storage is also
supplied.
The glider strap allows you to fold the wing as small as possible.
Furthermore you will nd the accelerator bar that completes the
acceleration gear of the wing, a small fabric repair kit made of auto
adhesive rips top, a user’s manual with the answers all our questions
about our new HOOK 4 and an instruction booklet.
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2. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
2.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE
We recommend that you unpack and assemble your wing on a schooling
slope or a at clear area without too much wind and free of obstacles.
These conditions will allow you to carry out all the steps required for you
to check and inate the HOOK 4.
We recommend that an instructor or a retailer supervises the entire
procedure as only they are competent to resolve any doubt in a safe and
professional way.
2.2 PROCEDURE
Take the paraglider out of the rucksack, open it and spread it open, with
the lines on top of the underside, position the wing as if you were to
inate it. Check the condition of the fabric and the lines, make sure there
are no abnormalities. Check the maillons that attach the lines to the risers
are properly closed. Identify and order the A, B, C lines, the brake lines
and the corresponding risers. Make sure that there are no ties or knots.
2.3 ASSEMBLY OF THE HARNESS
Correctly place the risers on the harness karabiners. The risers and lines
should not have any twists and they should be in the right order. Check
that the harness buckles are correctly locked.
2.4 TYPE OF HARNESS
The HOOK 4 has passed the EN B certication using a EN1651:1999 type
harness.
This certication allows it to be own with most of the harnesses on the
market, even the ones that use cocoon.
We recommend that you adjust the distance of the chest strap according
the homologation from 42 to 50 cm between the harness carabineers. This
adjustment will offer the top compromise between safety and feelings. Any
change made to these specications may affect the wing’s performance
and reactions. This would therefore effect the glider’s conguration and
would not conform to the homologation.
2.5 ASSEMBLY OF THE ACCELERATOR
The acceleration mechanism of the HOOK 4 works when you push with
your feet on the accelerator bar, this is supplied with the equipment.
On delivery the accelerator bar has not yet been installed and it is
recommended that it is t by you before ight. Most harnesses are
equipped with a pre-installed acceleration system. When tting any
accelerator system ensure that all preinstalled items within the harness,
such as roller pulleys are used correctly. After tting, take into account
that you will have to adjust the length of the accelerator lines for correct
use. This will vary according to the length of the pilot’s legs!
We recommend that you try the correct tting of the acceleration system
on equipment designed to do this, most paragliding schools have this
sort of equipment.
2.6 INSPECTION AND WING INFLATION ON THE GROUND
Once you have checked all the equipment and made sure that the
wind conditions are favourable, inate your HOOK 4 as many times as
necessary in order to become acquainted with the wing’s behaviour.
The HOOK 4 inates easily and smoothly. An excess of energy is not
necessary and the wing will inate with minimum pressure on the harness
when you move forward. This may be assisted by using the A lines. Do
not pull on them, just lift to accompany the natural rising movement of
the wing, once the wing is in the 12 o’clock position, simply apply correct
pressure on the brake lines and the HOOK 4 will sit over your head.
2.7 ADJUSTING THE BRAKES
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The length of the main brake lines is adjusted at the factory to the length
established during homologation. However, the length can be changed
to adapt to the pilot’s ying style. Nevertheless, we recommend that you
y for a while with these, set at the original length. This will allow you to
become accustomed to the HOOK 4’s original ying behaviour. If you then
decide to change the length of the brake lines, untie the knot, slide the line
through the brake link to the desired length, and strongly re-tie the knot.
Qualied personnel should carry out this adjustment. You must ensure that
this adjustment does not slow down the glider without any pilot input. Both
brake lines should be symmetrical and measure the same length. The most
recommended knots are the clove hitch knot or bowline knot.
When changing the brakes length, it is necessary to check that they do not
act when the accelerator is used. When we accelerate the glider rotates
over the C riser and the trailing edge elevates. We must check that the
brake is adjusted taking in consideration this extra length in acceleration.
3. THE FIRST FLIGHT
3.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE
We recommend that the rst ight with your HOOK 4 is made on a
smooth slope (a school slope) or in your usual ying area.
3.2 PREPARATION
Repeat the procedures detailed in chapter 2 UNPACKING AND
ASSEMBLY in order to prepare your equipment.
