SKY PARAGLIDERS KUDOS XS 2018, KUDOS S 2018, KUDOS L 2018, KUDOS XL 2018, KUDOS M 2018 User Manual

User manual for KUDOS XS, S, M, L, XL

Bedienungsanleitung für das Gleitschirmmodell

KUDOS XS, S, M, L, XL

Mode d'emploi pour la KUDOS XS, S, M, L, XL

Návod k obsluze pro KUDOS XS, S, M, L, XL

2018

KUDOS

2

Thank you for choosing this product from Sky Paragliders. Thank you for buying KUDOS.

We hope you will be satised with this product and wish you many happy ights. We strongly recommend that you consult the
manual before the rst ight. This manual is designed to help you to familiarise yourself with your glider quickly.

Danke

, für den Kauf eines Produkts von Sky Paragliders. Danke, dass Sie sich für den Kauf des KUDOS entschieden haben.

Wir hoen, dass Sie mit diesem Produkt zufrieden sein werden und wünschen Ihnen viele schöne Flüge. Wir empfehlen drin­gend, vor dem ersten Flug dieses Handbuch zu lesen. Das Handbuch kann Ihnen helfen, sich mit dem Produkt schneller vertraut
zu machen.

Merci de voler avec un produit Sky Paragliders. Merci d'avoir choisi une KUDOS.

Nous espérons que vous serez satisfait de ce produit et vous souhaitons beaucoup de très beaux vols. Il est fortement conseillé de

lire attentivement ce manuel avant votre premier vol. Ce mode d'emploi vous aidera à vous familiariser rapidement avec votre aile.

Děkujeme, že používáte produkty Sky Paragliders. Děkujeme Vám za zakoupení padákového kluzáku KUDOS.

Doufáme, že budete s tímto výrobkem spokojeni. Přejeme Vám krásné lety. Důrazně Vám doporučujeme, abyste si manuál velmi
důkladně přečetli. Pomůže Vám k rychlejšímu seznámení s výrobkem.

Team Sky Paragliders

Contents

5

Inhalt

13

Index

21

Obsah

29

Version 1. 01/01/2018

3

KUDOS

ENG / DE / FR / CZ

User manual / Handbuch / Manuel / Návod k obsluze

KUDOS

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on becoming part of the Sky family. We are very pleased to welcome you to the

world of Sky and hope that you will enjoy many hours of fantastic ying aboard your Sky Paragliders

glider.

Sky Paragliders is based in the heart of Europe and we pride ourselves on our own, purpose built,

state of the art production facilities in the Czech Republic.

Our management and development teams are located just 25 steps above the glider production

facility. This close contact is incredibly important to us and helps to ensure that our products are

of the highest quality possible and with minimal air miles on our raw materials.

KUDOS

EN

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KUDOS

Contents

1. GENERAL INFORMATION 6

1.1. User manual for KUDOS XS, KUDOS S, KUDOS M,
KUDOS L, KUDOS XL

2. PILOT PROFILE 6

3. DIMENSIONS, DIAGRAMS AND
SPECIFICATIONS 7

3.1. Cross section

3.2. Line plan

3.3. Tech. Spec.

3.4. Riser lengths

4. TAKE-OFF, FLIGHT AND FLYING
TECHNIQUES 8

4.1. Pre-ightChecks

4.2. Take-o

4.3. Landing

4.4. Turning

4.5. Rapid Descent Techniques

4.6. Performance & Use of Brakes

4.7. Use of Speed Bar

4.8. Asymmetric or Frontal (Symmetric) Collapses

4.9. Full Stall

4.10. Flying Without Brakes

4.11. Comments on Testing Procedures

4.12. Harness Adjustment

5. MAINTENANCE & CHECKS 10

5.1. Maintenance Advice

5.2. Pre-delivery Control

5.3. Guarantee

6. DISPOSAL 11

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KUDOS

1. GENERAL
INFORMATION

1.1. User manual for KUDOS XS,
KUDOS S, KUDOS M, KUDOS L,
KUDOS XL

KUDOS is certied at B EN category and is a wing with
excellent glide and a very ecient speed system certied at a
lower range of the B criteria. KUDOS is aimed at pilots who are

technically competent with the control of their wing, passed the

regular training course and understand the implication of ying
with a B category glider. The glider is very easy to y, but pilots
should consider the glider as a real B glider and should respect
the needs and skills of ying the wing.

