MAC PARA Eden 5 Series, User Manual

27

RAPID DESCENTS 

Big ears:  

When in big-ears, the horizontal speed is higher than the sink rate, unlike a spiral dive or a 
B-line stall. This rapid descent technique is used to quickly and horizontally exit a 
dangerous area in the desired direction. In order to collapse the outside wing, pull the 
outside A-lines.   

When the pilot holds the outside A1-risers on both sides and pulls them down, the Eden 5 
easily tucks the outside wings and enters a stable descent mode. The pilot keeps hold of 
the brake handles along with the outside A1-risers in his hands. By braking on one side 
and weight-shifting, the canopy remains steerable. In order to increase the sink rate as well 
as the horizontal speed, this manoeuvre should be done together with use of the speed 
system. Apply the speed system after big ears are induced (step into the speed-bar before 
you grab the outer A1-risers). Big-ears substantially reduces the risk of canopy stability 
problems in turbulent air. To exit Big-ears release the A1-risers.           The canopy does 
very slowly self-recover. To quicken the recovery, the pilot can dynamicaly pull down and 
immediately release the brakes of the glider. 

WARNING!  Never do big-ears in spirals, as this may drastically reduce the number of lines 
taking the already high loads, causing structural failure. 

Attention! All rapid descent techniques should first be practised in calm air and with 
sufficient height so the pilot can use them in emergency situations!  By far the best 
technique is to fly correctly and safely, so you never have to descend rapidly! 

B-line stalls: 

To induce a B-line stall symmetrically pull down slowly on both B-risers, until the canopy 
folds (parallel to its long axis). The airflow over the top surface is almost fully detached and 
the canopy enters a vertical descent flight mode without forward movement. Further pulling 
of the B-risers reduces the surface area more and increases the sink rate. (Up to 8 m/s) Be 
careful, pulling too far or too rapidly may cause a frontal horseshoe to form.    To exit from 
this flight mode release the B-risers at first rapidly but then gently (1 sec). The canopy 
surges forward re-attaching the airflow over the top surface and resumes normal flight. 
When the B-risers are released, the brakes should not be activated.        This will give the 
canopy the chance to gain speed and resume normal flight. On exit from a  B-line stall on 
no account just release the B-risers, as this can cause overloading. If canopy does not 
recover apply both brakes gently to recover or pull the A-risers, until the canopy regains 
forward speed. 

Summary:  

For all extreme manoeuvres and rapid descents please note: 



first practise manoeuvres with an instructor during safety training! 



before inducing any manoeuvre the pilot must check that there are no other airspace 
users below him! 



during the manoeuvre the pilot must have the canopy within his view!