“What is obvious to experienced pilots is confusing and difficult for students”

The APCO F5 was recently launched with a big media bang and accordingly demand.

We received several inquiries regarding the school risers, leading us to further explain and differentiate the standard F5 from the school version.

F5 School version is a simplified, more basic version of the standard F5, offered at a more attractive price point than the standard version!

The main technical differences between the 2 versions can be found in the table below.

After logging the first 10-20 hours of flying, if and when the pilot feels ready to start using 2D brakes, trimmers, accelerator and tip steering… a retrofit kit is available with all the lines, risers and handles needed to convert your school version to a full feature, standard F5!

The F5 school version enjoys the benefits of the lightweight canopy and the unprecedented stability of the all new Mohawk, BUT we have damped down the brake action to be much more forgiving and beginner friendly. The brakes are operated with only one main brake line (without 2D system) for maximum ease of use.

This, together with the simplified risers (same as the LIFT 2EZ), makes this glider the best and most straight-forward school glider for beginners to train on and gain confidence towards independence.

This approach has been proven to shorten the learning curve for both student and instructor!

When upgrading from school to standard version, the glider becomes snappier, faster and much more capable, delivering a whole new flying experience for your students with all the excitement that follows a new wing. Big smiles guaranteed!!

	F5 SCHOOL VERSION	F5 STANDARD VERSION
Description	The simplest, most straight forward reflex wing available. Designed to accelerate learning curve of any beginner and bring them into the air as fast as possible. Damped brake reaction and more roll stability than on the standard version.	Beginner/intermediate full reflex wing with all the bells and whistles. Agile and responsive with impressive speed range.
Aimed at	Schools/instructors. Pilots in their first steps into the sport, gaining experience and confidence.	Weekend warriors that need a capable, fun wing, while retaining the highest level of safety and easiness possible.
Riser differences	Simplified risers: 20mm. stiff webbing for maximum simplicity. No 2D system - standard brake line arrangement with one main brake line Shorter riser legs Additional hook up point for high/low paramotors Speed system removed. Tip steering removed. Short minimal trimmers for use towards landing. Clearly marked A,B left, right.	High Tech fully equipped risers: 12mm. webbing with APCO's proprietary V-links. Includes 2D main brake steering. Includes tip steering handles – automatic return. Includes Paracam roller camet buckle with extended speed range. SRS built in system. Optional 14KIT available for hang-point harnesses.
2D	✘ - removed due to school request and ease of use	✔ - maximum control fully operational 2D system
ABS - Automatic Balance System	✘ - unnecessary since wing cannot be accelerated in absence of speed system.	✔- completely automatic, it improves roll stability during accelerated flight.
SRS - Stall Resistance System	✔ - Easier launch and safety due to stall resistance	✔ - Easier launch and safety due to stall resistance
Tip Steering handles	✘ - removed for maximum riser simplicity and straight forward use, no need to change brake handles during flight.	simplicity and straight forward use, no need to change brake handles during flight. ✔- the standard F5 has a full range of speed, accordingly tip steering is mandatory *Tip steering is mandatory to use with trimmers open or in combination with speed bar. Offers very low brake pressure.
Butt Holes2	✔- keeping the canopy clear of debris always!	✔- keeping the canopy clear of debris always!
WSS- Wind Scoop System	✘ - removed in absence of tip steering. Can be added with retro-fit kit	✔
EHP -Embedded hook in point	✔	✔
3D Leading Edge cut	✔	✔
HIT Valves	✔	✔
Flexon battens	✔	✔
Ball bearing pulleys	✘- removed in absence of speed system	✔

* Higher load is recommended for use with a trike due to the higher take-off and landing speeds.

APCO is traditionally known for using materials and building techniques which offer double and triple lifespan over the expected. The glider is made from tear resistant Ripstop Nylon cloth, which is P.U. coated to zero porosity and then siliconized to give the fabric high resistance to the elements. Different cloth is used for the top, bottom and ribs due to their different functions.

As on all APCO wings, the F5 wing uses the same long lasting cloth on the top surface, guaranteeing its integrity for entire expanded lifespan of the wing. Nevertheless we significantly reduced the weight of the wing thanks to advanced solutions applied, without compromising on any of APCO’s legendary durability.

The top surface utilizes our double siliconized cloth – top front is critical area in terms of porosity as this is where most of the lift is generated.

The bottom surface has been upgraded to a lightweight 27 gr. material with an advanced ripstop arrangement which saves additional weight.

The ribs are separated into supported and unsupported ribs, with lightweight material on unsupported ribs for additional weight saving.

The lines are a mix of different materials in different positions, to optimize to the fullest the diameter/strength according to the required load.
The top lines are our life-time warranted embedded hook in points made from Dyneema fiber.
The rest of the lines are sheathed for extra durability and ease of use. Material used is Kevlar for its stability and resistance to elastic changes in length.
The bottom section of the brake lines is made of Dyneema because of its better mechanical properties. The lines are attached to the risers using Apco’s proprietary aluminum V-links.

• Closing belt
• Wind sock or Apco Cap
• Warranty, stickers, and repair kit
• At the time of purchase you may chose ONE of the following: Sherpa Bag OR Light PG Bag (80L)  OR Light Clinch Bag for a special price!
• In addition at the time of purchase you may choose to add : Compression Bag for a special price!The right to change prices, specifications or equipment at any time without notice is reserved.