3.3 FLIGHT PLAN
Draw out a ight plan before take-off in order to avoid possible ight
errors.
3.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST
Once you are ready, but before you take-off, carry out another equipment
inspection. Ensure correct installation of all equipment and that all lines are
free of hindrances or knots. Check that the weather conditions are suited
for your ying skills.
3.5 WING INFLATION, CONTROL, AND TAKE-OFF
Smoothly and progressively inate the wing (chapter 2.6 INSPECTION
AND WING INFLATION ON THE GROUND). The HOOK 4 inates easily
and does not require excessive energy. It does not tend to over-take you,
so the wing ination phase is carried out without anguish. These take off
characteristics provide a perfect control phase and enough time for the
pilot to decide whether to accelerate and take off.
Whenever the wind speed allows it, we recommend a reverse launch
technique; this type of launch allows you to carry out a better visual
check of the wing. The HOOK 4 is especially easy to control in this
position in strong winds. However, wind speeds up to 25 to 30 km/h
are considered strong and extra consideration should be given to any
thought of ight.
Preparation and positioning of the wing on the take off is especially
important. Choose a location which is appropriate for the direction of the
wind. Position the paraglider as if it were part of a large circle, taking into
account the shape of the canopy in ight. All this will assist in a trouble
free take-off.
3.6 LANDING
The HOOK 4 lands excellently, it transforms the wing speed into lift on the
pilot’s demand, allowing an enormous margin of error. You will not have to
wrap the brake lines around your hand to get greater braking efciency.
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4. IN FLIGHT
4.1 FLYING IN TURBULENCE
The HOOK 4 complies with an excellent homologation to face this type
of situation with the best safety guarantee. This wing is stable in all types
of weather conditions. It reacts admirably in passive ight, thus offering
a high level of safety in turbulent conditions. Nonetheless, all paragliders
always have to be piloted according to the prevailing weather conditions;
the pilot is the ultimate safety factor.
We recommend that the pilot adopts a proactive attitude when ying,
making the necessary ne adjustments to keep the wing in control. He/
she should stop braking to allow it to y at the required wing speed after
a correction is made. Do not maintain any correction for longer than
necessary (braked) this would cause the wing to enter into critical ying
situation. Whenever necessary, control a situation, react to it and then
re-establish the required speed.
4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS
We recommend that training to master these manoeuvres be carried out
under the supervision of a competent school.
Asymmetric collapse
In spite of the great stability of the prole of the HOOK 4, 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. When the wing is about to experience an asymmetric collapse
the brake lines and the harness will transmit a loss of pressure to the pilot.
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 HOOK 4 will not react violently,
the turn tendency is very gradual and it is easily controlled. Lean your
body towards the side that is still ying 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 rm 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 ying (turn control) and when the collapse has been solved; remember
to let the wing recover its ying speed.
Symmetric collapse
In normal ying conditions the design of the HOOK 4 ensures that a
symmetric collapse is quite improbable. The prole of the wing has been
designed to widely tolerate extreme changes in the angle of incidence. 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 collapses usually re-inate without
the glider turning but you can symmetrically apply the brake lines with
a quick deep pump to quicken the re-ination. Release the brake lines
immediately to recover optimum ight speed.
Negative spin
This conguration is out of the normal ight behaviour of the HOOK 4.
Certain circumstances however, may provoke this conguration such
as trying to turn when the wing is ying at very low speed (while heavily
braking). It is not easy to give any recommendations about this situation
since it varies depending on the circumstances. Remember that you
should restore the relative air speed over the wing. To achieve this,
progressively reduce the pressure on the brake lines and let the wing gain
speed. The normal reaction would be a lateral surge with a turn tendency
no greater than 360º before restoring to normal ight conditions.
Parachutal stall
The possibility of this happening has been eliminated by the design of the
HOOK 4 and it is highly unlikely to happen on this paraglider. If it does
happen, the feeling would be that the wing would not be advancing; you
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would feel a kind of instability and a lack of pressure on the brake lines,
although the canopy would appear to be correctly inated. The correct
reaction would be to release the pressure on the brake lines and push the
A lines forward or rather lean your body to any side WITHOUT PULLING
ON THE BRAKE LINES.
