OZONE Geo7 Paragliders User Manual
- May 15, 2024
- ozone
Table of Contents
Geo7
Pilot Manual
Geo7 Paragliders
THANK YOU
Thank you for choosing Ozone.
As a team of free flying enthusiasts, competitors and adventurers, Ozone’s
mission is to build paragliding equipment of the highest quality. We are
constantly working together to develop cutting edge designs with class leading
performance and maximum security. Wings are rigorously tested and developed
by our team of experienced, discerning, world-class pilots to ensure they meet
your expectations and demands. The products we offer you are the ones we fly
ourselves, every day.
To ensure the highest levels of quality, we manufacture our products in our
own production facility. This unique made-to-order system means that every
glider is effectively tailor-made for you. Panels are individually laser cut
from a single layer to ensure the highest precision and production consistency
from one wing to the next. Your wing undergoes numerous rigorous quality
control checks at each and every stage of the manufacturing process to
guarantee it meets the highest industry standards.
It is essential that you read this manual before flying your wing for the
first time. It includes important information regarding the use and care of
your paraglider. For the latest updates, including all technical datas, please
refer to the latest online version.
If you need any further information about any of our products please check
flyozone.com or contact your local dealer, school or
any of us here at Ozone.
Safe Flying!
Team Ozone
WARNING
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Paragliding is a potentially dangerous sport that can cause serious injury including bodily harm, paralysis and death. Flying an Ozone paraglider is undertaken with the full knowledge that paragliding involves such risks.
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As the owner of an Ozone paraglider you take exclusive responsibility for all risks associated with its use. Inappropriate use and or abuse of your equipment will increase these risks.
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Any liability claims resulting from use of this product towards the manufacturer, distributor or dealers are excluded.
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Be prepared to practice as much as you can – especially ground handling, as this is a critical aspect of paragliding. Poor control while on the ground is one of the most common causes of accidents.
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Be ready to continue your learning by attending advanced courses to follow the evolution of our sport, as techniques and materials keep improving.
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Use only certified paragliders, harnesses with protector and reserve parachutes that are free from modification, and use them only within their certified weight ranges. Please remember that flying a glider outside its certified configuration may jeopardise any insurance (e.g. liability, life etc) you have. It is your responsibility as the pilot to verify your insurance cover.
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Make sure you complete a thorough daily and preflight inspection of all of your equipment.
Never attempt flying with unsuitable or damaged equipment. -
Always wear a helmet, gloves and suitable footwear.
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Pilots should have the appropriate level of license for their respective country and third party insurance.
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Make sure that you are physically and mentally healthy before flying.
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Choose the correct wing, harness and conditions for your level of experience.
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Pay special attention to the terrain you will be flying and the weather conditions before you launch. If you are unsure, do not fly and always add a large safety margin to all your decisions.
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NEVER fly your glider in rain, snow, strong wind, turbulent weather conditions or clouds.
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If you use good, safe judgment you will enjoy many years of paragliding.
YOUR GEO 7
The Geo series represents the ultimate intermediate wing in terms of safety
and True Performance. Based on the successful Geo 6, the Geo 7 continues the
legacy and shares the same planform, aspect ratio and cell count whilst
incorporating further optimisations to improve the performance and feel.
Optimisation of the line materials and layout has led to a 20% reduction in
overall line drag compared to the Geo6. Line drag constitutes up to 1/3rd of
the total drag generated by the wing. The Shark Nose profile has been modified
with carefully calculated opening positions to aid the internal pressure and
launch characteristics. The leading edge features double 3D shaping and
optimised panel shaping to clean the airflow in this aerodynamically critical
area. These features amount to a significant reduction in drag and directly
relate to improved sink rates and glide performance, especially in accelerated
flight.
The Geo 7 has been completely revised internally to improve the structural
stability and cohesion of the sail. The spanwise strap and modified cross port
venting allows for a more cohesive wing with improved internal airflow.
The Geo 7 holds its chord and spanwise tension better than any previous Geo
model making the wing even more comfortable and confidence inspiring, it
absorbs turbulent air whilst deforming less. All of these modifications and
optimisations relate to direct performance gains, especially in turbulent,
thermic conditions and in accelerated flight.
The Geo 7 is easy and comfortable to fly, the handling is intuitive, fun and
super agile with a progressive and precise feel. Highly compact, with
perfectly coordinated roll and yaw it climbs very well in thermals. In active
air, the structural improvements create a comfortable yet informative wing
with a very cohesive nature in turbulence, feedback is gentle and predictable;
filtering air movements in an understandable way giving you the confidence to
progress.
