22
its forward speed but remains open and you will descend at around 6 m/s. If you pull too
much B-line the glider may horseshoe and move around a lot.
To exit the B-stall the B-risers should be released symmetrically and in one smooth, fast
progressive motion. The glider will resume normal forward flight without further input. Check
you have forward flight again before using the brakes. Do not release the B lines slowly, this
may lead to a parachutal stall.
Spiral Dives
If you turn your Speedster 3 in a series of tightening 360’s it will enter a spiral dive. This
will result in rapid height loss. Safe descent rates are possible but high speeds and high
G-forces can build quickly leading to disorientation. Excessive G forces can lead to loss of
consciousness. High descent rates, especially when combined with high wing loadings, high
hangpoint power units and trikes increases the likelihood of the wing remaining neutral or
possibly unstable in spiral.
To initiate a spiral dive, first set the trimmers to the first green line or slower. DO NOT perform
spiral dives with the trimmers released. Look and lean in to the direction you want to turn
and then smoothly apply the inside brake. The Speedster 3 will first turn almost 360 degrees
before it drops into the spiral (depending on the input). Once in the spiral you should apply a
little outside brake to keep the outer wing tip pressured and inflated.
To exit the spiral dive, weight shift away from the direction of rotation (if possible) and
smoothly release the inside brake. If you do not have weightshift control (e.g high hang point
unit or trike) you may need to apply outside brake to help exit the spiral. As the Speedster 3
decelerates allow it to continue to turn until enough energy is lost for it to return to level flight
without an excessive climb and surge.
Always be prepared to pilot the wing out of a spiral dive. In case of neutrality/instability use
opposite weight shift and smoothly apply enough outside brake to provoke the glider to exit
the spiral. If the rate of turn or descent does not change, use more opposite brake until it
does so.
IMPORTANT
Always be prepared
to pilot the wing out
of a spiral dive. Use
opposite weight shift
and apply enough
outside brake to
stop the wing from
spiralling.
IMPORTANT
Do not perform high
G spiral dives when
flying heavily loaded,
when flying with a
trike or a high hang
point harness.
IMPORTANT
Do not perform
spiral dives with the
trimmers released.