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40 Flight techniques and characteristics | Descent techniques
6 DESCENT TECHNIQUES
The FLARE LINE is certified in accordance with EN926-1. It has undergone and
passed a shock and load test. The FLARE LINE does not have an engine with
DGAC (Direction Generale de I’Aviacion Civile) certification. Check the local
regulations to see whether you are authorized to fly the FLARE LINE. If so, you
will find a few tips on the behavior of the FLARE LINE here. This manual does
not claim to be an instruction manual. We expressly warn against flying ma-
neuvers with the FLARE LINE.
We recommend the use of a rescue system approved for 60 m/s. This infor-
mation can be found on the rescue equipment inspection sticker.
For all extreme maneuvers it is important:
> Practise this first under supervision, at a great height above the water.
> To ensure that the airspace below you is clear before entering each maneuver.
> To maintain eye contact with your parakite throughout each maneuver..
SPIRAL DIVE
The FLARE LINE tends towards a stable spiral dive and has above-average
sink rates. You can enter a spiral dive starting from close to ‘full speed con-
trol setting’ by carefully increasing the control pressure on the inside of a
turn while shifting your weight in the same direction.
Do not pull the inside control too far, in order to not ‘spin’ and stall your
FLARE LINE asymmetrically.
The spiral begins when the parakite banks sharply to the side and enters a
sharp, steep turn. You can control the bank angle and descent rate by ap-
plying or releasing the inside control. If the outer control is held in the
“full speed position”, you descend faster and are exposed to less G-forc-
es. You will lose height quickly due to the spiral dive.
Consider the following:
> High sink rates and the related high G-forces lead to a high physical strain
on the body that may be too much for inexperienced pilots!
Be aware of the risks and approach spiral dives slowly!
> Tensing your stomach muscles during a spiral dive can be very helpful!
> If you feel dizzy or faint, exit the spiral dive immediately!
> Due to the extreme altitude loss in a spiral dive, make sure you always
have enough safe reserve.
> TTo avoid strong surging when exiting the spiral dive, slowly release
the inside control while applying the outside control.
> The control line pressure in a spiral dive is substantially higher than in
normal flight!
Descent techniques 41
TO EXIT A SPIRAL WITH A HIGH SINK RATE > 14M/S, IT MAY BE
NECESSARY TO CONTROL THE OUTSIDE HALF OF THE PARA
KITE AND/OR TO SHIFT YOUR WEIGHT TO THE OUTSIDE OF
THE TURN. THE EXIT MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL COMPLETE ROTA
TIONS AND CAUSE A HIGH ALTITUDE LOSS. FOR THIS REASON,
DON’T PERFORM THIS MANEUVER AT AN ALTITUDE OF FEWER
THAN 200 METERS! BY THE TIME YOU REACH THIS ALTITUDE,
THE MANEUVER SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED!
ROLLING DURING ‘FULL SPEED POSITION’
The most eective way of descending with your FLARE LINE without in-
creased G-forces is to initiate an alternating rolling motion by shifting weight
when in ‘full speed’ position with your controls. This will increase you sink
rate from an anyway rather high sink rate when in ‘full speed’ position.
‘Full Speed’ position will give you a lot of sink, therefore coming down on
a parakite is easier than with regular paragliders.
Be aware you cannot do Ears, Big Ears and B-stall with the parakite, as it
would represent a very high risk, which is why we strongly advise AGAINST
these manoeuvres!
We recommend flying circles or small wingovers (rolling) to lose altitude
more quickly.
EN
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