The Geo7 is available either with Link Lites (the lightest option), or with
conventional steel maillons which add around 100 grams to the total weight.
The Geo 7 is suitable for a wide range of pilots from talented beginners to
the more experienced. It is an ideal choice for pilots who fly, or intend to
fly approximately 30-50 hours per year, or for experienced pilots who are
searching for an adventure wing with high levels of passive safety.
Rucksack
A choice of optional rucksacks are available for your wing. We have a large
range suited for many applications – from large competition bags to
accommodate modern competition harnesses to small lightweight compact designs
suited for lightweight harnesses and hike & fly. You can choose from any of
them at the time of order, or decide to not take one and reuse your old
rucksack.
Brake Lines
The brake line lengths have been set carefully during testing. We feel it is
better to fly with a wrap (one turn of the handle around the hand), for
greater turn authority in the thermals and better overall control. Shortening
the brakes from the factory setting will affect the trailing edge at full
speed, so we strongly recommend to not do so. As the wing ages, the brakes
will naturally reduce in length, so it is possible that they will require
lengthening at some stage.
When adjusting the brake lengths please keep in mind the following:
- Ensure both main brake lines are of equal length.
- If a brake handle has been removed, check the main brake line is routed through the pulley when replacing the handle. Use a bowline knot.
- When the brakes are fully released in flight, the brake lines should be slack. There must be a minimum of around 10cm of free play before the brakes begin to deform the trailing edge and a substantial bow to guarantee no deformation of the trailing edge when accelerated.
Risers
The Geo 7 has been designed with 3 risers per side. The A risers are covered
with coloured webbing for easy identification and split into two – the smaller
riser, holding only the outermost A line, is for an easier application of big
ears.
The risers feature a foot operated accelerator system, they do not feature
trimmers.
IMPORTANT
In the unlikely event of a brake line snapping in flight, or a handle
becoming detached, the glider can be flown by gently pulling the rear risers
(C-risers) for directional control.
LIMITATIONS
Pilot Ability
The Geo 7 has been designed as a solo beginner / intermediate XC wing for
those looking for maximum levels of security. Due to the forgiving nature of
the wing, it is also suitable for all levels of training. It is not however
suitable for tandem flights nor aerobatic manoeuvres.
Total Weight in flight
Each Ozone glider has been designed and certified for a defined weight range.
We strongly recommend that you respect these weight ranges. If you are between
sizes the following information may help you make a decision as to which size
to buy:
- For the most precise and dynamic handling or if you generally fly in mountains and/or in strong conditions, you should chose to fly near the top part of the weight range.
- If you want a better sink rate, or if you generally fly in flat lands and/or in weaker conditions, you may choose to fly nearer the middle part of the weight range. Remember, you can always add ballast when conditions are stronger.
- It is not recommended to fly at the very bottom of the weight range.
SIV
The Geo 7 may be used for SIV training. Ensure you fully understand the
correct and safe use of this equipment before attempting SIV and only do so
under expert tuition over water with all the necessary safety precautions in
place.
Towing
The Geo 7 may be tow-launched. It is the pilot’s responsibility to use
suitable harness attachments and release mechanisms and to ensure that they
are correctly trained on the equipment and system employed. All tow pilots
should be qualified to tow, use a qualified tow operator with proper,
certified equipment, and make sure all towing regulations are observed.
When towing you must be certain that the paraglider is completely over your
head before you start. In each case the maximum tow force needs to correspond
to the body weight of the pilot.
Flying in the Rain
Modern wings are susceptible to rain and moisture, flying with a wet wing can
result in the loss of normal flight.
Due to the efficient, wrinkle-free design of the sail, water tends to bead on
the leading edge causing flow separation. Flow separation will make the wing
more prone to entering inadvertent parachutal stalls, so flying in the rain,
or with a wet wing (e.g early morning dew) should be avoided at all costs.
If you are accidently caught-out in a rain shower, it is best to land
immediately. If your wing becomes wet in the air it is advised to maintain
accelerated flight using the speed bar, even during the final approach. DO NOT
use big ears as a descent technique, big ears increases drag, and with a wet
wing this will further increase the chances of a parachutal stall occurring.
Instead, lose height with gentle 360’s and maintain your air speed at all
times. If your wing enters parachutal stall when wet, immediately accelerate
the wing with the speed bar to regain airspeed.
