The "SWING-MISTRAL" belongs to the latest generation of Paragliders. We have placed as much emphasis as possible on maximizing the potential performance without compromising the issue of safety. Consequently the "SWING-MISTRAL" is a perfect glider for both recreational and ambitious cross country pilots.

Good launch characteristics as well as light weight and small pack volume characteristics, make the "SWING-MISTRAL" an ideal glider for the mountain climbing fraternity.

This manual is very detailed. It helps you to get to know your glider better. The descriptions of the extreme flying situations acquaint you with the character of the "SWING-MISTRAL". However, we recommend that you try the limits of your new equipment little by little and at a great height. Certain extreme maneuvers must only be performed above water and with appropriate equipment (emergency parachute, swimvest) and at first only under supervision.

Your "SWING-MISTRAL" was test flown at the factory and I or by your dealer. Nevertheless you should check it in a training site for correct working order. Choose a calm environment for the first few meters of height and a good starting point.

Accident free and enjoyable flying is far more important than a few additional moments in the air or daring showing off near the ground.

We hope you will have much fun and joy with your new "SWINGMISTRAL". Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
　
　

Your SWING TEAM
　

Apart from the usual checks, starting at any point and then working round the whole canopy, its sewing, lines, knots and fabric, follow this checklist very carefully:

Has any damage occurred due to ultraviolet rays? Though the fabric has been UV treated, it is not UV resistant.

Does the glider show signs of tearing ripping or other damage?

Check each line individually. Is it in proper working order? Are the knots in the correct position? The lines should not be tangled or show signs of wear and tear.

Check the brake lines are in proper working order, correctly adjusted, free running and securely connected to the handle.

Are all triangle locks properly screwed shut?

Are the canopy and the risers dry? Never fly with a wet canopy as this makes the take-off more difficult and changes the way the glider behaves.

Check the seat and harness: Ensure the leg straps are taut and of equal length, that the chest straps are taut and that all are in correct position.

Check the brake handles, risers and seams for faults.
　
　
　

We recommend that you arrange the gathered canopy in a semicircle open towards the way you are going to run. Pull the lines until they are taut and start disentangling the REAR lines.
　
　

The "SWING MISTRAL" is launched in a conventional manner via the A-risers. Depending on the gradient of the launch site you should apply light brake pressure to the "SWING-MISTRAL" as it accelerates to a point directly above you. When launching the "MISTRAL" versions that have split A-risers, one must ensure that both A-risers are held. For strong wind launches it is recommended that only the inner A-riser is used.
　
　

Your "SWING - MISTRAL" has excellent flight characteristics, yet we recommend that you get to know your glider very thoroughly. In this handbook we have divided the flying instructions into three chapters:

1. flight characteristics
2. rapid descent techniques
3. extreme flight maneuvers

The latter deals with the special characteristics of your "SWING-MISTRAL" but its execution demands some degree of experience. We strongly discourage acrobatic display flying. We strongly recommend safety training, for which your dealer will provide information.
　

I. Flight Characteristics
　

The "SWING-MISTRAL" comes with a foot-operated speed bar. The canopy has been trimmed in such a way that it is always in the zero position unless you have adjusted it. Zero position is used as a starting point in describing all other positions.
　
　

Best glide is achieved in calm air and light pressure on speed bar. The stronger the head wind the more you should apply pressure to your speed bar. A light vibration of the leading edge is to be expected when the speed bar is fully depressed however this is not dangerous and there is no need to be concerned
　
　
　

This can be achieved with 20 -30 % braking. The harder you brake the less you advance and the more you descend. This is very useful when preparing to land. If you do a shallow turn in thermals, brake "SWING-MISTRAL" on both sides and correct the radius of the circle by the outermost side.
　
　

To enter into thermals or in order to achieve steeper bank angles only brake on one side. Do this maneuver with a little bit of "feeling", even though the "SWING-MISTRAL" minimal negative tendencies.
Flying in Turbulence

You should apply slight brake pressure, around 20 %. Try to keep the canopy above yourself by actively working with the brakes. This requires some training, but is essential for safe flying in turbulence.
It also prevents the collapse of a wing. Nevertheless, should this happen, it is important to maintain your direction and if necessary steer away from the hillside. You must not attempt to raise the canopy by "pumping" until you are once again flying straight and stable on the correct course.
Acceleration

You need to practice using the foot-operated speed bar. To be able to steer with your feet as well as with your hands is especially important when flying in turbulence. When changing from lift to sink it is essential to take your foot off the accelerator in order to prevent a possible collapse.
　