Deep Stall
The possibility of the HOOK 4 falling into this conguration is almost
nonexistent, if the factory settings have not been altered. This could
happen if you are ying at a very low speed, whilst over steering in a
number of manoeuvres and in turbulent conditions.
To provoke a deep stall you have to take the wing to minimum ight
speed by symmetrically pulling the brake lines, when you reach this
point, continue pulling until you reach 100% and then hold. The glider
will rst fall behind you and then situate itself above you, rocking slightly,
depending on how the manoeuvre was carried out. When you start to
provoke a stall, be positive and do not doubt an instant. Do not release
the brake lines when half way through the manoeuvre. This would cause
the glider to surge violently forward with great energy and may result
in the wing below the pilot. It is very important that the pressure on the
brake lines is maintained until the wing is well established vertical above.
To regain normal ight conditions, progressively and symmetrically
release the brake lines, letting the speed be re-established. When the
wing reaches the maximum advanced position ensure that the brakes
are fully released. The wing will now surge forward, this is necessary so
that air speed is completely restored over the wing. Do not over brake
at this point because the wing needs to recover speed to quit the stall
conguration. If you have to control a possible symmetrical front stall,
briey and symmetrically pull on the brake lines and let go even when the
wing is still ahead of you.
Wing tangle
Of all the possible situations, which you may encounter while ying the
HOOK 4, this is the least probable one of all. The well proportioned ratio
and well calculated positioning of the line cascades ratify this fact.
A wing tangle may happen after an asymmetric collapse, the end of the
wing is trapped between the lines (Cravat). This situation could rapidly
cause the wing to turn, although it depends on the nature of the tangle.
The correction manoeuvres are the same as those applied in the case
of an asymmetrical collapse, control the turn tendency by applying the
opposite brake and lean your body against the turn. Then locate the line
that reaches the stabiliser that is trapped between the other lines. This
line has a different colour and belongs to the external lines of the B riser.
Pull on this line until it is tense, this should help to undo the wing tangle.
If you cannot undo the tangle, y to the nearest possible landing spot,
control the ying course with your body movements and a little pressure
on the opposite brake. Be careful when attempting to undo a tangle if you
are ying near a mountainside or near to other paragliders, you may lose
control of the ying course and a collision may occur.
Over handling
Most ying incidents are caused by wrong actions of the pilot, which
chained one after another create abnormal ying congurations (a
cascade of incidents). You must to remember that over handling the wing
will lead to critical levels of functioning. The HOOK 4 is designed always
to try to recover normal ight by itself, do not try to over handle it.
Generally speaking, the reactions of the wing, that follow over handling,
are neither due to the input made or the intensity, but the length of time
the pilot continues to over handle. You have to allow the prole to reestablish normal ight speed after any type of handling.
4.3 USING THE ACCELERATOR
The prole of the HOOK 4 has been designed to y stable through its
entire speed range, the EN B certication conrms this. It is useful to
accelerate when ying in strong winds or in extreme descending air. When
you accelerate the wing, the prole becomes more sensitive to possible
turbulence and closer to a possible frontal collapse. If you feel a pressure
loss, you should stop pushing on the accelerator and pull slightly on the
brake lines to increase the angle of incidence. Remember that you have to
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re-establish the ight speed after correcting the incidence.
It is NOT recommended to accelerate near to the mountainside or in very
turbulent conditions. If necessary you will have to constantly adjust the
movements and pressure on the accelerator whilst constantly adjusting
the pressure applied to the brake lines. This balance is considered to be
“active piloting.”
HOOK 4 has been designed with no other adjustable, removable or
variable device that could modify glider’s behaviour to prevent an incorrect
use of the product.
4.4 FLYING WITHOUT BRAKE LINES
If, for any reason at all, you cannot use the brake lines of your HOOK 4
you will have to pilot the wing using the C-risers and your body weight
to y towards the nearest landing. The C-lines steer easily because
they are not under pressure, however you have to be careful not to over
handle them causing a stall or negative turn. To land you have to let the
wing y at full speed and before reaching the ground you will have to
pull symmetrically on both the C-risers. This braking method is not as
effective as using the brake lines so you will land at a higher speed.