IMPORTANT
Never fly in the rain or with a wet glider.
PREPARATION
Accelerator System
Attach the speed system lines to the accelerator system on the risers with the
Brummel hooks. Alternatively they can be bypassed with the speed system
attached directly to the riser accelerator lines using a Larks foot.
There must be enough slack in the speed system to ensure the A risers are not
inadvertently pulled during normal trim speed flight, but not so long that it
is impossible to use the full speed range of the glider.
Maximum speed is achieved when the pulleys overlap. Pushing the speed system
beyond this point will not increase the speed.
Once set up, test the full range of the accelerator in calm flying conditions
and ensure that both risers are pulled evenly during operation. Fine-tuning
can be completed when you are back on the ground.
Harness
It is important to set up your harness correctly before flying the wing. Make
sure to spend time adjusting your harness’s different settings until you are
completely comfortable. Depending on the size of the wing, we recommend a
chest strap setting between 42cm and 48cm (measured between the centre of the
hang points). The XS/S sizes were certified with a chest strap set to around
42cm, the MS and ML at 44cm, and the L between 46-48cm. Do not fly with a
chest strap setting too tight (below 42cm) or too wide (above 48cm) as this
will affect the behaviour and feedback of the wing.
IMPORTANT
Using the accelerator decreases the angle of attack and makes the wing more
prone to collapse, therefore using the accelerator near the ground or in
turbulent conditions should be avoided.
Wing
To prepare the wing, lay it out on the top surface and perform a thorough
daily check. You should inspect the top and bottom surfaces for any rips and
tears or any other obvious signs of damage. Lay out the lines one side at a
time, hold up the risers and starting with the brake lines, pull all lines
clear. Repeat with the C (including the upper D lines), B and A lines, laying
the checked lines on top of the previous set. Make sure no lines are tangled,
knotted or snagged. Mirror the process on the other side and then inspect the
lines for any visual damage.
Inspect the risers for any signs of obvious damage or wear. Ensure they are
not twisted in any way.
Take-off checklist:
- Check reserve parachute – pin is in and handle secure
- Helmet on and fastened
- All harness buckles closed – check leg-loops again
- Risers connected to the harness correctly with carabiners and maillons tight
- Accelerator system connected
- Holding the A risers and your brake handles correctly
- Leading edge open
- Aligned in the middle of the wing and directly into wind
- Airspace and visibility clear
BASIC FLIGHT TECHNIQUES
Launching
Your Geo 7 will launch with either the forward or reverse technique. The wing
should be laid out in a pronounced arc, with the centre of the wing higher
than the tips.
Forward Launch – Nil to Light winds
When the wind is favourable, whilst gently holding the central A risers move
forward positively, your lines should become tight within one or two steps and
the Geo 7 will immediately start to inflate. You should maintain a constant
pressure on the risers until the wing is overhead. Do not pull down or push
the risers forward excessively, or the leading edge will deform and possibly
collapse.
Move smoothly throughout the entire launch, do not rush or snatch at it. Once
above your head look up and check the canopy is fully inflated and there are
no knots in the lines before committing yourself to the launch run.
IMPORTANT
Never take off with a glider that is not fully inflated or if you are not
in control of the pitch/roll of your wing.
Reverse Launch – Light to Strong Winds
Lay out your wing as you would for the forward launch. Turn to face it by
passing one entire set of risers over your head as you turn. Inflate the
glider using your body weight and the A-risers. Once the wing is overhead,
release the risers, brake gently if necessary, turn and launch. In stronger
winds, be prepared to take a few steps towards the glider as it inflates.
This will take some of the energy out of the wing and it will be less likely
to overfly you or pick you off your feet.
Speed to Fly
The Geo 7 achieves its best glide in still air at trim speed. To maximise
glide ratio when gliding downwind or when the air is not excessively sinking
fly at trim speed or slightly slower by applying gentle pressure on the
brakes. To penetrate better in headwinds and improve the glide ratio in
sinking air, crosswinds or headwinds you should fly faster than trim speed
using the accelerator. Using up to half bar does not degrade the glide angle
or stability significantly and will improve your efficiency.
IMPORTANT
Never apply the brakes whilst using the speed system – it makes the wing more
prone to collapse.
Do not fly full speed close to the ground or in turbulent conditions.
By applying approximately 20cm of brakes the Geo 7 will achieve its Minimum-
Sink rate; this is the speed to use for thermalling and ridge soaring.
