The adjustment of the main brake lines is determined by the manufacturer and controlled by the dealer during the test flight of a new paraglider.
This value is also checked during the periodic inspection of the paraglider. It is the total length (from the handle to the trailing edge) that is measured because the brakes are very lightly loaded and can be shortened by more than 10 cm!
The brake lines are often very thin: ø 0.4 mm or even ø 0.35 mm! They are in contact with the ground a lot along their entire length. They absorb moisture, which makes them swell and shorten.
Control the correct setting yourself by ensuring that you can pull the brakes a few cm before the trailing edge deforms. You need to have at least 3 cm of guard, running on high arms and also accelerating fully..
To be controlled by accelerating fully
The accelerator acts on the A and B branches of the elevators, which rotates the profile on the last row of lines. Thus, the trailing edge rises when one accelerates!
The brakes must be adjusted long enough not to pull the trailing edge when accelerating fully.
Accelerating and braking at the same time, it’s a bit stupid, but it’s especially dangerous!
- What can we expect from a too short setting?
It’s dangerous !!!
The paraglider thus “pre-braked” no longer has the validated characteristics at all from the certification tests.
Contrary to what most people think, dives are stronger and the risk is great of falling into the canopy in case of flight incidents!!!
- What can we expect from a setting that is too long?
It can be uncomfortable, but not much more. This can still hinder takeoff when we want to avoid the canopy passing us and landing when we want to make a beautiful flair… or even to help reopen a huge collapse!
For my part, I don’t like flying at all with a paraglider that has the brakes set too long. My little arms sometimes have trouble completely breaking the speed to land smoothly…
A good solution to get out of the dilemma!
The range of usable settings is quite small. A good solution is to use brake stop extensions!
This allows the action range of the brakes to be shifted upwards by 10 or 15 cm.