4.5 KNOTS IN FLIGHT
The best way to avoid these knots and tangles is to inspect the lines
before you inate the wing for take-off. If you notice a knot before take-off,
immediately stop running and do not take off.
If you have taken off with a knot you will have to correct the drift by leaning
on the opposite side of the knot and apply the brake line on that side too. You
can gently pull on the brake line to see if the knot becomes unfastened or try
to identify the line with the knot in it. The identied line can then be pulled to
see if the knot undoes. Be very careful when trying to remove a knot. When
there are knots in the lines or when they are tangled, do not pull too hard
on the brake lines because there is a greater risk of the wing to stalling or
negative turn being initiated
Before trying to remove a knot, make sure there are no pilots ying nearby
and never try these manoeuvres near the mountainside. If the knot is too tight
and you cannot remove it, carefully and safely y to the nearest landing place.
5. LOSING HEIGHT
The knowledge of the different descent techniques is an important
resource to use in certain situations. The most adequate descent method
will depend on the particular situation.
We recommend that you learn to use these manoeuvres under the tuition
of a competent school.
5.1 SPLIT A
Big ears are 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 incidence and the surface wing load also increases. Push on
the accelerator to restore the wing’s horizontal speed and the angle of
incidence.
The HOOK 4 is tted with a big ear pulley system which makes both
locating the right line and the manoeuvre easier. These big ear pulleys
can easily be removed whenever the pilot wishes. To activate big ears
take either the big ear pulley or outer most line on each A risers (2A3
in the line plan) and simultaneously, smoothly pull them outward and
downward. The wingtips will fold in. Let go of the lines and the big ears
will re-inate automatically. If they do not re-inate, gently pull on one of
the brake lines and then on the opposite one. We recommend that you
re-inate asymmetrically, not to alter the angle of incidence, more so if
you are ying near the ground or ying in turbulence.
5.2 B-LINE STALL
When you carry out this manoeuvre, the wing stops ying, it loses all
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horizontal speed and you are not in control of the paraglider. The air
circulation over the prole is interrupted and the wing enters into a
situation similar to parachuting.
To carry out this manoeuvre you have to take the B-lines at the maillons
height leaving them as base in the hand palm avoiding taking the A&B
together. Pull symmetrically down (approx. 20-30cms) and then hold this
position. The initial phase is quite physical (hard resistance) which means
that you will have to pull strongly until the prole of the wing is deformed,
when this happens the required force will then signicantly reduce. To
maintain this manoeuvre you must continue to hold the B Lines in the
pulled down position. The wing will then become deformed, horizontal
speed drops to 0 km/h and vertical speed increases to –6 to –8 m/s
depending on the conditions and how the manoeuvre has been carried out.
To exit the manoeuvre, simultaneously release both risers, the wing will
then slightly surge forward and then automatically return to normal ight.
It is better to let go of the lines quickly rather than slowly. This is an easy
manoeuvre but you must remember that the wing stops ying, it loses
all horizontal movement and its reactions are very different compared to
normal ight.
5.3 SPIRAL DIVE
This is a more effective way for rapidly losing height. You have to
know that, the wing can gain a lot of vertical speed and rotation speed
(G force). This can cause a loss of orientation and consciousness
(blackouts). These are the reasons why it is best to carry out this
manoeuvre gradually so your capacity to resist the G forces increases
and you will learn to fully appreciate and understand the manoeuvre.
Always practice this manoeuvre when ying at high altitude.
To start the manoeuvre, rst lean your bodyweight and pull the brake line
to the side to which you are leaning. You can regulate the intensity of the
turn by applying a little outside brake.
A paraglider ying at its maximum turn speed can reach –20 m/s,
equivalent 70 km/h vertical speed and stabilize in a spiral dive from 15
m/s onwards.
These are the reasons why you should be familiar with and know how to
carry out the exit methods.
To exit this manoeuvre you must progressively release the inside brake
and also momentarily apply outside brake. Whilst doing this you must
also lean your bodyweight towards the outside. This exit manoeuvre has
to be carried out gradually and with smooth movements so you can feel
the pressure and speed changes at the same time.