Turning
To familiarize yourself with the Geo 7 your first turns should be gradual and
progressive. To make efficient and coordinated turns, first check the airspace
is clear and then lean in the direction you want to go. The first input for
directional change should be weight-shift, followed by a smooth application of
the brake until the desired bank angle is achieved. To regulate the speed and
radius of the turn, coordinate your weight shift and use both the outer and
inner brake.
IMPORTANT
Never initiate a turn at minimum speed (i.e. with full brakes on) as you
could risk entering a spin.
Active Flying
To minimize the likelihood of suffering collapses in turbulent conditions,
it is essential to fly the wing actively. The aim of active flying is to
maintain a constant pressure and pitch control of the wing. If you feel a
reduction or loss of pressure quickly apply the brakes until you feel normal
pressure again. Once you have normal pressure, raise the hands back to the
original position. Avoid flying with continuous amounts of deep brake in rough
air as you could inadvertently stall the wing – always consider your airspeed.
These subtle adjustments will help keep the glider flying smoothly directly
above you and dramatically reduce the likelihood of a collapse. If the glider
pitches in front of you, use the brakes to slow it down. Equally, if the
glider drops behind you, release the brakes to allow it to speed up, but be
ready to anticipate the following pitch forward. The goal is to maintain the
wing directly overhead with a constant level of internal pressure.
When the conditions are turbulent, be more active and anticipate the movements
of your wing, always be aware of your altitude and do not over-react.
We strongly advise you to keep hold of your brakes at all times and to not fly
in turbulent conditions.
IMPORTANT
Always keep hold of your brakes. Do not fly in turbulent conditions
Landing
The Geo 7 shows no unusual landing characteristics but as a reminder, here
are some tips:
- Always set up for your landing early, give yourself plenty of options and a safe margin for error.
- Once below 30 metres avoid turning tightly as the glider will have to dive to accelerate back to normal flight. If you are at low altitude, or if you hit sink, this could mean you hit the ground harder than necessary.
- Lean forward out of your harness before the actual landing (especially if it’s turbulent), with your weight leaning forward against the chest strap, and make sure your legs are ready for the landing and a possible PLF (parachute landing fall).
- Allow the glider to fly at hands up (trim) speed for your final descent until you are around 1 metre above the ground (in windy or turbulent conditions you must fly the glider actively all the way). Apply the brakes slowly and progressively to slow the glider down until groundspeed has been reduced to a minimum and you are able to step onto the ground.
- In light winds/zero wind you need a strong, long and progressive flare to bleed off all your excess ground speed. In strong winds your forward speed is already low so you are flaring only to soften the landing. A strong flare may result in the glider climbing upwards and backwards quickly, leaving you in a vulnerable position.
- If the glider does begin to climb, ease off the brakes (10-20cm) – do not put your hands up all the way – then flare again, but more gently this time. Keep the brakes at mid speed, stand up, be ready to run and make sure you brake fully as you arrive on the ground.
- Choose the appropriate approach style in function of the landing area and the conditions.
- In strong winds you need to turn towards the glider the second your feet touch the ground. Once facing the wing pull smoothly and symmetrically down on the brakes to stall the wing. If the glider pulls you, run toward it.
- If the wind is very strong, and you feel you might be dragged, or lifted again, stall the glider with the C risers. This stalls the wing in a very quick and controllable way and will drag you less than if you use the brakes.
- Always land heading into wind!
RAPID DESCENT TECHNIQUES
Big Ears
Folding in the wing tips increases the sink rate without radically changing
the airspeed. This is useful for staying out of cloud or descending quickly
through the lift band of the hill, for example when top landing. To pull Big
Ears, keep hold of your brake handles and take the outermost A-line on each
side, then pull out and down (preferably one at a time) until the wing tips
fold under. The Outer A line is attached to the Baby A riser, making
identification and use of the big ear system easier. The size of the Big Ears
can be adjusted by pulling more line, or reaching higher up the line. For
directional control while using the Big Ears, you should use weight shift. To
reopen the ears, release both A lines at the same time. To help reinflation,
brake gently one side at a time until tips regain pressure. Avoid deep
symmetric applications of the brake as this could accidently induce a
parachutal or full stall.
You may use Big Ears for the final landing approach but they should be
released before making the final flare. Ozone advise to not use this technique
in turbulent or windy conditions due to the reduced ability to fly actively
and the risk of an inadvertent stall whilst descending through the wind
gradient.
Once the big ears are engaged you can further increase the sink rate by
pushing on the accelerator bar, however NEVER try to pull the Big Ears in if
the accelerator is already pushed.