• KUDOS has a high level of passive safety.

• KUDOS has been certied in category B, having met all
the requirements of EN 926-2/2013 and LTF NFL II 91/09.

• Total minimum and maximum weights in ight: see the

technical data.

• Maximum brake range at maximum take-o load:
conforms to EN 926-2/2013.

This user manual version dated 1st January 2018.

Please note that any changes to the paraglider will

invalidate the result of the certication. 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. The pilot is
responsible for the airworthiness of the aircraft. The pilot

must comply with legal regulations in the country of ight.

This guide conforms to requirements specied by EN 926-2/2013
as well as LTF NFL II 91/09 for user manuals.

Name and address of manufacturer:

Sky Paragliders a.s.

Okružní 39 739 11 Frýdlant nad Ostravicí, Czech Republic
[e-mail]
www.sky-cz.com

2. PILOT PROFILE

KUDOS is certied EN B in the lower limit of this class and will
work best as the rst glider for skilled pilots and the rst B glider
for qualied B pilots.

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KUDOS

3. DIMENSIONS, DIAGRAMS AND SPECIFICATIONS

F1

F2

F3

F4

F5

F6

F7

F8

F9

Fou1

Fou2

Fou3

A1

FU

A2

A3

Au1

A4

A5

A6

Au2

A7

A8

Ao1

Ao2

Au3

SU

SA

SB

SC

SD

B1

B2

B3

Bu1

B4

B5

B6

Bu2

B7

B8

Bo2

Bu3

C1

C2

C3 C4

D1

D2

D3

D4

Co1

Cu1

C5

C6

C7

C8

Cu2

Cu3

KUDOS

Co5

Co6

Bo1

Co4

Co3

Co2

3.1. Cross section 3.2. Line plan

A Riser - red
B Riser - blue
C Riser - purple
D Lines - green

Brakes – yellow

A B C D

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KUDOS

KUDOS XS S M L XL

Layout surface (m2)

23.27 23.27 24.86 26.55 28.36

Layout span

10.48 10.84 11.20 11.57 11.96

Layout aspect ratio

5.05 5.05 5.05 5.05 5.05

Projected surface (m

2

)

19.36 20.68 22.09 23.59 25.20

Projected span (m)

9.08 9.08 9.39 9.70 10.03

Projected aspect ratio

3.99 3.99 3.99 3.99 3.99

Number of cells

45 45 45 45 45

Take-o weight range (kg)

55-70 64-81 74-94 85-108 99-125

Maximum symmetric control travel at

maximum weight in ight (cm)

62 63 70 74 tba.

Basic setting XS, S M,L, XL

A1

470 mm 500 mm

A2

470 mm 500 mm

B

470 mm 500 mm

C

470 mm 500 mm

Accelerated XS, S M,L, XL

A

370 mm 390 mm

B

393 mm 415 mm

C

406 mm 430 mm

D

470 mm 500 mm

Length of the
speed system

100 mm 110 mm

4. TAKE-OFF,
FLIGHT AND FLYING
TECHNIQUES

In general, the KUDOS will behave conventionally to most
paragliders. However, listed below are several points which

will enable you to familiarise yourself with your new glider more
rapidly.

4.1. Pre-ightChecks

• Check the sail for damage to both surfaces, the internal

structure (ribs, diagonals) and seams.

• Check that the lines are not damaged or tangled.

• Check that the quick-links which connect the lines to the

risers are undamaged and correctly tightened.

• Check that the risers are not damaged or twisted.

• Lastly, check that the brake handles are correctly attached

and that each line runs freely through its pulley.

4.2. Take-o

Lay out the paraglider with the leading edge in a horseshoe
shape. Holding the A risers close to the quick links move

forward until the lines are tight. You should now be correctly

centred in your wing. In nil wind or a light headwind, with lines
tight take several positive strides. The KUDOS will rapidly inate

and rise over your head. Do not pull the risers too hard, either
forward or down as this could cause a collapse of the leading

edge. Just follow them with your arms until the glider reaches
its angle of ight. It is essential that the center-of-gravity of your
body remains in front of your feet during ination of the glider

so that the load through the risers remains constant. Controlled

ination avoids the excessive need for the brakes and allows

you to visually check the wing and lines during the last phase

of the launch, before acceleration to take-o speed. Depending

A1

A2

B

C

3.3. Tech. Spec.

3.4. Riser lengths

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KUDOS

on the wind conditions or the slope, judicious use of the brakes

may assist a cleaner launch.

