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25
WARNING! All other
manoeuvres, such as full
stalls and spins, should
be avoided as fast
descent techniques. They
are not very efficient, and
incorrect recovery can have
dangerous consequences (as with any
paraglider)!
Steep Spiral Dive
A maximum sink rate of over 15 meters
per second can be achieved in a steep
spiral dive, but it is advisable to build up
gradually to these sink rates when you first
practise spiralling.
Getting the UP Kibo into a spiral dive is
very simple and has already been
described in the chapter regarding turning.
When entering the spiral it is essential to
induce the turn gradually; if you apply the
brake too quickly you may enter a spin. If
this happens, release the brake
immediately and let the glider recover
before trying again. Keep a steady tension
on the inside brake and observe the
increased angle of bank and sink rate. A
little brake on the outer wing will help
stabilize the glider at a high sink rate.
To recover from a spiral, simply release
the inside brake. Do this gradually to
prevent an uncontrolled steep climb
caused by the excess energy built up
during the dive. Be prepared for the glider
to climb a little and to damp out the
subsequent dive. Be warned that steep
spiral dives are equal to high G loading on
both you and your glider!
WARNING! Spiral dives with
high sink rates expose the
pilot and material to very
high centrifugal forces –
incidents caused by pilots
falling unconscious during spiral
dives have been recorded. Approach
this manoeuvre with caution. NEVER
fly a spiral dive with Big Ears engaged
– this could lead to a catastrophic
material failure!
B-Line Stalls
To induce a B-line stall, start from
normal, un-accelerated flight. Reach
up and take hold of both B risers, still
with your hands in the brake loops,
and pull down simultaneously by
approximately 20-25 cm. The first few
centimetres of travel will be quite hard,
but as the glider settles into the stall so
the effort becomes less.
The glider will drop back a little as it
stalls, and then centralize over your
head. With 25 cm or so of pull a sink
rate of up to 9 meters per second can
be achieved. With less pull you will get
a decrease in sink rate. The B-risers
should not be pulled beyond this point,
as it may result in the canopy entering
an unstable phase or going into a
frontal rosette. Should you
inadvertently have pulled too far down
on the B-risers, simply release them a
little again until the wing is again stable
above you, showing the characteristic
deep crease along the B-level and
being fully stretched out spanwise.
BEWARE!
Always check visually the
canopy for the frontal
rosette during the B-stall
and release the B-riser if
necessary.
To recover from a B-line stall, the
risers should be released abruptly and
simultaneously. Doing so will allow the
wing to re-inflate completely and
resume normal flight. It is not unusual
for the canopy to dive in front of the
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