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TrikeBuggy Training Syllabus

Setup & Preflight
Before you fly you will want to do a complete setup and preflight check. The reason we complete a thorough, methodical preflight before you launch is:

  1. To check for damage, wear, and the overall airworthiness of your glider
  2. To check that you've completed all necessary steps in setting up your glider and preparing yourself to fly, and
  3. Because finding and correcting a problem on the ground is much easier than doing so in the air.

Setup
In order to launch, we must first prepare ourselves for flight. Every pilot must first decide when to fly. The most important factor in pilot safety is not the level of pilot skill, knowledge or the quality of the pilot's equipment. It is the pilot's attitude. Really good pilots with years of experience and skill and the best equipment get into trouble when they decide they have to fly "no matter what!"

You must be able to choose not to fly when the conditions are not right for you. As a student, both you and your instructor will make the decision that the conditions are favorable and it's time to fly. You must give the go ahead before you will fly.

Setup is done before your preflight, and includes many things that are reviewed before flight, such as,

  • Weather conditions and wind. Continue checking this important factor until launch. Is it really appropraite to fly?
  • Glider, riser and line inspection. Look at your gear every time you fly. Look for tears in the canopy, frayed or knotted lines, loose Carabiners on the risers where the lines attach, brake toggle knots, etc.
  • Zip up your zippers, check for loose straps and items. All instruments, radios, etc. on lanyards.
  • Check the trimmers position on your glider if it has them and adjust for high/low wind.
  • Turn on your instruments - Vario, GPS, Radio, Camera, etc. Check battery levels.
  • When you are using a reserve parachute, check that it is securely in place and the pin is installed correctly.
  • Check Weather again!
  • Launch path - Clear and unobstructed? Rotors? Traffic? Anything to avoid? Enough room to launch safely?


Preflight is as easy as 123-ABCD:

1 - Helmet strap buckled.
2 - Carabiners attached properly to risers.
3 - Harness straps or seat belt attached and buckled.
A - Air conditions, weather check, wind check, no T-storms, appropriate conditions.
B - Being, check pilot's attitude, health, desire, denial.
C - Clear lines, glider laid out, brakes in proper hands,
D - Do a radio check (includes all instruments).

...we won't actually add these to the list, but they are worth reviewing:
E - Take a second or two to ENJOY the fact that you are about to take flight!
F - FLY!!!

The above preflight should take no more than 12 seconds, and should be done before each and every flight. If this preflight takes longer due to anything found and corrected, do it again from the beginning. Say while physically checking "1, 2, 3, A, B, C, D."

TrikeBuggy Training Syllabus Subjects:
Introduction |  Weather |  Equipment |  Setup |  Inflation |  Taxi |  Flight |  Landing |  Legal

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www.TrikeBuggy.com
chad@TrikeBuggy.com
TrikeBuggy, Inc.

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DISCLAIMER: Please read and be sure you thoroughly understand this disclaimer before flying a TrikeBuggy. Trike flying is an extremely demanding sport requiring exceptional levels of attention, judgment, maturity and self discipline. It is unlikely that you will be able to participate in it safely unless you make a conscious and continual commitment to your own safety. PPG and Hang Glider Trike flying is a dangerous sport and may result in injury and death even when practiced by a competent pilot using proper equipment. TrikeBuggies are not covered by product liability insurance, nor have they been designed, manufactured or tested to any federal or state government airworthiness standards or regulations. Do not fly them unless you are willing to assume personally all risks in the sport of Trike flying, and all responsibility for any property damage, injury, or death which may result from your use of this TrikeBuggy. Safe operation of the TrikeBuggy requires a pilot proficiency equivalent to that of a BFI (Basic Flight Instructor), as well as an equivalent level of knowledge and understanding of those wind and weather conditions which may compromise the pilot's safe control of the TrikeBuggy. In particular, be advised that gusty winds or turbulent conditions may interfere with even an expert pilot's ability to safely control the TrikeBuggy, and may cause it to crash. Never take anything for granted in Trike Flying. If you are in doubt about anything, stop and figure it out or contact TrikeBuggy. Also please read our Warning and Caution!

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