The lower angle of attack and the act of deflating the tips can lead to a
major deflation.
Always make the Big Ears first and then apply the speed bar. Whilst it is
possible to enter a spiral dive whilst holding in Big Ears, the high forces
applied to the lower lines could exceed the breaking strain of the lines
leading to equipment failure!
DO NOT perform spiral dives with the big ears engaged.
IMPORTANT
Never apply the brakes whilst using the speed system – it makes the wing
more prone to collapse.
B-Line Stall
B-stall is for fast descents in emergency situations only, sink rates of
around 6 m/s can be achieved. It is however faster and safer to lose altitude
with a spiral dive than a B-stall.
To initiate the B-stall, keep the brakes in your hand and take hold of both
the B risers near the maillons. Pull down firmly – there is a lot of pressure
so it requires a reasonably amount of force. As you pull the B-lines the
airflow over the wing is broken and the glider loses its forward speed but
remains open with a reduced cord. Once the wing is in B stall, maintain your
position. Make sure to pull symmetrically otherwise the wing can rotate during
the B stall, if this occurs pull the opposite side to stop the rotation or
release the B risers to resume normal flight. If you pull too much B-line the
glider may horseshoe and move around a lot. If this occurs, slowly release the
B lines until the wing stabilises or simply exit the B line stall by
immediately releasing the B risers. Do not attempt to maintain a B line stall
that is not stable.
To exit the B-stall the B-risers should be released symmetrically and in one
smooth, progressive motion. The glider will resume normal forward flight
without further input. Check you have forward flight again before using the
brakes.
Spiral Dives
The spiral dive is the most effective form of rapid descent. To initiate a
spiral, look and lean in to the direction you want to turn, then smoothly and
progressively pull down on the inside brake. The Geo 7 will first turn almost
360 degrees before it drops into the spiral. Once in the spiral you should re-
centre your weight shift and apply a little outside brake to keep the outer
wing tip pressured and inflated. Safe descent rates of more than 10m/s are
possible, but at these rates the associated high speeds and g-forces can be
disorientating. Always pay particular attention to your altitude.
To exit the spiral dive, smoothly weight shift in the opposite direction of
the spiral and smoothly release the inside brake whilst applying the outside
brake. It is possible for the Geo 7 to remain neutral in a spiral dive, always
be prepared to pilot the wing out of a spiral dive. To do so, use opposite
weight shift and smoothly apply enough outside brake until the wing starts to
decelerate, the glider will then start to resume normal flight. Recovering
from a spiral with hard or quick opposite inputs will result in an aggressive
climb and surge and is not recommended. Always be prepared to manage the
energy, allow it to continue to turn until enough energy is lost for it to
return to level flight without an excessive climb and surge. Never perform
spiral dives close to the ground.
Remember the spiral dive should be used in emergency situations only,
excessive use of the spiral may result in an asymmetry in the lines and will
put unnecessary strain on the canopy reducing the performance.
IMPORTANT
Always be prepared to pilot the wing out of a spiral dive. Use opposite
weight shift and apply enough outside brake to stop the wing from spiralling.
INCIDENTS IN FLIGHT
Deflations
No pilot or wing is immune to deflations, however flying in suitable
conditions with correct active flying will reduce the chances significantly.
Asymmetric collapses should be controlled by first weight shifting away from
the collapse, fly away from the ground, obstacles and other pilots. Apply
enough opposite brake to control your direction, this action alone will be
enough to start the recovery process. In your efforts to stop the glider
turning towards the collapse be very careful not to stall the flying side. If
you are unable to stop the glider turning without exceeding the stall point,
allow the glider to turn during the reinflation process.
If the deflation does not spontaneously reinflate make a deep, smooth,
progressive input on the deflated side. Pumping too short and fast will not
reinflate the wing and pumping too slow might take the glider close to, or
beyond, the stall point.
Symmetric front collapses normally reinflate without pilot input, however 15
to 20cm of brake applied symmetrically, and immediately will speed the
process. After a symmetric collapse always consider your airspeed. Make sure
the glider is not in parachutal stall before making any further inputs.
If your Geo 7 collapses in accelerated flight, immediately release the
accelerator and manage the collapse using the methods described above.
