Gin Condor2, User Manual

 Condor 2 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. 

 Big ears and spiral dives are generally the most common methods of descent. Big ears 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. ‘B-stalls’ have little or no advantages compared to the other methods of 
 descent and therefore are not recommended in normal situations. Always try to avoid the need to use 
 these descent techniques. Thoroughly check the conditions before launch, and pay close attention to 
 how the day develops. 

 All of these options will also strain your paraglider and should be avoided if you want to preserve 

 your paraglider. We recommend that you practice the rapid descent techniques under professional 
 guidance during a safety training course. 

 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 Condor 2 ful

fi

ls the EN spiral dive requirements and has no tendency to remain in a stable spiral 

 dive under normal conditions. 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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