NIVIUK HAWK Cross Country Harness User Manual

HAWK Cross Country Harness

Product Information: HAWK Harness

Specifications

• Weight (S): 3.7 kg
• Weight (M): 3.8 kg
• Pilot Height (S): 150-170 cm
• Pilot Height (M): 165-180 cm
• Ballast Volume : 6 L
• Cockpit Volume : 3 L
• Max. Load : 120 kg
• Certification : EN/LTF

Product Usage Instructions

Unpacking and Assembly
To assemble the harness, follow these steps

1. Assemble the harness components according to the instructions provided.
2. Connect the wing to the harness securely.
3. Adjust the harness to fit your body size and preferences.
   • Adjust the pilot position for optimal comfort and control.
   • Adjust the chest straps to secure the harness around your chest.
   • Adjust the shoulder straps for a snug fit.
   • Adjust the leg loops for a comfortable and secure fit.
   • Install the pod and adjust it as needed.
   • Attach the speed-bar for increased speed control.
   • If applicable, install and connect the parachute.
   • Replace the pod if necessary.
   • Attach optional accessories such as ballast, Camelbak, drink tube, or pee tube.

In Flight
When flying with the HAWK harness, follow these guidelines

• Perform pre-flight checks to ensure all components are securely connected and functioning properly.
• Follow the proper launch procedures.
• Execute safe landing techniques.
• If flying above water or landing in water, take additional precautions.
• Properly pack and store the harness and wing after use.

Types of Flying
The HAWK harness is suitable for the following types of flying

• Winch flying
• Tandem flying
• Other types of flying

Care and Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your HAWK harness, follow these care and maintenance guidelines

• Regularly perform maintenance tasks as outlined in the manual.
• Properly store the harness when not in use.
• Conduct regular checks and inspections to identify any potential issues.
• If repairs are needed, follow the recommended repair procedures or contact Niviuk Service for assistance.
• Register your product for warranty purposes.

Safety and Responsibility
When using the HAWK harness, it is important to prioritize safety and take responsibility for your actions. Follow all safety guidelines and procedures provided in the manual. The manufacturers and dealers cannot be held responsible for misuse of the equipment. It is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure the correct usage of the harness.

FAQ

• Can I use the HAWK harness without proper training?
  No, proper training at a certified paragliding school is necessary to fly this type of harness. Each country has its own licensing system, and only the aeronautical authorities can determine pilot competence.

• Where can I find more information about flying with the HAWK harness?
  You can visit our website at www.niviuk.com for more information about flying with the HAWK harness.

User manual

WELCOME

We welcome you to our team and thank you for the trust you have placed in our HAWK harness.

We would like to share with you the excitement and passion that went into the process of creating this harness. The HAWK has been designed to offer excellent maneuverability and to ensure your progression in cross-country flying.

“Give importance to the small details to  make big things happen”

This is the user manual and we recommend you read it carefully.

The NIVIUK Team

• Niviuk Gliders & Air Games S
  

• C/ Del Ter 6 – nave D

• 17165 La Cellera de Ter – Girona – Spai

• +34 972 422 878

• info@niviuk.com

• www.niviuk.com

HAWK
MILE HUNTER

• This manual provides the necessary information on the main characteristics of your new harness.
• Whilst it provides information, it cannot be viewed as an instructional handbook and does not offer the training required to fly this type of harness. Training can only be undertaken at a certified paragliding school and each country has its own system of licensing. Only the aeronautical authorities of respective countries can determine pilot competence. You can get more information from our website at www.niviuk.com
• The information in this manual is provided in order to warn you against adverse flying situations and potential dangers. Equally, we would like to remind you that it is important to carefully read all the contents of your new HAWK manual.
• Misuse of this equipment could lead to severe or irreversible injuries to the pilot, even death. The manufacturers and dealers cannot be held responsible for misuse of the equipment. It is the responsibility of the pilot to ensure the equipment is used correctly.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Overview of the harness

Technical data

Specification Table

| S| M| L| XL
---|---|---|---|---
WEIGHT| 3,7 kg| 3,8 kg| 4 kg| 4,4 kg
PILOT HEIGHT| 150-170 cm| 165-180 cm| 175-195 cm| 185-200 cm
BALLAST VOLUME| 6 L| 6 L| 7 L| 8 L
COCKPIT VOLUME| 3 L| 3 L| 4 L| 5 L
MAX. LOAD| 120 kg| 120 kg| 120 kg| 120 kg
CERTIFICATION| EN/LTF| EN/LTF| EN/LTF| EN/LTF

Technical data

Target group

The HAWK is Niviuk’s harness for progressing in cross-country flying. The ideal harness for those pilots who want to start venturing into the world of cross-country. A stable, comfortable and light harness especially designed for everyday long flights.
It has been designed to offer a high degree of comfort and excellent maneuverability, as it adapts easily to the pilot’s body during each flight.

