Service information and answers to some frequently asked questions about Skywalk Paragliders.
Skywalk 2+2 Guarantee
Skywalk offers an additional warranty that goes beyond the minimum required by law.
The Skywalk 2+2 Guarantee covers material or workmanship defects and applies to all LTF/EN authorised, privately used equipment. Professionally used gliders (training or professional tandem wings) are excluded from this guarantee.
No warranty claim is available for:
- normal wear and tear
- insufficient maintenance
- improper storage
- treatment or handling with chemicals of any kind
- accidents or purposefully crashing into obstacles
- any behaviour which is purposefully damaging to the glider
In order to activate the guarantee, the customer has to complete the web-form within 14 days after purchase. In case of damage, the glider should be sent to Skywalk at the customers expense with a copy of the sales contract. Guarantee decisions and guarantee repair will be carried out exclusively by Skywalk. If a guarantee is warranted, Skywalk will carry out all decisions regarding repair, parts exchange or product replacement (possibly with discount- new for your old glider). The guarantee is valid until 2 years after the date of purchase. If a complete glider check is performed within two years of purchase, by Skywalk or by a Skywalk authorised check centre according to rigorous Skywalk guidelines, then Skywalk will extend the 2+2 Guarantee for two more years, to a 4 year guarantee.
Skywalk 2+2 Guarantee form
Register your Skywalk glider online here.
Skywalk wing FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions about Skywalk wings.
What are the glide ratio (L/D), trim and maximum speeds?
We know that these data are interesting for you as a pilot, but for us to publish them would be a bad idea for the following reasons:
1) Performance data are highly dependent on the drag of the pilot and are therefore related to sitting position and harness. The difference between aerodynamically favourable and unfavourable harnesses and sitting positions can be as much as a whole L/D number.
2) Performance increases with the size of the glider. A large glider will always outperform the same glider in a smaller size. So a question about the performance of a glider is always also a question about the size.
3) There is no standardised method of testing the performance of paragliders. For example, speed varies with altitude and the associated different air pressure, but also with the total weight of the system.
That means that there simply isn’t THE speed or THE L/D that would allow a serious comparison with another glider. Performance data are dependent on the harness, the size of the glider, on the air mass and the total weight.
What size paraglider should I select?
In general, we recommend a wing loading in the upper half of the weight range for Skywalk paragliders, because this range offers the best balance of performance to weight. However, the choice of the right size also depends on the conditions you expect to fly in and on personal preferences.
Due to the higher wing loading, a paraglider flown in the upper weight range will react more dynamically, will fly more directly, and will suffer fewer collapses. This is especially suitable for strong thermals and/or windy conditions. If you mostly fly in the mountains, you should consider this range. A paraglider flown in the middle to lower weight range will have a muted reaction due to low wing loading and will exhibit more docile flying characteristics, but will also tend to collapse more frequently. This is especially suitable if you would like to minimise your sink rate in weak thermals and/or if you primarily fly in the flatlands. However, the greater wing area makes it harder to control the glider in strong winds. If you are uncertain about the choice of your size or if you are between two sizes, decide according to your own preferences and test fly both sizes.
How do I calculate my takeoff weight?
Takeoff weight is calculated by adding the weight of the pilot including clothes to the weight of the equipment. The equipment consists of the harness, the reserve chute, the paraglider itself, and any flight instruments and other baggage you may carry (e.g. rucksack, etc.).
What information does the type certificate provide?
The individual type certificates (homologation / certification) provide information about the extreme flight behaviour of the glider. The flying manoeuvres are usually simulated over a lake in calm conditions. However, in thermal or turbulent conditions, the extreme flight behaviour of the glider can often be more aggressive.
Is it OK for me to shorten the brake lines on my Skywalk paraglider?
Changing the length of the brake lines can have a negative effect on the flying characteristics and extreme flight behaviour. The paraglider needs a little more lead when flying on speed bar, otherwise the glider could be braked unintentionally, leading to a loss of performance. When performing extreme flying manoeuvres, shortening the brake lines too much can cause complications during recovery from collapses, parachutal stall, etc.
Am I allowed to make modifications to my Skywalk paraglider?
No, because the glider is certified the way it is delivered to you. Even the brake line length is part of the trim and must not be changed.
Why shall I not navigate my glider through the C-level?
As opposed to gliders with two line levels with which you can change the angle of attack by pulling the rear risers, doing the same on a glider with three line levels causes the profile to deform. This results in a crease forming between levels, which makes the glider more susceptible to collapses. In an emergency, control deflections of several centimetres are possible.
What advantage does the SPEED CONTROL system offer?
With the SPEED CONTROL system you can compensate for turbulence while flying on bar, change your angle of attack, adjust your speed and make directional corrections without having to step out of the speed bar. This enables a very efficient and fast flying style. The SPEED CONTROL steers the C and B lines simultaneously to avoid performance decreasing deformation of the glider, which would happen if you only pulled on the C-lines.
What should I pay attention to when using the SPEED CONTROL system?