The after effect of the exit manoeuvre is that the glider will rock briey with
lateral surge, depending on how the manoeuvre has been carried out.
Practice these movements at sufcient altitude and with moderation.
6. SPECIAL METHODS
6.1 TOWING
The HOOK 4 does not experience any problem when being towed. Only
qualied personnel should handle the qualied equipment to carry out this
operation. The wing has to be inated in the same way as in normal ight.
6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHT
Although the HOOK 4 has been tested by expert acrobatic pilots in
extreme situations, it HAS NOT been designed for acrobatic ight and we
DO NOT recommend continued use in this type of ight. Acrobatic ight
is the youngest discipline in free ight. We consider acrobatic ight to be
any form of piloting that is different to normal ight. To learn safely how
to master acrobatic manoeuvres you should attend lessons which are
carried out by a qualied instructor and over water. Extreme manoeuvres
take you and your wing to centrifugal forces that can reach 4 to 5g.
Materials will wear more quickly than in normal ight. If you do practice
Page 12
12
extreme manoeuvres we recommend that you submit your wing to a line
revision every six months.
7. FOLDING INSTRUCTIONS
The HOOK 4 features the SLE (Structured Leading Edge) and to preserve
the integrity of this structure a degree of care should be taken when
folding. When the correct technique is applied to the folding process
it will ensure that the wing maintains its high performance, safety and
durability. Folding should be carried out cell to cell (accordion style) with
the SLE ribs remaining parallel to the leading edge at all times.
The wing does not have to be tightly folded, if you do so it may damage
the material and or the lines.
To assist in this folding process Niviuk has designed the NKare folding
bag (supplied as an option). The NKare Bag will help to ensure the
correct folding process is carried out, maintaining the prole and integrity
of the internal SLE structure as described above.
8. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
8.1 MAINTENANCE
Careful maintenance of your equipment will ensure continued
performance.
The fabric and the lines do not need to be washed, if they become
dirty, clean them with a soft damp cloth. If your wing gets wet with salty
water, immerse it in fresh water and dry it away from direct sunlight. The
sunlight may damage the materials of your wing and cause premature
aging. Once you have landed, do not leave the wing in the sun, store it
properly. If you use your wing in a sandy area, try to avoid the sand from
entering through the cell openings of the leading edge. If sand is inside
the wing, remove it before folding.
8.2 STORAGE
It is important that the wing is correctly folded when stored. Store your
ying equipment in a cool, dry place away from solvents, fuels or oils. It
is not advisable to store your ying equipment in the trunk of your car.
Temperatures inside a car parked in the sunlight, can be very high. Inside
a rucksack and in the sunlight temperatures can reach 60ºC. Weight
should not be laid on top of the equipment.
8.3 CHECKS AND CONTROLS
You should ensure your HOOK 4 is periodically serviced and checked at
your local repair shop every 100 hours of use or two years (whichever
happens rst). This is the only way to guarantee that your HOOK 4
will continue to function properly and therefore continue fullling the
homologation certicate results.
8.4 REPAIRS
If the wing is damaged, you can temporarily repair it by using the rip stop
that you’ll nd in the repair kit, so long as no stitches are involved in the
tear. Any other type of tear must be repaired in a specialized repair shop
or by qualied personnel. Do not accept a home repair.
9. SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY
It is well known that paragliding is considered a high-risk sport, where
safety depends on the person who is practising it.
Wrong use of this equipment can cause severe injuries to the pilot, even
death. Manufacturers and dealers are not responsible for any act or
accident that may be the result of practicing this sport.
You must not use this equipment if you are not trained. Do not take
advice or accept any informal training from anyone who is not properly
qualied as a ight instructor.
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13
10. GUARANTEE
The entire equipment and components are covered by a 2 year guarantee
for any manufacture fault.
The guarantee does not cover misuse or abnormal use of the materials.
