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Getting the UP Meru 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! Gliders in this
EN/LTF- category may be subject to stable spiral, thus requiring active control from the
pilot. We highly recommend to practice this manoeuvre in a SIV.
B-Line Stalls
Due to missing B-level this manoeuvre cannot be performed.
Big Ears
To pull the ears in, reach up and get hold of the outermost A-line on both front risers and pull
them down, simultaneously, by about 20 to 30 cm until the tips collapse. Keep these two lines in
your hands, to prevent the wing re-inflating. Once the wing is flying in the Big Ears configuration
we recommend engaging the speed system to about 50% of the maximum travel (more if higher
sink rates are desired). This reduces the angle of incidence and improves the safety of the
manoeuvres. We suggest keeping the brake toggles in your hands while inducing Big Ears. The
glider will remain fully steer-able through weight shifting during the manoeuvre. The sink rates will
be around 3 to 5 meters per second (depending on the number of centre cells still open and on
the amount of speed bar employed) straight ahead. To end the Big Ears configuration, simply
release the A risers and disengage the speed system, and the wing will return to level flight. Small
collapses may be cleared with directional changes and/or little pumps through the brake lines.
Note that we advice against performing extreme manoeuvres while flying in the Big Ears
configuration
Using Big Ears with AIII-line, “flapping” of the wing tips can occur. Alternatively, ears can also be
placed over the CIII line. To do this, activate 50% of the accelerator after putting on the ears.
WARNING! We highly recommend to train this manoeuvre in a SIV.
Flying outside the normal flight envelope
Behaviour in extreme situations
The UP Meru is designed to be very aerodynamically stable. However as with all paragliders
extreme turbulence or piloting error may induce unwanted behaviour from the canopy. To ensure
that you are able to handle these situations correctly we strongly recommend that you attend a
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