- The SPEED CONTROL may only be actuated to such an extent that the line shackles of the C-lines are not pulled further than the line shackles of the A-lines.
- Make absolutely sure not to pull down the C-risers individually, but instead pull down both equally.
- At trim speed the SPEED CONTROL may only be used as emergency control, under no circumstances does the SPEED CONTROL replace the brake handles.
Do the nylon wires in the glider need any special attention or packing method?
Our nylon wires are flexible and kink resistant, so they won’t break under normal circumstances. But due to the packing volume it is a good idea to lay the Rigid Foils in the leading on top of each other on both sides.
Skywalk "Jet Flaps". What are they, how do they work & what advantage do they offer?
Jet Flaps are a so-called split flap like those seen on a large aeroplane. When the glider is braked, the airflow is routed through the glider, restoring smooth airflow. This extends brake line travel and softens the stall behaviour.
The advantages are: Lower flyable minimum airspeed. The speed range is wider and easier to control. The pilot has more time to react when flying near the stall point.
What are "Loops & Hooks" and how do I use them?
In difficult terrain, you can attach ribbons to the loops. which are then weighted with an object (stone, branch etc.) This then keeps the leading edge open and prevents the wing from sliding away in steep terrain.
What's the right way to pack my Skywalk paraglider?
How should I store my Skywalk paraglider over longer periods of time?
We recommend that you take the glider out of the glider bag and store it loosely bunched up in a Skywalk Storage Bag in a dry location. This will protect the glider from strong heat, direct sunlight, high humidity, chemicals, sharp objects and insects.
What's the right way to clean my Skywalk paraglider?
With a soft cloth and water. Don’t use a stiff brush, chemical cleaners or saltwater. When you’re finished, let the glider dry out thoroughly in a shady place.
What should I do when my Skywalk paraglider gets wet?
Let your glider dry out in a shady place. If your glider comes into contact with saltwater, first rinse your glider (fabric, canopy, risers and lines) with fresh water.
How can I extend the service life of my Skywalk paraglider?
- Protect your glider from unnecessary UV.
- Pack your glider dry and loose and avoid folding it in the same places every time.
- Don’t let the glider fall on the leading edge.
- Don’t lay out your glider on rocky ground with sharp stones.
- Maintain the check interval of your glider. Have it inspected by an authorised shop as this is the only way to ensure a high quality inspection.
Is the deterioration on light cloths higher than on a regular glider cloth?
Light-cloths are thinner than conventional glider-cloths and therefore less resistant against mechanical strain. That means you need to pay more attention on small rocks and bushes. Please avoid any unnecessary contact to the ground. With this strict observance you will have the same durability as with a conventional glider-cloth.
How should I remove sand and dirt from my Skywalk paraglider?
Hang the glider by the trailing edge with the leading edge pointed down. Shake out the sand or dirt, moving toward the front of the glider until it is empty. In addition, most gliders have a sand and dirt outlet on the stabiliser that can be opened by hook-and-loop.
What should I do when I discover a tear in the fabric of my paraglider?
Small tears (to about 5 cm in length) that don’t affect any seams or line loops can be repaired with Skywalk adhesive fabric strips. Simply cut two of the adhesive strips to the required size, leaving 3 cm extra on either side of the tear. Then apply one piece over the tear on the top and the other piece on bottom of the fabric.
How do I replace a damaged line?
Replacing a defective line should only be done by an authorised repair centre or dealer or Skywalk. Always order the replacement line from an authorised repair centre or dealer or directly from Skywalk.
If you do have to replace one yourself, follow the line scheme closely. Before you replace the line, verify the correct length by comparing it with the corresponding line on the other side of the glider. After replacing a line, you must carry out a line inspection, which is best done by kiting the glider on the ground and checking the symmetry.
What should I do when a nylon wire in the leading edge breaks?
At the end of every nylon wire you will find a small opening in the seam through which you can remove the wire. Cut the new wire to the same length and slide it in through the same opening.
How do I mount a brake handle?
If a brake handle comes off, we recommend that you tie it back on with a bowline knot. Make sure that the brake line has the correct length (check the marking on the brake line) and the right amount of lead.
What should I do when my paraglider doesn’t “fly right” anymore?
If the paraglider pulls to one side, the cause is often an asymmetric adjustment of the harness. If you have other problems such as difficult launch behaviour, sluggish handling, etc., you should contact a Skywalk dealer or contact Skywalk directly.
Skywalk JET FLAP Technology
So what is Skywalk's JET FLAP technology, and what benefit does it give? Skywalk explain...
Idea and JET FLAP development history
During a discussion of the Skywalk development team on how to improve the stall of a surf kite, one idea among others surfaced - to try slotted flaps.
The earliest kite prototypes demonstrated a substantially improved performance, so we decided immediately to patent the use of slotted flaps on flexible wings. After we introduced them in our kites, we set out to test the so-called JET FLAP system on paragliders. We optimised the slotted flaps in numerous profile studies, simulations and test flights. While testing them on the MESCAL, something special occurred to us: never before did one of our gliders need so little trim work! The extended "green" range of the wing in which pilot errors are forgiven is one of the most important effects of JET FLAPS.