Page 14
11. TECHNICAL DATA
11.1 TECHNICAL DATA
HOOK 4 21 23 25 27 29
CELLS NUMBER 52 52 52 52 52
CLOSED 8 8 8 8 8
BOX m
2
23 23 23 23 23
FLAT AREA m
2
21 23 25 27 29
SPAN
m
10,65 11,15 11,62 12,08 12,51
ASPECT RATIO 5,4 5,4 5,4 5,4 5,4
PROJECTED AREA m
2
17,85 19,55 21,25 22,95 24,65
SPAN m 8,45 8,84 9,22 9,58 9,93
ASPECT RATIO 4 4 4 4 4
FLATTENING % 15% 15% 15% 15% 15%
CORD MAXIMUM m 2,47 2,58 2,69 2,8 2,9
MINIMUM m 0,49 0,52 0,54 0,56 0,58
AVERAGE m 1,97 2,06 2,14 2,23 2,31
LINES TOTAL METERS m 208 218 227 236 245
HEIGHT m 6,5 6,8 7,09 7,36 7,63
NUMBER 180 180 180 180 180
MAIN 2/1/3/2 2/1/3/2 2/1/3/2 2/1/3/2 2/1/3/2
RISERS NUMBER 4 A/A'/B/C A/A'/B/C A/A'/B/C A/A'/B/C A/A'/B/C
TRIMS NO NO NO NO NO
ACCELERATOR m/m 135 135 135 135 135
TOTAL WEIGHT MINIMUM kg 55 65 80 95 110
IN FLIGHT MAXIMUM kg 70 85 100 115 130
GLIDER WEIGHT
kg 4,3 4,7 4,9 5,3 5,6
CERTIFICATION EN/LTF B B B B B
14
Page 15
11.2 MATERIALS DESCRIPTION
CANOPY
FABRIC CODE SUPPLIER
UPPER SURFACE
9017 E25 PORCHER IND (FRANCE)
BOTTOM SURFACE N20DMF DOMINICO TEX CO (KOREA)
RIBS 9017 E29 PORCHER IND (FRANCE)
DIAGONALS 9017 E29 PORCHER IND (FRANCE)
LOOPS LKI - 10 KOLON IND. (KOREA)
REINFORCEMENT LOOPS W-420 D-P (GERMANY)
TRAILING EDGE REIFORCEMENT MYLAR D-P (GERMANY)
REINFORCEMENT RIBS LTN-0.8 STICK SPORTWARE CO. (CHINA)
THREAD SERAFIL 60 AMAN (GERMANY)
SUSPENSION LINES FABRIC CODE SUPPLIER
UPPER CASCADES DC - 060 LIROS GMHB (GERMANY)
UPPER CASCADES TNL - 080 TEIJIM LIMITED (JAPAN)
UPPER CASCADES DC - 100 LIROS GMHB (GERMANY)
MIDDLE CASCADES TNL - 080 TEIJIM LIMITED (JAPAN)
MIDDLE CASCADES TNL - 140 TEIJIM LIMITED (JAPAN)
MIDDLE CASCADES TNL - 220 TEIJIM LIMITED (JAPAN)
MAIN TNL - 080 TEIJIM LIMITED (JAPAN)
MAIN TNL - 140 TEIJIM LIMITED (JAPAN)
MAIN TNL - 280 TEIJIM LIMITED (JAPAN)
MAIN TNL - 400 TEIJIM LIMITED (JAPAN)
MAIN BREAK TNL - 400 TEIJIM LIMITED (JAPAN)
THREAD SERAFIL 60 AMAN (GERMANY)
RISERS FABRIC CODE SUPPLIER
MATERIAL WD103 COUSIN (FRANCE)
COLOR INDICATOR PAD TECNI SANGLES (FRANCE)
THREAD V138 COATS (ENGLAND)
MAILLONS 4 ANSUNG PRECISION (KOREA)
PULLEYS ID018041 RONSTAN (AUSTRALIA)
15
Page 16
11.3 RISERS PLAN
16
Page 17
11.4 SUSPENSION PLAN
17
Page 18
11.5 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 21 11.6 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 23
LINES HEIGHT m/m
A B C D br
1 5994 5906 5998 6097 6751
2 5933 5846 5912 6015 6435
3 5893 5808 5867 5966 6274
4 5912 5829 5911 6006 6154
5 5880 5843 5934 6019 6028
6 5841 5791 5859 5940 5988
7 5791 5711 5756 5829 6051
8 5806 5721 5781 5848 5874
9 5628 5627 5696 5803
10 5489 5595 5718 5793
11 5286 5265 5364
12 5184 5180 5238
RISERS LENGHT m/m
A A’ B C
470 470 470 470 STANDARD
340 360 380 470 ACCELERATED
LINES HEIGHT m/m
A B C D br
1 6298 6197 6301 6410 7125
2 6234 6135 6212 6324 6795
3 6194 6098 6165 6264 6628
4 6214 6120 6212 6306 6504
5 6184 6148 6247 6336 6372
6 6143 6093 6168 6254 6332
7 6091 6010 6061 6138 6398
