Spiruline Manual Read the manual before using this product. More info available on : www.LittleCloud.fr, email : [email protected]

Introduction Thank you from the LittleCloud Team for choosing to fly the new Spiruline 2012. We strongly advise that you read this manual and the Global manual before your first flight. You should keep these manuals in a safe place for reference, and so that they can be passed on to a new owner. In these manuals you will find important information, technical specifications for each model and recommendations for use. If you have any questions which aren’t answered in the manuals feel free to contact your dealer, instructor or visit us on-line at www. LittleCloud.fr or on Facebook. You can also contact us directly by emailing [email protected] Always fly for pleasure and never compromise your safety. The LittleCloud Team: Tom, Manu and Jérôme.

The Spiruline 2012 The design objective of the new Spiruline was to maintain its important features; large brake travel, accessibility, fun and versatility. The 2012 design offers further improvements such as easier inflation and its ability to stay airborne for longer. The Spiruline is available in 3 sizes, M:16m2 L:18m2 XL:20m2. The gliders have been tested according to EN926-1 standards (load and resistance tests). We have produce a mini-wing that is accessible to a large number of pilots. The new wings have longer brake travel and are highly stable wing in both roll and pitch. The Spiruline has a low aspect ratio (under 4.5), fewer cells (34) and a low internal pressure with an improved profile. The hands up position gives the best glide for the Spiruline 2012, compared to using 20% brake, as with the previous model. With your first flights, you will instantly feel comfortable and at ease with the wing. The higher wing load gives precise handling. You should quickly adapt to the high speeds and will enjoy the pleasure of piloting this mini-wing. The Spiruline is aimed at all standards of pilot, from beginner to expert. It can be flown in many different situations: your local site, mountain flying, soaring, whether in calm air or in strong winds, thermic flying, flying close to the ground, or with a paramotor. Despite its small surface area, it is possible to remain airborne in normal flying conditions, as with a regular paraglider. The Spiruline can be flown with skis, however it is not ideal for LittleCloud

Speed Riding which combines skiing and flying. this is because it glides too well. Speed Riding wings have a lower glide performance compared to the Spiruline which glides well.

LittleCloud Bag The Spiruline is packaged in a stuff sack along with a LittleCloud 45L rucksack. It has sufficient volume to store all necessary equipment, wing, harness, reserve and clothing. The bag is simple and light, and suitable for carrying in the mountains. Features include a padded hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag is efficient and comfortable, with a padded hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps. It includes 2 pole / axe attachments, a pocket on the hip-belt and under the lid, and compression straps allow it to be kept compact. We also offer a larger, 80L bag for certain models, and a stuff sack for quick packing.

Risers The Spiruline is equipped with 3 risers on each side. The ‘C’ rear risers are linked to the accelerator system, with trimmers adjustable by hand. The ‘A’ risers are marked with red webbing in order to help identify them from the ‘Bs’ & ‘Cs’. LittleCloud also offer the option of light Kevlar risers with trimmers, offering a weight saving of 200g. The design of the risers has been improved further by slightly shortening the A B & C risers. This simplifies the connection between the harness and wing, and also allows the trims to be lifted and easily manipulated without touching the brakes. The Spiruline risers also feature the SLC system, this facilitates difficult launches, allowing the pilot to control the wing with the risers, without needing to unfold it.

Accelerator System The Spiruline is equipped with trimmers which can be adjusted manually on the ground and in flight. They allow the ‘B’ & ‘C’ risers to be lengthened in order to accelerate the wing. You will find 3 stitching lines which correspond to the 3 positions. In the first neutral position neutral all risers are the same length. This position should be used for your first flights with the Spiruline, and when launching and landing the wing. Spiruline Manual / Manuel Spiruline

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In the second position with the trimmers released the ‘B’ & ‘C’ risers are longer than the ‘A’. This position gives offers increased speed and can be used during flight, and when flying in strong winds. Note: The Spiruline 2012 model has the added advantage of a system allowing the pilot to simply adjust to the required length, then lock the trimmer.

IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you never launch if the wing isn’t fully inflated, or if you haven’t got full control over its pitch and roll. Practice ground handling to improve your launching technique. Ground handling is fun, and invaluable to perfect your handling of the Spiruline.

Harness

Important: Using the trimmers requires some experience. We suggest that you get used to flying the Spiruline before trying the trimmers. The more the trimmers are released the faster the wing will travel, the glide angle will be reduced, and the controls will also feel heavier. We have tested the Spiruline with the trimmers fully released, in all phases of flight including (launch and landing).

We recommend using a harness with independent leg straps for the Spiruline. They have several advantages, low volume, comfort and less movement transmitted between the wing and pilot. In order to eliminate any roll, we suggest not over tightening the chest strap. LittleCloud offers a reversible bag/harness with automatic buckles and air-bag back protection. It weighs 2.4kg and is ideal for the Spiruline.