4.3. Landing

Due to the exceptional glide of the KUDOS, extreme caution

is recommended during approach and landing. The KUDOS

is an extremely agile and sensitive glider. Each brake input
may initiate a significant glider reaction. It is therefore
recommended that rst ights are performed in a familiar

environment, from a large launch site and under stable

meteorological conditions. An advantage of negative steering

is that there is more time for manoeuvres to be performed
precisely, resulting in reduced pendular motion of the
paraglider.

Reminder: Negative steering involves slowing the glider by

applying brakes symmetrically to about 30% of the maximum
range, then eecting a turn by releasing the outside brake.
Speeding up just before landing allows a more ecient are

and a gentler touch-down.

4.4. Turning

The KUDOS is designed to turn eciently and will core

thermals even without the need for weight-shift piloting.
Negative steering (see above) slows the paraglider in certain

phases of ight and in turn reduces excessive roll during turn

reversals. Your glider is not only designed to turn rapidly (with

approx. 30% brake) but also to y slowly to help identify areas
of lift and to maintain a atter turn to minimise sink rate during
the turn (with 15% brake).

Symmetrical brake-input at 20-30 % enables you to control

the glider – to brake further if the canopy pitches forward and
to release when if the canopy pitches backwards.

4.5. Rapid Descent Techniques

As a general rule, to descend y away from areas of lift. If for

whatever reason, you are taken unawares by the development

of conditions, you may consider using the following techniques

to increase your sink rate.

Big Ears

Pull the outside A lines until the wingtips fold back under the

leading edge. We recommended that you perform each 'ear'
successively and not both simultaneously. Keep the lines taut
to stop the wingtips from reopening until the manoeuvre is

nished. Depending on the size of 'big ears' initiated, the sink
rate can increase by up to 3–4 m/s.

As soon as the lines are released, the paraglider should

spontaneously reopen. However, you can speed reopening

by "pumping" the brakes in a single sweeping movement.
When pumping the brakes it is recommended that one side of
the paraglider be opened after the other. Pulling both brakes
simultaneously may result in a stall.

Spiral Dive

The KUDOS is a manoeuvrable wing that responds to pilot input
precisely and progressively. To initiate a tight spiral apply one

brake progressively to about 35% and hold it in this position.

The speed of rotation and the brake pressure will increase
gradually and the centrifugal force on the pilot will also increase.
The angle and speed of rotation can be decreased or increased
by releasing or depressing the brake by several centimetres
respectively.

Once mastered the spiral dive allows you to descend at

rates higher than 10 m/s. Extraordinarily abrupt or poorly

synchronised brake inputs or too-rapid initiation of the spiral

may result in an asymmetrical collapse and/or a spin.

Caution: A deep spiral is a radical manoeuvre. The kinetic

energy generated must be dissipated by slowly releasing the
inside brake.

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 stabilising 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 KUDOS should
return immediately to regular ight. An adjustment error, control

error or special aerological conditions may lead to a prolonged

stall phase. A push on the speed bar should initiate rapid exit
from the B-line stall.If the speed bar is not connected, pulling
on the A-risers by 4 – 5 cm will have the same result.

Caution: unlike big ears and spiral dives (see above) a glider in

a B-line is in a true stalled position. For this reason, a B-line stall

should never be performed close to the ground.

4.6. Performance & Use of Brakes

The KUDOS best glide is at trim speed (no brakes) – about 38
km/h. The minimum sink rate is achieved by applying approx.
15% brake.

When using more than 30% brake the aerodynamics and the

performance of the glider deteriorate and the brake pressure
rapidly increases.

With extremely high brake pressure there is a high risk of an
impending stall which occurs at full brake travel (100% brake).
In normal ying conditions the optimum brake position, in terms

of performance and safety, is within the top third of the braking
range.