8 6108 6021 6088 6157 6235
9 5927 5922 6004 6160
10 5781 5890 6027 6150
11 5566 5550 5654
12 5458 5460 5520
RISERS LENGHT m/m
A A’ B C
470 470 470 470 STANDARD
340 360 380 470 ACCELERATED
18
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11.7 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 25 11.8 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 27
LINES HEIGHT m/m
A B C D br
1 6586 6488 6600 6705 7413
2 6521 6424 6508 6616 7070
3 6481 6386 6461 6565 6896
4 6503 6410 6510 6610 6773
5 6463 6445 6548 6641 6637
6 6420 6388 6466 6555 6594
7 6368 6301 6355 6435 6664
8 6386 6313 6382 6456 6466
9 6202 6210 6291 6389
10 6050 6177 6315 6379
11 5819 5812 5920
12 5706 5719 5781
RISERS LENGHT m/m
A A’ B C
470 470 470 470 STANDARD
340 360 380 470 ACCELERATED
LINES HEIGHT m/m
A B C D br
1 6866 6763 6880 6993 7688
2 6799 6696 6784 6902 7332
3 6759 6659 6736 6843 7152
4 6782 6684 6788 6890 7026
5 6742 6704 6826 6927 6884
6 6698 6644 6741 6838 6841
7 6644 6555 6627 6715 6914
8 6662 6567 6656 6736 6709
9 6472 6459 6561 6630
10 6314 6425 6587 6620
11 6072 6059 6176
12 5954 5961 6031
RISERS LENGHT m/m
A A’ B C
470 470 470 470 STANDARD
340 360 380 470 ACCELERATED
19
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11.9 DIMENSIONS HOOK 4 29
LINES HEIGHT m/m
A B C D br
1 7130 7027 7144 7261 7990
2 7060 6958 7045 7166 7621
3 7020 6921 6997 7113 7435
4 7045 6947 7050 7161 7304
5 7009 6981 7070 7175 7158
6 6963 6920 6982 7083 7114
7 6909 6828 6864 6955 7190
8 6928 6840 6895 6978 6976
9 6720 6731 6796 6894
10 6556 6696 6824 6884
11 6311 6297 6414
12 6189 6197 6264
RISERS LENGHT m/m
A A’ B C
470 470 470 470 STANDARD
340 360 380 470 ACCELERATED
20
Page 21
HOOK 4 21 HOOK 4 23
Class: B
In accordance with EN standards 926-2:2013 & 926-1:2006: PG_0953.2015
Date of issue (DMY): 17. 09. 2015
Manufacturer: Niviuk Gliders / Air Games S.L.
Model: Hook 4 23
Serial number: Hook 4 1-23
Configuration during flight tests
Paraglider Accessories
Maximum weight in flight (kg) 85 Range of speed system (cm) 13.5
Minimum weight in flight (kg) 65 Speed range using brakes (km/h) 14
Glider's weight (kg) 4.6 Range of trimmers (cm) 0
Number of risers 3 Total speed range with accessories (km/h) 25
Projected area (m2) 19.55
Harness used for testing (max weight) Inspections (whichever happens first)
Harness type ABS every 24 months or every 100 flying hours
Harness brand Niviuk Warning! Before use refer to user's manual
Harness model Konvers M Person or company having presented the
glider for testing: None
Harness to risers distance (cm) 43
Distance between risers (cm) 42
1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13A14B15A16A17A18A19A20A21A22A23024
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Class: B
In accordance with EN standards 926-2:2013 & 926-1:2006: PG_0957.2015
Date of issue (DMY): 17. 09. 2015
Manufacturer: Niviuk Gliders / Air Games S.L.
