14
To re-establish forward speed and the correct angle of attack, accelerate
once the ears are pulled.
Keep the ears pulled in until you have lost the desired altitude.
Let go of the lines to re-inflate the tips automatically. If they do not, try
pulling one brake then the other. We recommend inflating the wingtips
asymmetrically, without major change to the angle of attack, especially
when flying near the ground or flying in turbulence.
5.2 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 enter this manoeuvre, the B-risers are gripped below the maillons and
symmetrically pulled down together (approx. 20-30 cm) and maintained in
that position.
Initiating the manoeuvre is physically demanding because it can take
some strength to pull the risers down until the wing is deformed. After
this, the physical effort is less. Continue to hold the risers in position.
Once the wing is deformed, its horizontal speed will drop to 0 km/h;
vertical descending speed increases to –6 to –8 m/s, depending on the
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 perform, but remember that the wing
will stop flying, will lose all forward horizontal speed, and its reactions will
change markedly when compared to a normal flight configuration.
5.3 SPIRAL DIVE
This is a more effective way to rapidly lose altitude. Beware that the wing
will experience and be subjected to a tremendous amount of descending
and rotating speed (g-force), which can cause a loss of orientation and
consciousness (blackout). This manoeuvre must therefore be done
gradually to increase one’s capacity to resist the g-force exerted on the
body and to be able to perform the manoeuver safely.
To enter a spiral dive, first weight-shift and pull the brake handle located
on the inner side of the turn. The intensity of the turn can be controlled by
braking slightly using the outer brake handle.
A paraglider flying at its maximum rotating speed can reach -20 m/s, or
the equivalent of a 70 km/h vertical descent, and will stabilise in a spiral
dive from 15 m/s onwards. Good enough reasons to familiarise yourself
with the manoeuvre and understand how to exit it.
To exit this manoeuvre, the inner brake handle (down side of the turn)
must be released progressively while the pilot must also weight-shift and
lean towards the opposite side. Stop when the wing begins to exit from
the spiral.
The exit should be performed gradually and smoothly so that the changes
in pressure and speed can be noted.
When exiting the spiral, the glider may briefly oscillate and dive sideways,
depending on how the manoeuvre was carried out.
Practise these manoeuvres at sufficient altitude and with moderation.
5.4 SLOW DESCENT TECHNIQUE
This technique allows a very gradual descent without straining the wing
or taxing the pilot. Glide normally while searching for descending air and
begin to turn as if climbing in a thermal, but with the intention to sink.