4.7. Use of Speed Bar

Your KUDOS is equipped with a speed system or accelerator.
For tting and positioning of the speedbar consult the
instructions provided by your harness manufacturer. Before
each take-o check that the speed bar works freely and

that the lines are long enough to prevent the speed bar from

being activated involuntarily in ight. If the harness is tted

with a front mounted reserve the speed bar lines must pass
under the reserve container and the reserve bridle so that it
can be deployed correctly. 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 an increased risk of a frontal (or asymmetric)

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KUDOS

In both cases the pilot has two possible courses of action:

• If the full stall happens above 100 m it is strongly

recommended to initiate standard stall recovery assuming
the pilot is familiar with the process (i.e. a complete

execution of the full stall, stabilisation of the wing and
progressive lifting of the hands to resume normal ight).

• If the full stall happens below 100 m or if the pilot is

unfamiliar with stall recovery the reserve parachute should
be deployed immediately.

4.10. Flying Without Brakes

If a brake line or pulley breaks it is possible to y the KUDOS
using the D risers (rear risers). The movements should be nely

controlled as the deformation of the wing due to the traction on
the D risers is greater than that produced by using the brakes.

Tip: Practice this method of steering to be prepared before a
real brake failure!

4.11.

Comments on Testing Procedures

All manoeuvres were carried out over water in a stable air mass

with standard temperature, humidity and pressure. They were
carried out by professional pilots trained to react to any problem
in the most appropriate manner. Test reports are available on

the website: www.sky-cz.com.

collapse. For this reason, we do not advise the use of the speed

bar near to the ground or in turbulent air.

4.8.

Asymmetric or Frontal (Symmetric)

Collapses

Despite tests showing that the KUDOS recovers spontaneously
after collapses, active piloting is recommended in the event of

an asymmetric or frontal collapse. Active piloting will reduce the

loss of altitude and a change of direction.

In the event of a frontal (symmetric) collapse:

• Bring both brakes down symmetrically to speed up

reopening of the leading edge, then immediately bring your

hands back up to the normal ying position.

In the event of an asymmetric collapse:

• Keep the paraglider ying straight by leaning away
from the collapsed side and applying sucient brake to

maintain course.

• Speed up the reopening of the closed side by a single,
positive input on the collapsed side.

4.9. Full Stall

Specic behaviour or weather conditions can cause a full
stall. This is a serious deviation from regular ight and can be
dicult to manage. If a stall occurs at less than 100 m above

the ground, throw your reserve parachute.

Main Causes of a Full Stall:

• Poorly timed or excessive use of the brakes when the

airspeed of the wing is reduced (e. g. when coming out of a

spiral or speeding up after a B-line stall).

• A soaked or heavily drenched leading edge (from rain or
a cloud) can result in a stall due to uneven airow over
the leading edge. Reported cases of this phenomenon

are linked to high levels of porosity in the glider‘s fabric.
Whatever the cause, a full stall can be either symmetrical
or asymmetric (a spin).

4.12. Harness Adjustment

For test ights the pilots used ABS harnesses with the following
set-up:

Size Distance between

hang points

Advice for hang

points distance

KUDOS XS

40-41 cm 41-42 cm

KUDOS S

41 - 42 cm 42 - 43 cm

KUDOS M

42 - 43 cm 43 - 44 cm

KUDOS L

43 - 44 cm 44 - 45 cm

KUDOS XL

44 - 45 cm 45 - 46 cm

We recommend the use of a harness with adjustments as

close as possible to those used during the homologation tests.

Excessive cross-bracing (chest strap very tight) increases the
risk of risers twisting during certain manoeuvres. A looser

setting may result in a tendency to fall towards the collapsed

side. Lower hang-points reduce the roll-stability of your harness
and can slow reopening of asymmetric collapses. Higher hang
points (+ 2–4 cm) have no inuence on in-ight safety and can,

therefore, be tolerated.

5. MAINTENANCE &
CHECKS

5.1. Maintenance Advice

The life of your paraglider depends largely on the care with
which you maintain and use it.

• Avoid dropping it on its top surface or on its leading edge
during ground handling, ination or landing.

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KUDOS

• Do not drag it across the ground when moving it.

• Do not expose it unnecessarily to sunlight.

• Choose a folding technique that does not damage the
leading edge stieners or excessively crease the internal
structure. To maximize the life of your glider we do not
recommend the use of stu sacks (quick packs): the
abrasion of the material can decrease the life expectancy

of the fabric – in particular, its internal structure.

• Always use the protective bag supplied to avoid direct

contact with the harness and buckles or any abrasion
between the wing and the carry rucksack.