A stable parachute stall has not been achieved in test flights. Should your glider nevertheless engage into a continuous descent, give the A risers a short downwards pull until the canopy resumes its forward flight.
　

2. Rapid Descent Techniques
　

"SWING-MISTRAL" has optional "big ears" which accelerate your forward descent to about 4 mps.
To achieve this, grip the TWO outer lines of the A risers as high up as possible and without letting go of the brakes, pull the lines down until the cells come in. If you have the "MISTRAL" version with splitted A risers, use the ones the outer lines are fixed. This method is specially useful when flying in a dynamic up-wind, as it prevents you from being dragged back into the lee side by strong winds. It is also used to get away from any clouds. The cells are usually released automatically by letting go of the A lines or risers. Should this fail, supply the opening process by "pumping" of the cells via the lines.
　
　

B-Stalls are an excellent method of rapid decent (up to 8 meters per second). To induce a B-Stall grip the B-lines above the B-risers carabiners and pull both risers down evenly. Resistance will decrease as your hands reach head level. The wing will fold along the B-line links and rate of decent will increase noticeably. The wing may fold forward into a U shape if you pull the risers to far. This condition of flight is unsafe. Therefore release the B-risers slowly and evenly should this type of U-shape arise. To regain normal flight condition release the risers slowly and evenly, do not release the risers in a rapid uncontrolled fashion.

If you release the risers very slowly you may enter a parachute stall condition for 1-2 seconds, this condition normally corrects itself with a light pedular movement. Whatever you do, do not apply the brakes in this condition! Press the A-risers forward should the parachute stall status persist.
　
　

The rate of decent will increase to up to 7 m/s when a major front stall is implemented. Due to this factor as well as the difficulties in controlling a symmetrical recovery it is recommended that this condition of flight is avoided. The recovery from a front stall is aided by application of brake pressure. Upon re-inflation the wing may accelerate up to 300 forward. This can be counteracted by sensitive application of brake pressure.
　
　
　

This is a way of descending at approx. S mps. It's advantage is that it allows you to steer with precision. Start by bulling the A riser down until about half the canopy has collapsed. Keep the riser stable at hip height, by working with opposed braking. Use this form of braking to steer your "SWING-MISTRAL". To finish, QUICKLY release the A riser. You can accelerate the build-up of the canopy by pumping gently on the brake.
3. Extreme Flight Maneuvers
　

The following instructions describe in full the character of the "MISTRAL". They will enable you to select the best way to maneuver the glider out of extreme situations.
　
　

This may occur:

* If you fly head on into a thermal whilst breaking hard.
* When braking hard above 100 % (hands at seat height). Full stall is indicated when the canopy softens in zero position and then
falls backwards. "SWING-MISTRAL" then stabilizes in full stall with its "ears" forwards above the pilot.

To achieve the full stall we recommend that you wrap the brake lines round your wrists at least once. Press the brakes down slowly until you stop going forwards. As you keep applying the brakes the canopy continues to fall backwards. It is most important that you DO NOT RELEASE THE BRAKES! during this phase. The canopy then contracts and stabilizes itself above you, its "ears" pointing forwards. To exit from full stall release the brakes slowly and simultaneously for 3 to 5 seconds. It is important to give the canopy sufficient time to open up. That means: hold your hands high!
　

They occur:
-Whilst braking hard when one brake is either applied more or released faster than the other.
- Fast braking of over 70 % on one side only from normal flying position. Flat spins usually occur during thermal flying, during landing or when initiating a new flying position too hastily, or when one brake is pulled beyond the critical point of 70 - 100 %. Negative turns are indicated by the softening of the excessively pulled side of the canopy, which recedes backwards. Should you encounter this state, RELEASE THE BRAKES! The canopy will automatically stabilize itself. Possible collapse of one wing half can be countered as described in "flying in turbulence".
　
　

This may occur in strong turbulence. "SWING - MISTRAL" will automatically stabilize itself. You can aid this by braking on both sides. Collapse of one wing and flying in turbulent conditions were discussed above.
　
　