Cravats
Cravats are when the wing tips become trapped within the lines and can result
in the wing entering a spiral dive if not addressed correctly. The first
action should be to stabilise the glider, i.e get control of your direction
using opposite weight shift and brake input. Large cravats may require the
wing to continue turning to avoid stalling the flying side. Once you have
control of the spiral use strong deep pumps of the brake on the cravated side
to try to free the tips. When doing so it is important to lean away from the
cravat otherwise you risk spinning or deepening the spiral. The aim is to
empty the air out of the wing tip, without spinning. Correctly done, this
action will clear the cravat quickly, it is the most efficient and effective
method. You can also try collapsing the wing tip by pulling on the AR3 line,
this can help free small stubborn wing tip cravats. Whichever method you use,
be careful with any brake inputs to not stall the opposite side.
If it is a very large cravat and the above options have not worked then a full
stall is the next option. Only attempt this if you have enough altitude.
Remember if the rotation is accelerating and you are unable to control it,
throw your reserve parachute immediately whilst you still have enough
altitude.
Deep Stall / Parachutal Stall
It is possible for gliders to enter a parachutal stall, this normally occurs
when flying with too much brake, after a front collapse or when flying with a
wet wing. If the wing is out of trim this can also be a contributing factor.
If the wing enters a parachutal stall, your first reaction should be to fully
raise both hands.
This allows the glider to return to normal flight but If nothing happens after
a few seconds, reach up and push the A-risers forwards or better, apply the
speed bar to encourage the wing to regain normal flight. Ensure the glider has
returned to normal flight (check your airspeed) before you use the brakes
again.
Do not fly in rain, doing so significantly increases the likelihood of
parachutal stalls occurring.
To reduce the chance of stalling in rain avoid using deep brake movements or
big ears. Find a safe area to land and using the speed bar, maintain a good
airspeed at all times.
IMPORTANT
Never fly in the rain or with a wet glider.
IMPORTANT
Only a few cms of input from your brakes can maintain your wing in the
stall.
Always release your wraps if you have taken them!
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Packing
To prolong the life of your wing and to keep the plastic reinforcements in the
best possible condition it is very important to pack the wing carefully. We
recommend to use the concertina packing method exactly as shown so that all of
the cells rest alongside each other and the plastic reinforcements are not
unnecessarily bent.
Step 1. Lay mushroomed wing on the ground. It is best to start from the
mushroomed position as this reduces the dragging of the leading edge across
the ground. Step 2. Group LE reinforcements with the A tabs aligned, make
sure the plastic reinforcements lay side by side.
Step 3. Lay wing on its side
and Strap LE…Note the glider is NOT folded in half; it is folded with a
complete concertina from tip to tip. It is really important to not stress the
middle cell or bend the plastic too tightly. Step 4. Group together the
middle/trailing edge of the wing by sorting the folds near the B, C and D
tabs.
If using a Concerto pack go to Step 8.
Step 5. Once the LE and rear of
the wing have been sorted, turn the whole wing on its side. Step 6. Fold
the wing with 2 folds whilst being careful to not crush the LE. Step 7.
Now place the folded wing into the stuff sack. Step 8. If using the
Concerto Pack, carefully zip it up without trapping any material. Step 9.
Turn the Concerto on its side and make the first fold just after the LE
reinforcements. Do not fold the plastic reinforcements, use 2 folds around the
LE. IMPORTANT: Do NOT lay the wing flat on the ground before packing the
glider, this will cause abrasion damage to the top surface as you pull the
glider towards the middle. ALWAYS pack from a mushroom or lift the wing off
the ground when gathering the wing and grouping the leading edge.
IMPORTANT: Do not fold the glider in the centre, you will bend the
plastics, instead pack the wing with a full concertina method from tip to tip
before packing into the stuff sac.
Caring Tips
Careless handling damages many paragliders. Here are some things to avoid in
order to prolong the life of your aircraft:
-
DO NOT drag your wing along the ground or any hard surface as this is guaranteed to damage to the sailcloth. Lift it up and carry it clear of the ground.
-
DO NOT try to open your wing in strong winds without untangling the lines first – this puts unnecessary strain on the lines.
-
DO NOT walk on the wing or lines.
-
DO NOT repeatedly inflate the glider and then allow it to crash back down. Try to keep this movement as smooth as possible by moving towards the glider as it comes down.
-
DO NOT slam your glider down on the ground leading edge first. The impact puts great strain on the wing and stitching and can even explode cells.
-
FLYING in salty air, in areas with abrasive surfaces (sand, rocks etc.) and ground handling in strong winds will accelerate the aging process.
-
DO NOT fly in the rain or expose the wing to moisture.
