Ozone Swift Six - RAPID DESCENT TECHNIQUES; Big Ears; B-Line Stall

RAPID DESCENT TECHNIQUES
12
DO NOT perform spiral
dives with the big ears
engaged.
Ozone would like to remind you that the following manoeuvres should be learnt under the supervision of
a qualied instructor and always used with caution. Never forget that properly analysing the conditions
before launch will help avoid the need to use these techniques.
Big Ears
Folding in the wing tips increases the sink rate without radically changing the airspeed. This is useful for
staying out of cloud or descending quickly through the lift band of the hill, for example when top landing.
To pull big ears, keep hold of your brake handles and take the outermost A-line on each side, then pull out
and down (preferably one at a time) until the wing tips fold under. The outer A line is attached to the A
2
riser, making identication and use of the big ear system easier. The size of the big ears can be adjusted
by pulling more line, or reaching higher up the line. For directional control while using the Big Ears, you
should use weight shift. To reopen the ears, release both A lines at the same time. To help reination,
brake gently one side at a time until tips regain pressure. Avoid deep symmetric applications of the brake
as this could accidently induce parachutal or full stalls.
Once the big ears are engaged you can further increase the sink rate by pushing on the accelerator,
however NEVER try to pull the Big Ears in if the accelerator is already applied. The lower angle of attack
and the act of deating the tips can lead to a major deation. Always make the Big Ears rst and then
apply the speed bar.
Ozone strongly recommend to NOT perform Spiral Dives with Big Ears engaged.
B-Line Stall
B-stall is for fast descents in emergency situations only. It is more efcient to lose altitude with a spiral
dive rather than a B-stall.
To initiate the B-stall, keep the brakes in your hand and take hold of the maillons on the B risers. Look
at the wing and smoothly pull both B risers down symmetrically. As soon as the wing breaks the airow
you will feel and see the wing deform in the chord and move rearwards. Once the glider has stabilised
overhead keep the B risers in the same position for a stable B stall, do not pull any further. If you pull too