Model: Hook 4 21
Serial number: Hook 4 1-21
Configuration during flight tests
Paraglider Accessories
Maximum weight in flight (kg) 70 Range of speed system (cm) 13.5
Minimum weight in flight (kg) 55 Speed range using brakes (km/h) 14
Glider's weight (kg) 4.4 Range of trimmers (cm) 0
Number of risers 3 Total speed range with accessories (km/h) 25
Projected area (m2) 17.85
Harness used for testing (max weight) Inspections (whichever happens first)
Harness type ABS every 24 months or every 100 flying hours
Harness brand Sup' Air Warning! Before use refer to user's manual
Harness model AltiplumeSPerson or company having presented the
glider for testing: None
Harness to risers distance (cm) 43
Distance between risers (cm) 42
1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13A14B15A16A17A18A19A20B21B22A23024
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11.10 CERTIFICATION SPECIMEN TEST
21
Page 22
HOOK 4 25 HOOK 4 27
Class: B
In accordance with EN standards 926-2:2013 & 926-1:2006: PG_0958.2015
Date of issue (DMY): 17. 09. 2015
Manufacturer: Niviuk Gliders / Air Games S.L.
Model: Hook 4 25
Serial number: Hook 4 1-25
Configuration during flight tests
Paraglider Accessories
Maximum weight in flight (kg) 100 Range of speed system (cm) 13.5
Minimum weight in flight (kg) 80 Speed range using brakes (km/h) 15
Glider's weight (kg) 4.9 Range of trimmers (cm) 0
Number of risers 3 Total speed range with accessories (km/h) 27
Projected area (m2) 21.25
Harness used for testing (max weight) Inspections (whichever happens first)
Harness type ABS every 24 months or every 100 flying hours
Harness brand Sup' Air Warning! Before use refer to user's manual
Harness model AltiplumeMPerson or company having presented the
glider for testing: None
Harness to risers distance (cm) 43
Distance between risers (cm) 44
1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10B11A12A13A14B15A16A17A18A19A20A21A22A23024
�
Class: B
In accordance with EN standards 926-2:2013 & 926-1:2006: PG_0959.2015
Date of issue (DMY): 17. 09. 2015
Manufacturer: Niviuk Gliders / Air Games S.L.
Model: Hook 4 27
Serial number: Hook4 1-27
Configuration during flight tests
Paraglider Accessories
Maximum weight in flight (kg) 115 Range of speed system (cm) 13.5
Minimum weight in flight (kg) 95 Speed range using brakes (km/h) 15
Glider's weight (kg) 5.2 Range of trimmers (cm) 0
Number of risers 3 Total speed range with accessories (km/h) 26
Projected area (m2) 22.95
Harness used for testing (max weight) Inspections (whichever happens first)
Harness type ABS every 24 months or every 100 flying hours
Harness brand Niviuk Warning! Before use refer to user's manual
Harness model Hamak L Person or company having presented the
glider for testing: None
Harness to risers distance (cm) 43
Distance between risers (cm) 46
1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13A14B15A16A17A18A19A20A21A22A23024
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22
Page 23
HOOK 4 29
Class: B
In accordance with EN standards 926-2:2013 & 926-1:2006: PG_0961.2015
Date of issue (DMY): 17. 09. 2015
Manufacturer: Niviuk Gliders / Air Games S.L.
Model: Hook 4 29
Serial number: Hook 4 1-29
Configuration during flight tests
Paraglider Accessories
Maximum weight in flight (kg) 130 Range of speed system (cm) 13.5
Minimum weight in flight (kg) 110 Speed range using brakes (km/h) 14
Glider's weight (kg) 5.5 Range of trimmers (cm) 0
Number of risers 3 Total speed range with accessories (km/h) 24
Projected area (m2) 24.65
Harness used for testing (max weight) Inspections (whichever happens first)
Harness type ABS every 24 months or every 100 flying hours
Harness brand Niviuk Warning! Before use refer to user's manual
Harness model Hamak L Person or company having presented the
glider for testing: None
Harness to risers distance (cm) 43
Distance between risers (cm) 46
1A2A3B4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12A13B14B15A16A17A18B19A20A21A22A23024
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23
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The importance of small details
niviuk.com
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