-
DO NOT expose the wing to unnecessary UV or high levels of heat. Leaving the wing sitting in the sun or allowing it to get hot (e.g in the back of a car) will significantly increase the chances of premature ageing.
-
Change your main brake lines if they are damaged.
-
When ground handling be careful to not saw the brake lines against the risers or main lines. The abrasion caused by a sawing motion can damage the main lines and the risers.
If you notice any signs of abrasion, especially to the lines, make sure to replace them. It is important to modify your ground handling technique to stop any future damage. -
Your wing has an opening on the wing tips called the ‘Butt hole’. The Butt hole makes it easy to empty any sand, leaves, rocks, mobile phones etc that may have accumulated in the wing.
It is recommended that you regularly CHECK your wing, especially after a heavy period of use, after an incident or after a long period of storage.
Storage and Transport
Your wing should be dry before being packed away. Always store all your flying
equipment in a cool, dry room, protected from direct heat and high levels of
humidity. Moisture, heat and humidity are the worst elements for damaging your
glider. Storing a damp glider in your car in the sun will lead to premature
ageing of the cloth and should be avoided at all costs.
Take care that no insects get packed away with the wing. They may eat the
cloth and make holes in a bid to escape. They can also leave acidic deposits
if they die and decompose.
Transport the wing in the supplied bags and keep away from any oils, paints,
chemicals and detergents
IMPORTANT
Never pack away or store your glider wet.
Cleaning
Any kind of wiping/scratching can damage the coating of the cloth. We
recommend to not clean the wing, but if you do have to, use a soft cloth
dampened with a small amount of water and use gentle movements across the
surface. If you land in salt water, you must first rinse it thoroughly with
clean fresh water. Dry the wing completely, preferably out of the sun, in the
wind. Never use a hair dryer or other sources of direct heat.
Wing Repairs
Always let a registered dealer, professional repair centre or the manufacturer
carry out any major or complex repairs, especially those near seam margins.
If you damage the sail:
If the rip is small and in the middle of a panel however you can fix it
yourself. You’ll find all the materials in the repair kit you need. The fabric
can be simply mended with the sticky rip stop/ spinnaker tape. When cutting
out the patches allow ample overlap of the tear and make sure both sides are
different sizes. Make sure to round off each corner of the patches.
If you damage a line:
Any line that is visually damaged MUST be replaced. Lines can be ordered from
your local Ozone dealer, alternatively use a reputable paragliding service
centre to make the replacement lines.
It is important that replacement lines are made from the correct materials and
diameters. You should check lengths against their counterpart on the other
side of the wing to make ensure symmetry. Once the line has been replaced,
inflate and check the glider before flying.
IMPORTANT
Never use detergent or chemical cleaners.
Maintenance Checks
Your wing should be checked regularly to ensure proper airworthiness. It
should be serviced by a qualified professional for the first time after 24
months, or after 100 hours. If you are a frequent flyer, more than 100 hrs per
year, then we recommend to have the wing serviced annually.
The dimensions of the lines tend to move during the first part of their life,
it is therefore recommended to have a performance trim check within the first
50hrs of use. To ensure the correct trim, the lines should be measured and
adjusted to the published values as necessary.
It is important to perform regular inspections to know the exact condition of
all of the components of your wing. We recommend that inspections are carried
out by a qualified professional. The sail cloth and the lines do not age in
the same way or at the same rate so you will have to change the line set
during the normal use of the wing.
IMPORTANT
It is recommended to have the lines professionally measured after the
initial 50hrs of flight
You alone are responsible for your flying equipment and your safety depends on
it. Take care of your equipment and have it regularly inspected. Changes in
inflation/ground handling/ flying behaviour indicates the gliders aging, if
you notice any changes you should have the wing checked before flying again.
These are the basic elements of the check up: Porosity – A porosity meter
measures the time taken by a certain volume of air to go through a certain
surface of cloth. Measurements are made in several places along the top
surface of the leading edge.
IMPORTANT
Take care of your glider and make sure you have it checked and serviced
according to the schedule.
The tearing resistance of the cloth – A non-destructive test following the
TS-108 standard which specifies minimum tear strength for sky diving canopies
should be made using a Bettsometer. (B.M.A.A. Approved Patent No. GB 2270768
Clive Betts Sails)
Strength of the lines – An upper, middle and lower A line, along with a lower
B line should be tested for strength.
Lengths of the lines – The overall length (riser lines + mid lines + upper
lines) has to be checked under 5Kgs of tension. The difference between the
measured length and the original length should not exceed +/- 10mm.