Designed for your comfort
The HAWK’s frame has been optimized, making it adaptable to each pilot’s shape. Guaranteed stability in all phases of flight for a pleasant and comfortable experience.

Your safety is our priority
An accessible harness for pilots who want to have confidence to improve their flying. To increase its safety, the HAWK features a 15 cm foam back protector, with efficient impact absorption in case of a hard landing. It also includes a T-lock system to connect the chest strap to the leg loops, using two attachment points. It is easy to use and extremely safe.

Light and strong in equal measure
The use of semi-lightweight materials results in one of the most competitive weights in its category: size M weighs just 3.8 kg. Get a harness that is durable, yet easy to transport, pack and store.

Design process

The NIVIUK team has done extensive and meticulous work. Distinctive adjustments were made as a result of flight testing of the various prototypes. These were tested in all flight conditions. This intensive development of an innovative and modern harness has been made possible by the extensive experience of our team. All NIVIUK products undergo a thorough final inspection.

UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY

Assembling the harness

• Before your first flight we recommend making the initial adjustments of the harness using a hang frame.
• Position the harness and hang it from the carabiners. Sit in the harness and close it. Using the straps, adjust it to your individual preference.
• To adjust the harness to your body shape, a number of easy-to-use adjustable straps have been incorporated into the HAWK.

Connecting the harness to the wing
The HAWK has two carabiners to connect the harness to the paraglider. The right carabiner is connected to the right riser of the wing, both of which are green. The left carabiner is therefore connected to the left riser, both of which are red.

Adjusting the harness

Pilot position
The HAWK can be adjusted to regulate the angle of the pilot. This angle can be varied by adjusting the appropriate straps.
The angle of the back and shoulder straps can also be adjusted.

Chest strap
The chest strap, which controls the distance between the two carabiners, can be adjusted in flight from 34 to 43 cm in size M.
For the first flight with the HAWK, we suggest that the strap is set to the middle position, and then gradually ensure that the option that best suits your needs is selected in flight. The optimal adjustment will depend on the type of wing you are flying with the HAWK. When the chest strap is tighter, the wing feels more stable. However, over-tightening the strap may enhance the “twist” effect. A wide distance between carabiners increases the turning capacity.

Shoulder straps

The optimum adjustment of the shoulder straps depends on the height of the pilot. To get the optimal adjustment, sit up straight with chest strap and legs loops closed and adjust the shoulder straps symmetrically.

Leg loops
The leg loops must be correctly adjusted so that the pilot can get into and sit down without using their hands after take off. If the length is not correct, it is possible that problems or difficulties may occur in flight when placing the legs in the harness. If the leg loops are still too long when standing, use the adjustment straps under the chest strap so that they fit without being too tight. Make sure they are symmetrical. If it is necessary to lengthen the leg loops, first make sure that the shoulder straps are not too tight. Normally, not much adjustment is needed to the default position of the leg loops.

Pod
The pod can be adjusted to fit the size of the pilot’s legs thanks to the cords situated at the side of the inside of the pod. It is essential that the pod is correctly adjusted so that the pilot is comfortable during flight. Adjust it in a hang frame before your first flight. Niviuk R+D pilots provide the following tip for getting into the pod without getting stuck: put your left leg in first, and then put your right leg in. Using the straps, adjust it to your individual preference.

Speed-bar

• The HAWK comes fitted with a speed-bar. It is important to adjust the harness before adjusting the speed-bar, as the length of the speed-bar depends on the positioning of the legs.
• Use a hang frame to adjust the speed-bar before your initial flight.
• Sit the harness and adopt your flying position to adjust the cords symmetrically on both sides. If the cords are set too short, they can cause constant tension on the speed system, which could be
• dangerous. Please remember that it is always preferable for the speed-bar to be set longer than shorter.

