Niviuk IKUMA P, User Manual

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accelerator/speed-bar will partially restore the wing’s horizontal speed 
and angle of attack.

To activate the ‘Big ears’ manoeuvre take the outer 3A2 line  on 
each A- riser and simultaneously, smoothly pull them outward and 
downward. The wingtips will fold in. Let go of the risers to reinflate them 
automatically. If they do not, gently pump them open asymmetrically 
and sequentially using the brakes, without altering the angle of attack, 
especially when flying near obstacles or flying in turbulent air.

5.2 3B2 TECHNIQUE

On the new generation paragliders the application of big ears can create 
a high degree of trailing turbulence which in turn creates a significant 
loss of airspeed. When big ears are applied to high aspect ratio wings 
the ears tend to ‘flap’ which also adds to the amount of unwanted 
turbulence. 

This new rapid descent technique was first discovered by our Niviuk 
team Pilots in 2009 while flying a competition prototype wing, which 
because of its line plan and high aspect ratio would not allow big ears to 
be applied. In fact, big ears on wings with a profile of 2 lines can often 
prove difficult.

For all these reasons, we advise the use of the 3B2 line descent 
technique. This technique, which ensures a rapid descent, is achieved 
whilst forward wing speed is maintained and so the risk of a deep stall is 
eliminated.

HOW?

Locate the 3B2 on your risers and, as you would when applying big ears, 
simply pull down firmly and smoothly until you see both wingtips drop 
back slightly. The forward speed of the glider will then reduce slightly, 
quickly stabilise and then increase. You will then experience a fall rate of 

around 5-6m/s. Controlled turning of the wing can easily be maintained 
by weight shifting the harness, exactly the same as you would with big 
ears. We recommend the application of the speed-bar whilst using this 
technique. To exit the manoeuvre release the lines as you would with big 
ears, control the pitch and the wing will quickly adopt normal flight.

This new technique allows a comfortable and controllable rapid descent 
without the risk of experiencing a ‘cravat’ or ‘deep stall’. 

We advise you to first try this technique in smooth conditions with 
sufficient altitude above appropriate terrain.

5.3 B-LINE STALL

When carrying out this manoeuvre, the wing stops flying, loses all 
horizontal speed and the pilot is no longer in control of the paraglider. 
The airflow over the profile is interrupted and the wing enters a situation 
similar to parachuting.

To carry out this manoeuvre you have to take the B and B’-risers below 
the maillons and symmetrically pull both of them down (approx. 20-30 
cm) and then hold this position. The initial phase is quite physical (a lot 
of resistance) which means that you will have to pull strongly until the 
profile of the wing is deformed, when this happens the required force will 
be significantly reduced. To maintain this manoeuvre you must continue 
to hold the B and B’ risers in the pulled down position. The wing will 
then deform, its horizontal speed will drop to 0 km/h; vertical descending 
speed increases to –6 to –8 m/s, depending on the weather conditions 
and how the manoeuvre is performed.

To exit the manoeuvre, simultaneously release both risers. The wing will 
then slightly surge forward and automatically return to normal flight. It 
is better to let go of the lines quickly rather than slowly. This is an easy 
descent technique to do but remember that the wing will stop flying, will 
lose all forward horizontal speed, and its reactions will change quite a bit