Friday 24 May 2013

Advantages and disadvantages of supine flying.

Advantages:

  • Comfort x 10.
  • Continue hang gliding when flying prone is too painful and not an option.
  • Good for people with back/shoulder/neck problems.
  • Easier to see other gliders around you.
  • Easier to sight and analyse clouds.
  • Easier to sight instruments. They're in your lap.
  • Can adjust instruments - especially useful to change VHF channels.
  • Room for more instruments, room for both a VHF and UHF radio within reach.  Ever wanted to turn one down or off?
  • Lightweight harness.
  • Better roll control.
  • Can wear paragliding boots - great ankle support in rough paddocks.
  • No zip to jam on your clothes or to jam before landing.
Disadvantages:
  • Slightly more drag from harness, spreader bar and extension handles, but no drag from instruments.
  • Less pitch down = lower top speed.  
  • More time needed to put on the harness.
  • A special dolly is required for aerotowing.
Other:
  • Personally I find it easier to land using the handles to flare.
  • It's debatable as to whether the glider is more or less susceptible to that very rare event; tumbling, or simply the same.  I've flown in some pretty rough air without incident and it isn't a pleasant experience but then again being in prone wouldn't make it any less so.
Modifications:
  • Glider is completely unmodified.
  • Lightweight extension handles are added with velcro and a single pin.

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