Installing the parachute

You can find a tutorial on correctly installing parachutes in our harnesses on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/pSzJCEJwcyM
Please note : the parachute must be fitted inside the container. If it is too loose, there is a possibility that it may twist or that the lines or webbing may be mispositioned, making it difficult or impossible to deploy.
TAKE CARE : Your safety depends on the correct installation of the parachute.
This process must be carried out with care and we therefore recommend that it is performed by qualified personnel.

Replacing the pod

• To ensure the durability of the harness, the HAWK is fitted with a removeable pod. When you need to replace it, use the zip located on the sides, below the carabiners.
• You will have to set up and adjust the pod again before your first flight with it. To do this, see the section on “Adjusting the harness”.
• You will also find a tutorial on how to install your pod correctly on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/UhyJxCN-am0

Optional accessories

• Ballast
• Camelback
• Drink tube
• Pee tube

IN FLIGHT

Pre-flight checks
For maximum safety, check your equipment thoroughly, using the same sequence, before every flight.
Check the following

• There is no visible damage to the harness or carabiners that could affect the flight.
• All buckles, straps and zips are connected/closed. The buckles should snap into place when you close them (a gentle tug on them verifies this). Be especially careful in snowy or sandy areas.
• The glider is correctly connected to the harness and both carabiners are secured with their locking mechanisms closed.
• All pockets are properly closed and items hanging from the harness are secured/ attached.
• Check again that you have secured the chest strap and leg loops before launch.
• The parachute container is properly closed.
• The deployment handle is fully inserted into

Launch

• Make sure the weather conditions are suitable for your skill and experience level. If you make the decision to fly, put on the harness and make sure all buckles are closed correctly and your legs are through the leg loops. Your life depends on it.
• For your safety, before launching always repeat the same sequence of your pre-flight check.
• CAUTION : stay away from mountain relief if you have to use your hands to get into the harness. You should always have your hands on the brakes when near terrain.
• If you need to use your hands to get into the harness, try adjusting the harness using a hang frame.

Landing
Before landing, slide your legs forward in the harness to assume a standing position. Never land whilst still in the seated position as this may cause a back injury. Standing up before landing is an active safety decision and is much more effective than relying on the passive system of the back protector. It is not necessary to adjust the harness before landing. Simply straighten your legs and get into a standing position and prepare to land.

Flying above water or landing in water

• TAKE CARE : flying above water during a cross-country flight or SIV course exposes the pilot to the risk of a water landing. This situation is very dangerous and flying with a life jacket is essential during an SIV course. We recommend avoiding this situation whenever possible.

• After a water landing, the foam back protector floats and there is a risk of the pilot being pushed underwater. The pilot should wear a life jacket to avoid this occurrence. Before hitting the water, it
  is recommended to undo the buckles (without compromising safety) and to have enough time to get out of the harness quickly to avoid drowning. This way you will be able to reach the safety boat more easily.

• If the harness gets wet due to falling into the water, the protectors and the harness must be removed from the water to dry completely.

• The parachute must also be removed to dry completely. Once dry, it has to be packed correctly and installed in the harness again. See the section on “Installing the parachute”.

• Do not store your equipment if it is still wet or damp – wait for it to dry completely.

Rucksack and packing
In the following link you can discover all the details of the harness and see the best way to pack it in your backpack to transport it with your glider and flying equipment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZehIaAGhCQ8

TYPES OF FLYING

• Winch flying
  The HAWK is suitable for winch launching.
  The winch release is attached by means of the main carabiners on the risers, where the wing is attached.

• Tandem
  The HAWK is not recommended for tandem operation.

• Other
  The HAWK is not designed or recommended for aerobatic or acro flying.
  We consider extreme or acrobatic flights to be any form of piloting different than standard flights. Learning aerobatic/acrobatic manoeuvres should be conducted under the supervision of qualified instructors within a school environment and over water with all safety/rescue elements in place.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance

• The materials used in the HAWK have been carefully selected to ensure maximum durability. We recommend checking the harness after every impact, bad launch or landing, and if it shows signs of damage or heavy wear.

• We recommend the harness is fully inspected in an authorised workshop every two years and the carabiners are also changed every two years.

• To prevent wear or damage to the harness, it is important to avoid dragging the harness on the ground, over stones or abrasive surfaces. Do not expose it unnecessarily to UV radiation (sun light).

• Whenever possible, keep the harness away from moisture and heat.

• Store all your paragliding equipment in a cool, dry place, and never store it when it is
  wet or damp.

