Normal flight
In calm air the EPSILON 8 best glide is achieved with fully released
brakes. Light braking brings the glider to its minimum sink condition.
When flying into a headwind, through descending air, or when procee-
ding to the next thermal, glide performance will be distinctly improved
by appropriate use of the speed system. See also section “Speed sys-
tem with SPI“.
Despite the wing’s high stability an active flying style is recommended -
collapses can be almost completely avoided. This means keeping the
lightly-braked glider directly above you; in other words, countering roll
and pitch disturbances.
§
When the angle of attack increases ( e.g. wing swings back when
entering a thermal ) the brake lines should be briefly released fully,
until the glider returns to its overhead position.
§
When the angle of attack reduces ( e.g. glider shoots forwards ) the
wing should briefly and strongly braked.
Be careful not to get below minimum speed, and don’t overreact with
the brakes.
Turning flight
The EPSILON 8 has precise response to brake application. It reacts
directly and progressively to increasing steering demands, once the
brake line free travel has been taken up. Steering can be effectively
assisted by active weight shift. Angle of bank can always be increased,
steadied or reduced by appropriate adjustment of brake position.
When circling in a thermal choose the desired angle of bank and corre-
sponding turn radius by using the inside brake line, and let the paragli-
der turn steadily like this. Stabilise the outside wing with outside brake
as required, in particular to keep the rate of turn constant. Too much
brake on the outside wing will slow the turn rate and airspeed down,
allow the pilot to swing back under the wing, and lose the glider’s abi-
lity to turn.
A harness that is matched to the EPSILON 8 flying qualities helps
you enter and settle on a very steady turn. See also section «Suitable
harnesses».
Caution:
To keep good manoeuvrability make sure to fly your
EPSILON 8 with enough airspeed while turning in thermals - not
too much outside brake.
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Summary of Contents for EPSILON 8 23
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Page 38: ...Wing parts Winglet Upper surface Cleaning Velcro Ribs Lower surface Air intakes Cells 38...
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