Lockout

Lockout occurs when the flight path of the paraglider diverges from the towline force by 45o or more or if the glider rolls past 45o from level flight. Lockout will occur if the Tow-Op applies too much force on the tow line, the pilot uses too much brake during the tow, or the pilot fails to follow the tow line. Typically a glider will begin to rapidly diverge from the tow line direction and point nose down at the ground. Once lockout has occurred the glider will be difficult or impossible to steer and if allowed to continue, will result in injury. To prevent lockout or fix it once it has happened, the Tow-Op should reduce the tension on the line, or you should release from the tow line. When the Tow-Op reduces the tow force you will be allowed to swing back underneath the glider and steer back toward the tow line to continue the tow. If the Tow-Op fails to reduce the tow force you MUST release immediately. Because of the high tow forces needed to maintain a lockout you should be prepared to manage the surges after release. If both the above methods fail, deploying the reserve will slow the descent and avoid injury.