• Keep your harness as clean as possible by regularly wiping off dirt with a plastic brush and/or a damp cloth. If the harness is very dirty, clean it with water and mild soap. Allow it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area without direct sun light.

Storage

• Keep your equipment in the in a cool, dry place away from solvents, fuels or oils.

• Do not leave the gear inside a car boot, as cars left in the sun can become very hot. A rucksack can reach temperatures up to 60oC.

• Weight should not be laid on top of the equipment.

• When storing the harness in a backpack, care must be taken that it does not become deformed. Never store it when still damp. Never use detergents to clean it. Dry the harness in a well-ventilated area.

• If your parachute gets wet (e.g. if you fall into water) it must be removed from the harness, dried and repacked before being put back
  into the container.

• It is recommended that any repair and/or replacement of the harness components should only be carried out by the manufacturer or authorised personnel. Only the manufacturer and authorised professionals use the materials and techniques that will ensure the correct functionality of the harness, according to its certification.

Checks and inspections

• In addition to daily and pre-flight checks, the HAWK must be thoroughly inspected at every parachute repack, which is normally once a year. Additional checks should be carried out after every incident, bad launch or landing, or in case of signs of damage or wear.

• Every two years or 100 flying hours (whichever comes first), the harness must be inspected in an authorised workshop.
  If in doubt, contact a professional. These are the required inspections

• Check webbing and buckles for damage, especially in areas that are not easily visible, such as the inside of attachment point webbing, where the the carabiner rests.

• All seams must be intact and any damage must be repaired immediately.

• The main aluminium carabiners must be replaced every two years or 500 flying hours or if they have any signs of damage. Impacts can create undetectable damage that can result in structural failure under continuous loading.

Repairs

Repairs to your HAWK may only be carried out by the manufacturer or qualified and authorised personnel. This ensures that the most appropriate materials and correct repair techniques are applied.
If you are not qualified to do so, do not attempt to repair the harness yourself.

Niviuk Service

• Niviuk Service is our official workshop offering a quality service, based on the care and maintenance of flight equipment. Thanks to the knowledge, technologies and procedures we have acquired over the years, we can repair any flying equipment.
• We want to guarantee the safety and durability of your new product, so our official workshop is the perfect place to have it serviced and/or repaired.
• Every two years, your equipment should be checked by a professional.
• For more information, please consult the Niviuk Service section of our web site at : www.niviuk.com

Product registration
You can register your new product on the Niviuk website in the MyNiviuk section and enjoy its benefits.

SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY

• It is well known that free-flying with a paraglider is considered a high-risk sport, where safety depends on the person who is practicing it.
• Incorrect use of this equipment may cause severe, life-changing injuries to the pilot, or even death. Manufacturers and dealers cannot be held responsible for your decisions, actions or accidents that may result from participating in this sport.
• You must not use this equipment if you have not been properly trained to use it. Do not take advice or accept any informal training from anyone who is not properly qualified as a flight instructor.

GUARANTEE

• The equipment and components are covered by a 2-year warranty against any manufacturing defect.
• The warranty does not cover misuse of the equipment.
• Any modification of the paraglider or its components invalidates the guarantee and its certification.
• If you notice any defects in your harness, please contact Niviuk immediately for a more thorough inspection.

SPECIFICATIONS

Compatibility

Certification
You will find the certification certificates on the product page a www.niviuk.com/en/hawk

• Paragliding Harness – EN
  Inspection number
  Manufacturer
  Model and size
  Maximum pilot weight [kg] Integrated container for rescue system : If Yes. Volume of the container [cm3] Serial number
  Production date (year / month)

• Harness protector (impact pad)
  Impact pad type
  Impact pad integrated
  Impact pad number

• PH_327.2021 Niviuk Gliders Hawk L

• 120

• Yes

• 2’000 min

• 10’000 max

• Foam

• Yes

• MISC_192.2021

• If not integrated : Manufacturer ……………………. Serial number : ………………………

• Production date (year / month) :

Warning : Read the operating manual before using this equipment!

A sample has been tested and certifies its conformity with the following standard : EN1651:2018, EN12491:2015. This model corresponds with the tested sample and its airworthiness.
BR | rev 02 | 21.11.2019 | ISO 94.23b

References

• Niviuk Paragliders | Beyond the Glide
• Hawk | Cross Country Harness | Niviuk Paragliders
• Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!

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