First Flight with the Spiruline

Note: The harness is equipped with zicral maillons, which we recommend changing every 5 years. If the wing is sold we suggest removing the maillons so that the new owner aquires a new set.

Before each flight you must consider and respect your skill level, the equipment and the flying conditions. When purchasing the Spiruline you will have been offered a ‘familiarisation briefing’ with a qualified professional to introduce you to the wing. Check list and recommendations for your first flights: 1. Check your harness is adjusted correctly and all the buckles are closed. Check the reserve is in order, and your helmet is done up. 2. Check the trimmers are in the correct position and are symmetrical. 3. Prepare the wing on the ground, check the lines are clear, and the risers for twists. 4. Check the connection between pilot and glider, and the brake handles (for twists). 5. Check the launch area and airspace is clear, and that the flying conditions are suitable for launching. 6. If there is no wind, the wing will need to be inflated on foot. Reverse launches are recommended for the Spiruline whenever possible. The wing has such little pitch that it rarely overflies the pilot on launch. 7. When the wing is inflated, it’s better to accelerate forward rather than brake. A touch of brake will be needed later when the wing is flying, and clear of the ground with plenty of speed. If during launching you need to re-centralise the wing, then move in the required direction rather than braking, and the wing should realign above your head. “It could be stated that while paragliders are launched by using the brakes, mini-wings are launched with plenty of speed, and some brake.” Your first flights should be practiced well away from the ground, and you should experiment with the controls to get a feeling for the wing. During turns the reaction of the wing and its sink rate should be noted. There should be no need to weight shift in the harness when turning. With experience you will be able to fly closer to the ground in thermic or soaring conditions. You will find that the Spiruline flies much faster than a 25m2 paraglider. In order to exploit thermals you will need to fly more slowly. You will learn to adapt your piloting in order to maximise the thermals. • We recommend that you use the ‘U’ approach for landing, as for all mini-wings. • Avoid turns close to the ground and keep your speed up during the final approach to landing. • When landing, use a little brake to control the speed, then when the speed has reduced, you can fully apply the brakes. LittleCloud

Reserve Parachute The reserve parachute should be an integral part of your flying equipment, whether flying at your local site or in strong conditions. Ultra-light, low volume models now exist. We strongly recommend the ventral position, and the risers should be connected at the same point as the wing risers for the following reasons: • The handle is visible and can be pulled to the right or to the left • if the reserve is deployed it will keep the pilot’s center of gravity upright, making landing more easy. Please contact us if you have any queries regarding your equipment [email protected]

Advanced flight techniques The Spiruline offers a great potential for usable speed, it remains solid in turbulant conditions. However we’d like to emphasise that the Spiruline will not turn turbulant and strong conditions into calm conditions, nor will it turn a beginner pilot into an expert.

Flying in strong conditions:

No pilot or glider is immune to deflations, however active flying should virtually eliminate any tendency for collapse. When the conditions are turbulent, we suggest that you fly with a little brake applied so that any movements can be anticipated, by speeding up or slowing the glider appropriately. Always be aware of your height above ground and avoid over piloting. We recommend always keeping hold of the controls, and assess the conditions in relation to your skill level. To avoid collapses, always fly actively. Flying with 15cm brake applied should allow you to feel any change in the wing. You may experience a change in internal pressure. The objective is to maintain constant pressure by flying actively. If you feel a decrease in pressure, quickly apply some brake until the pressure is restored, then raise your hands again. It is not necessary to fly permanently with a lot of brake, be aware of the wing’s Spiruline Manual / Manuel Spiruline

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stall point and remain vigilant at all times. If the glider collapses asymmetrically, or suffers a frontal, look far ahead in front of you, control your direction and your altitude and the wing should reinflate by itself.

SPIRULINE III

Medium 16,5 m2 / 3,3kg

Large 18,5 m2 / 3,6kg

XLarge 20 m2 / 3,9kg

PTV

50 / 95 kg

50/ 105 kg

60 / 120kg

Be aware that when using the trimmers that the glide angle changes, making the leading edge more vulnerable to collapse, remain vigilant in strong conditions.

PTV école kg

60/75

65/85

80/100

Charge alaire kg/m2

3

4

5,1

2,8

4

5,2

3

4

5,5

Niveau Pilote & type activité

I

II

III

I

II

III

I

II

III

Rapid Descent Techniques :

We consider rapid descent techniques as emergency maneuvers, which should be learnt and mastered. Above all, flying conditions should be constantly monitored in order to reduce the necessity of using such emergency maneuvers. In the accelerated position, the Spiruline offers an excellent penetration and means of descending. Should this not be sufficient, then a few wingovers should increase the sink rate whilst still allowing some forward travel. In order to descend more quickly a spiral dive can be used, as a last resort. Being in an engaged spiral can cause disorientation, so it’s important to judge your position in relation to the hillside, and ground. In order to exit the spiral, release the inside brake smoothly. If this isn’t quick enough then firmly pull the outside brake and let the speed decrease over several turns. The pilot will feel less G-force in an engaged spiral than with a paraglider, however he must remain attentive to a much increased hight loss.

