Niviuk ROLLER, User Manual

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flight reactions, which makes it very safe in turbulent conditions.

In normal conditions we should not expect any incidents with the 
ROLLER, even in thermic conditions the wing profile and high internal 
pressure absorbs turbulence well. In severe turbulence the wing may 
lose pressure, but will recover immediately. Collapses rarely occur, but 
cannot be completely discounted. In turbulent conditions, the best way 
to prevent collapses is to fly actively. In these conditions, it is best if the 
trimmers are in the neutral position. 

The ROLLER is able to stay in the air when the wind is strong and 
standard paragliders cannot fly, however, if conditions are very turbulent, 
this is not mitigated by being able to fly faster.

All paragliders must be piloted for the prevailing conditions and the pilot 
is the ultimate safety factor.

We recommend active flying in turbulent conditions, always taking 
measures to maintain control of the wing, preventing it from collapsing 
and restoring the speed required by the wing after each correction.

Do not correct the glider (braking) for too long in case this provokes a 
stall. If you have to take corrective action, make the input then re-
establish the correct flying speed.

4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS

To become familiar with the manoeuvres described below, we recommend 
practising within the environment of a competent training outfit. The pilot 
must adapt their use of the brakes depending on the wing-loading and 
avoiding over-steering.

It is important to note that the type of reaction to a manoeuvre can vary 
from one size of wing to another and even within the same size the 
behaviour and reactions may be different depending on the wing-loading.

In the test report, you will find all the necessary information on how to 
handle your new wing during each of the tested manoeuvres. Having this 
information is crucial to know how to react during these manoeuvres in real 
flight, so you can deal with these situations as safely as possible.

Asymmetric collapse

In spite of the ROLLER’s profile stability, strong turbulent air may cause 
the wing to collapse asymmetrically, especially if the pilot is unable to fly 
actively and prevent the collapse. In this case the glider conveys a loss of 
pressure through the brake lines and the harness. To prevent the collapse 
from happening, pull the brake handle corresponding to the affected side 
of the wing. It will increase the incidence of the wing (angle of attack). If 
the collapse does happen, the ROLLER will not react violently, the turning 
tendency is gradual and easily controlled. Weight-shift toward the open, 
flying side (the opposite side of the collapse) to keep the wing flying 
straight, while applying light brake pressure to that side if necessary. 
Normally, the collapsed side of the wing should then recover and reopen 
by itself. If it does not, then pull the brake handle on the collapsed side 
decisively and quickly all the way (100%) down. You may have to repeat 
this pumping action to provoke the re-opening of the deflated glider side. 
Do not over-brake or slow down the flying side of the wing (control the 
turn). Once the collapsed side is open make sure you return to the default 
flying speed.

Frontal collapse

Due to the ROLLER’s design, in normal flying conditions frontal collapses 
are unlikely to take place. The wing’s profile has great buffering abilities 
when dealing with extreme incidence changes. A frontal collapse may 
occur in strong turbulent conditions, entering or exiting powerful thermals 
or when lacking experience using the trimmer without adapting to the 
prevailing conditions. Frontal collapses usually re-inflate without the glider 
turning, but a symmetrically applied quick braking action with a quick deep 
pump of both brakes will accelerate the re-inflation if necessary. Release 
the brake lines immediately to return to default glider air speed.