SKY PARAGLIDERS FIDES 5, User Manual

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B-line Stall

Grasp the B risers at the quick links and gently pull them down symmetrically. 

The paraglider will drop backwards before entering in a parachutal stall 

stabilizing overhead. The descent rate increases to 6 - 8 m/s. 

In order to exit the B-line stall, raise both hands together in a single quick 

movement. Once you have released the B-risers, FIDES 5 shall, in principle, 

resume flight immediately. An error of control (slow release) or special 

meteorological conditions may lead to a prolonged phase of parachuting. 

The recovery of the paraglider could be then initiated by using the speed 

bar. In case there is no speed bar, a short pull (squeeze) on the A risers  

(4 – 5 cm) will achieve the same result.

Caution: unlike the big ears and the spiral (see above), in a B-line stall the 

glider is in a stalled state. Therefore, a B-line stall should never be performed 

close to the ground and in stronger head winds, a negative ground speed 

may be experienced.

6) Performance & Use of brakes

FIDES 5‘s best glide is at trim speed (no brakes) – about 37 km/h. The 

minimum sink rate is achieved by applying approx. 15% of the brakes.

When using more than 30% of the brakes the aerodynamics and the 

performance of the glider are likely to deteriorate and the effort to maneuver 

will increase quickly.

In case of extremely high brake pressure there is a great risk of an 

impending stall, which brake travel (100% of the brakess, brake travel  

> 60 cm for S size, 63 cm for M size, 65 cm for L size, 68 cm for XL size 

at max. Takeoff-weight). In normal flying conditions the optimal position for 

the brakes, in terms of performance and safety is within the first 30% of 

the braking range.

7) Use of Speed bar

FIDES 5 is equipped with a speed system. For fitting and positioning the 

speed bar consult the instructions of the harness manufacturer. Before 

every take-off check that the speed bar works freely and that its lines are 

long enough to ensure that it is not engaged permanently. If the harness is 

fitted with a front mounted reserve the speed bar lines must pass under the 

reserve container and the reserve bridle so that it can be deployed easily. 

Using the speed bar can increase the maximum speed of the paraglider by 

up to 30% of the trim speed. However, it does reduce the angle of attack and 

therefore there is an increased risk of a frontal (or asymmetric) collapse. We 

therefore do not advise to use the speed bar near the ground or in turbulent air.

8) asymmetric or Frontal (Symmetric)  
 Collapses

Despite that tests proved the FIDES 5 recovers on its own after collapses, 

active piloting is recommended in case of an asymmetric or frontal collapse. 

Active piloting will reduce the loss of altitude and a change of direction.

In case of a frontal (symmetric) collapse:



 Bring both brakes down symmetrically to speed up the reopening of the 

paraglider, and then raise your hands back up immediately.

In case of an asymmetric collapse:



  Keep the paraglider flying straight by leaning in the opposite direction of 

the collapse and simultaneously applying the brake on the opposite side 

of the collapse.



  Speed up the reopening of the closed side by a single, positive input on 

the collapsed side.

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