Flight Incidents :

The Spiruline is one of the more solid mini-wings, due to the following factors: lower number of cells, its profile, low aspect ratio and higher wing load. However the brake travel is much shorter than a leisure paraglider of 25m2. Mini-wings are not adapted for slow speeds, so the pilot must remain attentive when traveling slowly (soaring, top-landing or trying to gain height). Should an incident arise, the pilot should allow the wing to recover by itself, which should happen spontaneously. Avoid over piloting and heavy use of the controls. The Spiruline is a sound wing, and easy to understand. However, despite it having little pitch and being easy to recover, it is a lively wing and could take you by surprise, so remain vigilant at all times. Several films, of the Spiruline during test flights are available on-line, including; asymmetric collapse, full frontal collapse, spiral dive.

Paramotoring & Towing All sizes of the Spiruline are suitable to be be flown with a paramotor or winched. But we insist that proper training is sought by qualified trainers with the correct equipment.

Choosing your Spiruline

LEVEL 1 For varied use, suitable from beginner pilots (learning, mountain flying, soaring, thermic, fly-downs, ski). It has virtually no pitch, is reactive during roll, moderate height loss during 360s, large brake travel. Similar speeds to a paraglider. LEVEL 2 For varied use, as level 1. Good piloting skills should be able to maximise the flying conditions. For pilots who already have experience of flight. Higher speeds than a paraglider. LEVEL 3 Less versatile for thermic and mountain flights. More orientated to speed flying and soaring in strong conditions. It’s more reactive to roll and requires accurate piloting. For experienced pilots. A more dynamic wing, with much higher speeds than a paraglider. Much greater height loss when turning. Montagne

Aérologie

Soaring

Thermique

Ballistique

Spiruline M

INTER

EXPERT

INTER

INTER

INTER

Spiruline L

INTER

INTER

DEBUTANT

INTER

DEBUTANT

Spiruline XL INTER

INTER

DEBUTANT

INTER

DEBUTANT

Conclusion We sincerely hope that the new 2012 Spiruline meets your expectations. Remember to consider before each flight, your mental state, your skill level, and the flying conditions. Don’t forget to service your Spiruline every 100hrs or 2 years (whichever comes first) at a LittleCloud registered centre. A well maintained wing will have a much longer life and will hold its second hand value. Your flying pleasure should continue to be the driving force for our sport. We are always available to answer any mini-wing queries you may have. The LittleCloud Team - Tom, Manu & Jérôme wish you many great flights on your Spiruline.

The choice of your Spiruline will be determined by 2 factors: your skill level, and the type of flying you wish to do. The table below outlines the choice of size in relation to weight, skill and flying activity.

LittleCloud

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Trims

Technical Specifications

VITESSE : FINESSE : ++

Models

Spiruline M

Spiruline L

Spiruline XL

Size (m2)

16,5

18,5

20

Flat span (m)

8,45

8,8

9,2

AFlat aspect ratio

4,3

4,3

4,3

Nb of cells

34

34

34

All up weight Kg

50 / 95

50 / 105

60 / 120

Glider weight (Kg)

3,4

3,7

3,9

Glide ratio

Approx 8

Approx 8

Approx 8

Speed (approx) mini/hands up/max km/h(all up weight 80kg)

28 / 42 / 52

27 / 40 / 50

27 / 39 / 48

EN 926-1

EN 926-1 18 / 8g / 115 Kg

EN 926-1

EN Certification p

TISSU DOMICO TEX  • Extrados, grey, soft finish 40g, 30D • Intrados, white, soft finish 35g, 20D • Cloisons, white, hard finish 40g, 30D VITESSE : + FINESSE : +

LINES • Lower : Edelrid 6843-kevlar , sheated, 2,2mm, 240kg • Mid : Cousin 989-dynema, sheated, 1,5mm, 150kg • Upper : Cousin 989-dynema, sheated, 1,1mm, 100 kg MAILLONS RAPIDES, STAINLESS STEEL TRIANGLES 200kg, PEGUET. 200mm WEBBING.

Conclusion We sincerely hope that the new 2012 Spiruline meets your expectations. Remember to consider before each flight, your mental state, your skill level, and the flying conditions. Don’t forget to service your Spiruline every 100hrs or 2 years (whichever comes first) at a LittleCloud registered centre. A well maintained wing will have a much longer life and will hold its second hand value. Your flying pleasure should continue to be the driving force for our sport. VITESSE : ++ FINESSE : -

LittleCloud

We are always available to answer any mini-wing queries you may have. The LittleCloud Team - Tom, Manu & Jérôme wish you many great flights on your Spiruline.

Spiruline Manual / Manuel Spiruline

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