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The upper and the lower parts of the canopy are joined by means of vertical ribs and form the cupola. During a flight the stopped air rushes through the openings of the leading edge and keeps it protuberant by the help of its static pressure. Materials of great tensile strength are used for the production of a cupola and usually these materials are polyamide or polyester, impregnated in order to be waterproof. They are sewed with suitable synthetic threads. Second Parachute In case of a breakdown small sport parachutes are used. The system consists of a cupola, lines and outer and inner containers. The cupola has an apex that softens the strike and the swinging. The lines pass from the basis to the connecting line. The connecting line joins the parachute and the clasp of the pack and it opens the canopy outside the wing. The outer container holds the inner one and the parachute and is responsible for the proper opening of the canopy. In fact, the throwing container is an inner one but it has a handle that opens the parachute. Harness The lines are fastened to the harness in 4 groups. There is a front harness and a back harness, which girdles the pilot's left and right. Pack The pack connects the pilot with the paraglider. Different designs influence not only the pilot's position and comfort, but also the flight conditions. The pilot stays in the pack erect or leaning back at a different height. The higher position gives stability, and the lower position makes the virage easier. A crossed pack means that the trapezium formed by the harness, the seat and the breast harness, is stretched by extra risers. It prevents the pilot from an overturn. Its disadvantage is in the weak reactions of the paraglider to the maneuvers. Altimeter An instrument that displays the altitude. Variometer An instrument that displays the rate of descent or ascent. Windmeter An instrument that displays the wind speed. Windsock A device used to show the direction of the wind and to some extent the wind speed; useful for take-offs and landings. |