Thanks to JET FLAPS, we were able to combine in the MESCAL several characteristics that are otherwise mutually exclusive, for example:
-
High agility and great handling with a high damping.
During the development of the TEQUILA, the calming FLAP effects became apparent again. The adjustment range for our test team became noticeably larger!
Advantages of JET FLAP technology
Displacement occurs first at the spot where the use of the brakes causes a strong increase of bowing in the profile and the result is usually parachutal stall and then full stall.
This is exactly where JET FLAPS come into play:
Air is conducted from the bottom sail (pressure area) to the top sail (suction area) and there it is blown out. The stall is delayed, flyable minimum speed is reduced, and the pilot has more angle of attack reserve. This is of crucial importance during the critical phases of start and landing. Through a special wing design, we managed to ensure that the flap channel remains mostly closed during flight at trim speed and opens when the brake are applied. That helps to reduce drag at trim speed.
The onset of stall gets, so to say, blown away. (Photo 2 Smoke simulation) On the upper sail the accelerated and energised air exits tangentially to the profile surface and effectively impedes the stall.
From today's perspective, we see these advantage in JET FLAPS:
Rigging the glider is much easier for the pilot as a glider with Jet Flaps requires fewer trim changes than a glider without Jet Flaps. Less trim changes mean more homogeneous flight characteristics.
The transition from slow flight to stall is considerably wider. Where a glider without flaps tips relatively abruptly backwards into stall, the Jet Flap glider can still be controlled and brought back into normal flight! The "green" range with JET FLAPS is noticeably larger.
The climb performance of the wing is better and it is easier to turn in thermals.
Pilots enjoy these advantages:
Lower flyable minimum speed. It is considerable easier for the pilot to fly slowly. The limit range is wider and more controllable. I like to compare it with the ABS brakes of an automobile. The limit range is also eased in this situation.
Vol Libre Magazine published a test showing a blatant difference between a TEQUILA with effective JET FLAP System and with closed flaps: open FLAPS permit flying with up to 17% less speed!
This means naturally, enormous reserves at the approach to stall.
Better climb performance, above all in narrow and stronger thermals where the brakes must be activated in order to climb optimally.
More room to play for developers because the implementation of JET FLAPS makes it possible to combine apparently contradictory properties: e.g. high agility AND high damping.
Increased brake travel until stall, so more safety while landing.
It could be asked, why can't these properties be achieved by the usual construction methods?
But it is the sum and the combination that count and the total picture of the glider with JET FLAPS is simply much rounder and more harmonious.
That's why we at Skywalk are banking on JET FLAPS.
Skywalk harness FAQ
Answers to some frequently asked questions about Skywalk harnesses.
Which harness size should I select?
Select the harness size by how comfortably you can sit in it without sliding from side to side too much. The chest strap should not be drawn too tightly and not less than the minimum distance between carabiners. The carabiner distance depends on the weight of the pilot. Under 50kg = 38cm, 50-80kg pilot weight = 42cm, over 80kg = 46cm.
The harness gets in the way when I look up to visually check the canopy before I launch - how can I avoid that?
Like leading backpacks, the CULT4 has an adjustable shoulder strap that can be adjusted to any size. If the shoulder strap is set to the shortest possible setting, make sure that you shorten the GET-UP system (leg loops) too. This prevents the harness from sliding up during the launch phase as soon as the glider lifts off.
Differences between the Get-Up & T-Bar Systems
Get-Up System:
- Enables a safer and more dynamic takeoff run due to the exceptional leg freedom.
- The straps can be closed easily with just two buckles. This reduces the likelihood of forgetting to close the leg straps because the pilot has only two buckles that are connected directly to the chest strap.
- The use of a Get-Up system makes it possible to actively influence the mechanical characteristics of the connection between paraglider and harness by means of the adjustment options (does not apply to Range X-Alps). The Get-up system acts as cross-brace, creating a better connection between the seat and the risers.
- (without adjustment possibility) the mechanical characteristics can not be influenced, but the feeling in flight is less damped, since the system is inherently stiffer.
T-Lock system (consists of 3 buckle straps):
- Leg straps must be closed separately
- The T-Lock or “T-Bar” system runs from the center of the seat to the chest strap and ends with a T-shaped buckle that closes the chest strap. The belt runs between the legs to the chest, thus preventing the pilot from falling out even when the leg straps are open.
What effect does the harness have on the way a glider flies?
The pilot accounts for a third of the total drag, so the performance with a harness with a upright sitting position can vary greatly from that of a harness with a reclining position or a pod harness. Agility can be affected too – this depends on how high or low-slung the harness is. Whether the harness has a seatboard also plays a decisive role.
What should I consider when installing the speed bar system?
The length of the speed bar must be adjusted to your leg length. Both line, right and left, must have the same length.
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