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Spiral dive:
To ent er a sp ira l dive wit h a NO VA TRI TO N th e pilo t must use we igh t shift w hil e
slowly applying more and more brake on one side.
During a spiral dive the angle of bank can be controlled by increasing or re-
ducing the amount of inside brake.
When spiralling the NOVA TRITON it is recommended to apply some outside
brake. This helps stabilize the wing and enables an easier and safer exit from
the spiral.
To ex it, eas e off the i nside br ake slo wly. Th e NOVA TR ITON d id not sho w a
tendency to remain in a stable spiral during testing. However, should a glider
in abnormal conditions (e.g. asymmetrical cross strap settings) continue to
spiral, it has to be actively exited. This is done by weight shifting to the outside
and more gentle braking of the outside wing.
NEVER DO BIG EARS IN SPIRALS, AS THIS MAY DRASTICALLY REDUCE THE
NUMBER OF LINES TAKING THE ALREADY HIGH LOADS, CAUSING STRUC-
TURAL FAILURE.
ATTENTION: CAUSED BY THE VERY GOOD PERFORMANCE AND ENERGY
RETENTION, THE TRITON IS RISING UP A LOT AFTER SPIRAL DIVE RE-
LEASE. THERE THE WING CAN BE HIT BY IT’S OWN TURBULENCES.
”Thermalling and soaring”:
In turbulent conditions the glider should be flown actively. The canopy should
be flown with a small amount of brake applied. This improves stability by in-
creasing the angle of attack of the canopy. The canopy should not rock back or
surge forward much but should remain above the pilot. Thus, the pilot should
increase speed by carefully reducing applied brake when entering a strong
thermal. The pilot should brake the canopy on exiting. This is part of basic
active flying.
Flying with speed system:
When flying with the speed system applied the angle of attack is lower and the
canopy can collapse more easily than in normal trim. The faster the canopy is
flown the more dynamic the collapses and stalls will be and the more skill will
be required for quick recoveries.
To use the sp eed sys tem , s imp ly plac e y our fee t o n th e s tir rup and pu sh
forward in a horizontal plane. If a loss of back pressure of the stirrup on your
legs is noticed, this is a warning that the canopy is probably about to collapse.
Release the stirrup and thus the speed system immediately.