To reduce the advancing speed and the gliding power when starting to land, brake at about 50 %. You achieve a soft landing if you brake continually shortly before touching down.
Folding away

We recommend that you sort the lines before you fold up your canopy and loosely throw them on top of it. Folding the canopy from both ends towards the middle is the best option. You end up with a strip approx. 60 cm wide. Roll this up from the trailing edge to the leading edge and hold together the strap provided. Using the enclosed inner rucksack
offers additional protection against any damage.
　
　

The paragliding equipment is best transported in its own rucksack or carrying case, as sunlight and too much heat can affect the equipment adversely. If transporting your glider by car, please remember that the exhaust can substantially heat up some parts of the boot, which can be damaging to both fabric and lines. For the same reason it is recommended that you do not leave your unprotected equipment behind car windows, where it will become warm through sunlight.
　
　
　

All the equipment should be stored away from light in a dry, well ventilated room, and protected from temperature fluctuations. Rooms where petrol, solvents, or other chemically aggressive substances are stored are unsuitable. If you are unable to use your glider for any length of time, open up the rucksack, release the riser and slightly unroll the canopy, so that air can circulate round it and that there is no tension in the fabric. Should the canopy have become wet, spread it out so that air can reach all parts. This is best achieved by pulling out the whole leadingedge. Even if the fabric feels dry, the canopy may not be. The fibers retain moisture and the water takes longer to diffuse out of the fibers than it takes to evaporate on the surface. Thus your canopy may feel dry in the evening, but may be wet again the following morning. It can take several days for the canopy to dry out completely, yet this is an essential process as otherwise the material will become porous and impede the efficiency of your glider.
Servicing

Your equipment needs constant checking, i.e. especially the canopy material, the seams, lines and last but not least the harness and straps. on top of this certain controls and servicing are necessary. As part of the guaranteed safety certificate the producer in Germany has to check the glider every other year.
　
　

Your glider and especially the lines may become distorted by extreme weather conditions or excessive use. Should you get the impression that your glider's performance has changed, please return it to us or measure the lines as follows:

Pile the anchorage loops concertina wise on top of each other. Then pull the entry and exit edges straight and straighten out the material flat, so that the canopy lies on its side and shows its profile.

* Weigh down the canopy with a broad, smooth-edged weight of approx. 20 kg.
* Sort the lines.
* Using a springbalance adjust the lines tension to 5 kilopond.
* Measure the individual lengths of the lines and compare with your handbook.

The "SWING-MISTRAL" line system enables you to check them easily and quickly. All main- and intermediate lines (exception Mistral 26 area) are of identical length and are therefore easily comparable. If your checks reveal considerable variations, please contact us.
There is no need to swap parts of your glider routinely. Should it be necessary to replace parts following damage or wear and tear, only original parts, or those authorized by the producer may be used.
Repairs

Repairs to the glider should only be undertaken by the manufacturers or experts recommended by them. In places of minimal stress, small damages and tears up to 3 cm in the sail (but not the seams) may be repaired using our own materials (Rip-Stop) available from us. Please follow the enclosed instructions carefully. Do not replace lines or perform repairs using Colette, masking tape or similar products. Please remember that you must only use original "SWING" parts for repairs.
　
　

Should your canopy ever become soiled, wipe it down with a soft sponge and clear water. If the dirt is ingrained use tepid water and soap flakes. Ensure the canopy is completely dry before storing it away. Any cleaning with aggressive chemicals, or by pressurized hot water or heat weakens the fabric, dissolves the surface finish and renders the canopy useless. If in doubt, put up with a few blemishes on your canopy and thus ensure having a safe and secure glider.
　
　

The MISTRAL is fastened to two risers and can be used with any two -point harnesses.
　
　
　
　

No artistic display flying of any kind are allowed using "SWING-MISTRAL"
　
　

"SWING-MISTRAL" was not designed for use with engines. The use of any kind of engine in conjunction with this glider is therefore illegal.
For special registration options please refer to the ,,powered registrations" fact sheet.
　
　
　

Winch-assisted launches are permitted as long as the usual rules are obeyed, i.e.

The pilot must be in possession of a license permitting the use of a winch.
The winch must be suitable for paragliders.
The winch operator must be in possession of a license that includes paragliders.

When taking off with a winch, steer the canopy gently and do not overbrake!
　

The identification manual is part of this handbook.