Niviuk HOOK 3, User Manual

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5.3 SPIRAL DIVE

This is a more effective way for rapidly losing height. You have to know 
that, the wing can gain a lot of vertical speed and rotation speed (G 
force). This can cause a loss of orientation and consciousness (blac-
kouts). These are the reasons why it is best to carry out this manoeuvre 
gradually so your capacity to resist the G forces increases and you will 
learn to fully appreciate and understand the manoeuvre. Always practice 
this manoeuvre when flying at high altitude.

To start the manoeuvre, first lean your bodyweight and pull the brake 
line to the side to which you are leaning. You can regulate the intensity of 
the turn by applying a little outside brake.

A paraglider flying at its maximum turn speed can reach –20 m/s, 
equivalent 70 km/h vertical speed and stabilize in a spiral dive from 15 
m/s onwards.

These are the reasons why you should be familiar with and know how to 
carry out the exit methods.

To exit this manoeuvre you must progressively release the inside brake 
and also momentarily apply outside brake. Whilst doing this you must 
also lean your bodyweight towards the outside. This exit manoeuvre has 
to be carried out gradually and with smooth movements so you can feel 
the pressure and speed changes at the same time.

The after effect of the exit manoeuvre is that the glider will rock briefly with 
lateral surge, depending on how the manoeuvre has been carried out.

Practice these movements at sufficient altitude and with moderation.

5.4 SLOW DESCENT TECHNIQUE

Using this technique (do not hurry to descend) we will fly normally, without 
forcing neither the material nor the pilot. It means looking for descending 
air areas and turn as it was a thermal – in order to descend.
We have to avoid danger areas when looking for descent zones. Safety is 
the most important thing.

6. SPECIAL METHODS

6.1 TOWING

The HOOK 3 does not experience any problem when being towed. Only 
qualified personnel should handle the qualified equipment to carry out this 
operation. The wing has to be inflated in the same way as in normal flight.

6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHT

it HAS NOT been designed for acrobatic flight and we DO NOT 
recommend continued use in this type of flight. Acrobatic flight is the 
youngest discipline in free flight. We consider acrobatic flight to be any 
form of piloting that is different to normal flight. To learn safely how to 
master acrobatic manoeuvres you should attend lessons which are 
carried out by a qualified instructor and over water. Extreme manoeuvres 
take you and your wing to centrifugal forces that can reach 4 to 5g.
Materials will wear more quickly than in normal flight. If you do practice 
extreme manoeuvres we recommend that you submit your wing to a line 
revision every six months.