Boomerang 12 user manual
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Rapid descent techniques
Many
fl
ying situations call for a very rapid descent to avoid a dangerous situation, e.g. the up current
from a cumulus cloud, an approaching cold front or a storm front.
Rapid descent methods should all be practised in calm conditions and at su
ffi
cient altitude so that a
pilot is then able to employ them effectively if extreme conditions arise. Rapid descent techniques are
divided into three different manoeuvres which increase the sink rate in a safe and controllable
manner.
B3 descent and spiral dives are generally the most common methods of descent for competition
wings. B3 descent can achieve a moderate rate of descent with the advantage of forward speed and
manoeuvrability. Spiral dives attain higher rates of descent, but the g-forces can be signi
fi
cant and the
manoeuvre is more technically demanding.
All of these options will also strain your paraglider and should be avoided if you want to preserve
your paraglider.
The spiral dive is the most effective, but also the most demanding, method for making a rapid
descent, and can allow sink rates of up to 20 m/s to be reached. It is suitable where there is a high
ascent rate and little wind.
The Boomerang 12 ful
fi
ls the CCC spiral dive requirements. The certi
fi
cation test
fl
ights are carried
out with a de
fi
ned carabiner distance (see chapter "Harness"). Deviations from this setting,
unapproved harnesses or spirals with excessive sink can change the maneuver considerably; pilot
action may be required. In such cases, exit the spiral by weight-shifting to the outside and
progressively applying the outside brake.
Before entering a spiral, make sure you have adequate height for recovery. To enter the spiral dive,
weight-shift and progressively apply the inside brake until the glider enters the spiral. As the glider
accelerates into the spiral, centre your weight and control your rate of descent with weight-shift and
outer brake.
To exit the spiral, check your weight is centred (or slightly towards the outside) and progressively
release the inside brake. As the glider starts to exit the spiral, you may also choose to reduce the
pendulum moment by brie
fl
y re-applying the inside brake.
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Summary of Contents for Boomerang12
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