• Never store your paraglider when it is damp. If immersed

in seawater rinse thoroughly in fresh water. Do not use any
detergents.

• Dry your paraglider away from direct sunlight in a dry and
well-ventilated environment.

• Regularly empty any foreign bodies from your paraglider.
e.g. sand, stones, animal/vegetable matter (which may

eventually decay). Twigs, sand, pebbles, etc ... damage
tissue in successive folds and organic debris of vegetable
or animal origin (insects) can promote mould growth.

5.2. Pre-delivery Control

The paraglider has undergone a series of tests during the

production process and consequent ight tests before delivery.
It is delivered with the same brake setting as used during
certication.

Periodic Checks & Repairs:

For safety reasons it is recommended that the paraglider be
checked at least once a year or after 100 ights, or if you detect
a change in its behaviour. The manufacturer or an authorized
representative should perform this check. Before sending the

paraglider for an inspection contact your importer or your

dealer. Have your wing additionally checked if you notice
damage or a change in ight behaviour.

Spare parts

Your SKY wing consists of many high quality long-life

components.

When replacing parts, (lines, risers, fabric panels, etc.),

only original parts may be used. In addition to the continued

airworthiness of your paraglider this is important for your safety
as well.

5.3. Guarantee

Your KUDOS is guaranteed for two years against any
manufacturing defect, from the date of purchase. The warranty

does not cover:

• Damage caused by misuse, neglect of regular

maintenance, or glider overload.

• Damage caused by improper landings.

If you have any questions regarding the information in this

manual, contact your SKY dealer.

6. DISPOSAL

Even the best products have a limited service life, and once
your glider reaches this point, it must be disposed of properly.
Please make sure your paraglider is disposed of in the correct
environmental manner or send it back to Sky Paragliders for

correct disposal. In case of any doubts regarding the information

in the manual, contact your SKY dealer.

Sky Paragliders a.s.

Okružní 39, 739 11 Frýdlant nad Ostravicí, Czech Republic
Tel. [phone], [e-mail], www.sky-cz.com

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User manual / Handbuch / Manuel / Návod k obsluze

KUDOS

EINFÜHRUNG

Gratuliere zu Ihrer Entscheidung, ein Teil der Sky Family zu warden. Wir freuen uns, Sie zur Welt
von Sky begrüßen zu können und hoen, dass Sie unter ihrem Sky Paragliders Schirm viele schöne
Stunden mit fantastischen Flügen genießen werden.

Die Basis von Sky Paragliders liegt im Herzen von Europa und wir sind stolz auf unsere auf dem
neuesten Stand der Technik ausgestatte Produktion in der Tschechischen Republik.

Management und Entwicklungsteams sitzen nur 25 Stufen oberhalb des Produktionsbetriebes.
Dieser enge Kontakt ist für uns unglaublich wichtig und hilft uns dabei, Produkte höchster Qualität
mit minimaler Umweltbelastung und minimiertem Verbrauch von Material anbieten zu können.

KUDOS

DE

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User manual / Handbuch / Manuel / Návod k obsluze

KUDOS

Inhalt

1. ALLGEMEINE INFORMATIONEN 14

1.1. Bedienungsanleitung für KUDOS XS, KUDOS S,
KUDOS M, KUDOS L, KUDOS XL

2. PILOTENPROFIL 14

3. MASSE, DIAGRAMME UND
EIGENSCHAFTEN 15

3.1. FlügelproldesKUDOS

3.2. Leinenschema

3.3. Technische Daten

3.4. Schema des Tragegurtes

4. START, FLUG UND FLUGTECHNIK 16

4.1. Prüfung des Gleitschirms vor dem Start

4.2. Start

4.3. Landung

4.4. Kurvenug

4.5. Abstiegshilfen

4.6. B-Stall

4.7. Flugleistung & Einsatz der Bremsen

4.8. Verwendung des Beschleunigers

4.9. Asymmetrischer oder frontaler (symmetrischer) Einklapper

4.10. Strömungsabriss

4.11. Fliegen ohne Bremsen

4.12. Kommentare zu den Testverfahren

4.13. Gurtzeugeinstellungen

5. INSTANDHALTUNGS-CHECKS 19

5.1. Wartungsempfehlung

5.2. Auslieferungscheck

5.3. Garantie

6. ENTSORGUNG 19

13