11
ENGLISH
INCIDENTS
Deflations
Due to the flexible form of a paraglider, turbulence may cause a por-
tion of the wing suddenly to collapse. These can be anything from a
small 30% (asymmetric) collapse to a complete (symmetric) collapse.
Most collapses can be prevented with good active flying skills, howev-
er if a collapse does occur the most important thing is to not panic!
The first course of action for an asymmetric collapse should always
be to take control of the direction of flight. You should fly away from
the ground, obstacles and other pilots. Asymmetric collapses can be
controlled by weight shifting away from the collapsed side and apply-
ing the necessary amount of brake to control your direction. This act
alone will, most of the time, be enough for a full recovery of the wing.
Once a glider is deflated it is effectively a smaller wing, so the wing
loading and stall speed are higher. This means the glider will spin or
stall with less brake input than normal. In your efforts to stop the
glider turning towards the collapse you must be very careful to not
apply too much brake so that the remaining flying side stalls. If you
are unable to stop the glider turning without exceeding the stall
point, allow the glider to turn whilst you reinflate the collapse.
If you have a deflation which does not spontaneously reinflate, make
a long smooth progressive pump on the deflated side whilst trying
to retain directional control. The pumping action should be deep and
hard. Pumping too short and fast will not reinflate the wing, whilst
pumping too long and slow may take the wing close to, or beyond, the
stall point. A stubborn collapse may require several firm pumps.
Symmetrical (front) collapses normally reinflate without pilot input,
however 15 to 20cm of brake applied symmetrically will speed the
process. As soon as the wing re-inflates keep your hands high to
ensure the wing recovers airspeed and does not enter a parachutal
stall.
apply a little outside brake to keep the outer wing tip pressured and
inflated.
Safe descent rates of 8 metres per second (500 ft/min approx.)
are possible in a spiral dive, but at these rates the associated high
speeds and G-forces can be disorientating, especially for the passen-
ger so pay particular attention to your altitude.
To exit the spiral dive, return your weight shift to a central position
and then slowly release the inside brake. As the Magnum2 deceler-
ates allow it to continue to turn until enough energy is lost for it
to return to level flight without an excessive climb and surge. The
Magnum2 shows no indication of remaining neutral in the spiral dive,
however some parameters could interfere with its behaviour such as;
wrong settings of the chest strap (too wide), total weight in flight
outside of the certified weight range, or being in a very deep spiral at
a very high sink rate. You should always be prepared to pilot the wing
out of such a spiral dive. To do so smoothly use opposite weight shift
and apply a small amount of outside brake and the glider will start to
resume normal flight. Never attempt to recover from a spiral with
hard or quick opposite inputs as this will result in an aggressive climb
and surge.
IMPORTANT: Spiral dives with sink rates over 8 m/s are
possible, but should be avoided. They are dangerous and
put unnecessary strain on the glider. Spiral dives cause
disorientation and need time and height to recover. Do not
perform this manoeuvre near the ground.
