Pilot’s manual for Nevada2
8
5.2.1. Big Ears
This is the easiest technique for a rapid descent. Depending on how much of the wing tip you deflate, 3
m/s to 6 m/s sink rate can be achieved.
While in Big Ears your sink rate and forward speed can be further increased by using the speed system.
Nevada2 can be steered while Big Ears are in by means of weight shift.
Initiation: Grab the outer A-lines (or alternatively outer B-lines) on both sides as high as possible and pull
them down smoothly. Hold them firmly. The effective area of the glider is reduced equally on both sides
of the wing. The size of the deflated area depends on how deeply the lines are pulled down. Be sure to pull
both sides equally.
Activation of big ears through outer B-lines is significantly smoother (less flutter of deflated part of canopy)
Recovery: Under normal circumstances Nevada2 will open automatically when the A-lines are released.
Opening may be accelerated by gently pumping the brakes (repeated symmetrical braking on both sides).
When opening big ears activated by B-lines, release outer B-lines slowly, smoothly and symmetrically.
CAUTION: It should be realized, that due to the fact that Nevada2 has two main lines for each side only,
the big part of canopy will be folded. The bigger sink rate of the glider increases the angle of attack. By
pushing the speed bar, this effect is compensated.
5.2.2. B-Line Stall
This is a very effective rapid descent technique. Depending on how far the B-risers are pulled down, the
sink rate is between 5 m/s and 8 m/s.
Initiation: Grab the B-risers at the top and smoothly pull them down until the canopy shows a spanwise
crease where the B-lines attach to the sail. Your sink rate will increase considerably while your forward
speed will decrease practically to zero. Don't be startled when the airflow over the top surface is
interrupted and the glider enters a parachutal stall without moving forward. It will soon stabilise above
your head. Stability of the canopy in this manoeuvre can be significantly improved when pulling the B-
risers simultaneously down and outward.
Recovery: On releasing the B-risers Nevada2 automatically returns to normal flight without staying in deep
stall or shooting in front of the pilot. Let go of the risers smoothly and symmetrically.
CAUTION: Do everything symmetrically and at the same time. If the B-risers are released unevenly the
canopy can enter a turn. If the risers are released slowly and very unevenly you could enter a spin.
5.2.3. Spiral Dive
The Spiral Dive is the most effective way of making a fast descent. Every pilot should be able to perform a
spiral dive and one day you may need to. In a Spiral Dive always stay aware of your altitude, which
decreases very rapidly. The sink rate reached in a Spiral Dive can be more than 16-18 m/s. During the
manoeuvre the pilot and glider will experience strong centrifugal forces. Forces of greater than 3G are
possible – a great strain on the pilot as well as the glider.