Compliance of the test sample’s suspension lines, brake lines and risers were
checked by the testing laboratory after the test flights were completed.
Risers – Visual inspection for signs of wear or abrasion. Differences to
manual lengths should not exceed +/-5mm.
Canopy check – A full visual check should be carried out: All the components
of the wing (stitching, ribs, diagonals, lines, tabs etc) should be checked
for signs of deterioration.
Finally, a flight test to confirm that the wing behaves normally should be
carried out by a professional.
Modifications
Your Ozone Geo 7 was designed and trimmed to give the optimum balance of
performance, handling and safety. Any modification means the glider loses its
certification and will be more difficult to fly. For these reasons, we
strongly recommend that you do not modify your glider in any way.
IMPORTANT
Do not modify your wing in any way.
OZONE QUALITY GUARANTEE
Ozone guarantees its products against manufacturing defects or faults, we will
repair or replace any defective product free of charge. This does not include
accidental damage or damage caused by normal wear and tear.
Ozone and its distributors provide the highest quality after sales service, do
not hesitate to contact your local Ozone dealer for the latest most up to date
information on our products. If you have an issue please contact the Ozone
dealer where you purchased the product from, we will do our best to get you
back in the air as fast as possible. Minor damage can normally be repaired
locally, any serious damage can be rectified by the factory.
We always welcome customer feedback, it is how we improve our products – our
contact details can be found on the website.
Summary
Safety is paramount in our sport. To be safe, we must be trained, practised
and alert to the dangers around us. To achieve this we must fly as regularly
as we can, ground handle as much as possible and take a continuous interest in
every aspect of paragliding. If you are lacking in any of these areas you will
be exposing yourself to more danger than is necessary.
Respect the environment and look after your flying sites.
If you need to dispose the wing, do so in an environmentally responsible
manner. Do not dispose of it with the normal household waste.
Finally, RESPECT the weather, it has more power than you can ever imagine.
Understand what conditions are right for your level of flying and stay within
that window.
Happy flying & enjoy your Geo 7.
Team Ozone
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| XS| S| MS| ML| L
---|---|---|---|---|---
No. of Cells| 48| 48| 48| 48| 48
Projected Area (m2)| 18.6| 20.3| 21.6| 23| 24.4
Flat Area (m2)| 22.1| 24.1| 25.7| 27.3| 29
Projected Span (m)| 8.21| 8.58| 8.85| 9.12| 9.4
Flat Span (m)| 10.67| 11.14| 11.5| 11.85| 12.21
Projected Aspect Ratio| 3.62| 3.62| 3.62| 3.62| 3.62
Flat Aspect Ratio| 5.15| 5.15| 5.15| 5.15| 5.15
Root Chord (m)| 2.61| 2.73| 2.82| 2.91| 2.99
Glider Weight (Kg)| 3.19| 3.44| 3.51| 3.72| 3.96
Max Control Travel (cm)| 60| 66| 69| 78| 78
In-Flight Weight Range (Kg)| 55-70| 65-85| 75-95| 85-105| 95-115
Certification| B| B| B| B| B
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
Non Accelerated
A| 500mm
B| 500mm
C| 500mm
Accelerated Pulleys axis – axis
A| 345mm
B| 375mm
C| 500mm
LINE DIAGRAM
Individual and linked line lengths can be found online.
MATERIALS
All Ozone gliders are made from the highest quality materials available.
Cloth
Upper Surface
Dominico N20D MF / Dominico N10D MF
Lower Surface
Dominico N10D MF
Internal Ribs
Porcher 7000 / 70032
Leading Edge Reinforcement
Plastic| Main Line Set
Riser Lines
Liros PPSL
Middle Lines
Edelrid 8001
Upper Lines
Edelrid 8001
Risers and hardware
Shackles
Link Lites or maillons
Riser webbing
20mm zero stretch polyester webbing
Pulleys
Ronstan| Brake Lines
Main brake Lines
Liros – 10-200-040/DSL
Middle brake lines
Liros DSL
Upper brake lines
Liros DSL
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INSPIRED BY NATURE, DRIVEN BY THE ELEMENTS
FLYOZONE.COM Ozone Gliders Ltd
16 Barnes Green
Livingston
Scotland
UNITED KINGDOM
Documents / Resources
|
OZONE Geo7
Paragliders
[pdf] User Manual
Geo7 Paragliders, Geo7, Paragliders
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