Advance acoustic IOTA DLS, Product Manual, Page: 11 / 23

Using the C-Handles
The IOTA DLS has a new easy C-handle System (Neopren coated connection on the C-risers). It is possible to steer
using these C-handles instead of the brake lines – from trim speed right up to 100% speedbar. Steering and active
flying using C-risers (handles) has less affect on performance than using brakes for the same purposes: they brake
the wing more efficiently than pulling the trailing edge down; so less speed is lost. Although they also work by
increasing angle of attack this increase relative to speed is less than results from a normal brake input.
The use of C-handles is not necessary in trim speed, but you can use them for slight course corrections or turns.
However, at full accelerated glide the C-handles admittedly become useful. They tell you very directly what is
happening to the canopy. You can use them for active flying in that they give immediate notice of impending
canopy disturbance so you can prevent a problem at its onset; in a way that only reduces performance slightly. At
speed, steering is also very effective with C-handles.
Grap around the C-risers with your whole hand and place your hand on the neoprene coated C-handle connection.
Important with the C-handle: Pull so that the B-riser is also pulled down. Make sure you have unwrapped your
brakes first. By careful pulling then releasing you can oppose a forward pitch movement in light turbulence. As well
as that, you should also compensate for canopy pressure reduction e.g. as generally occurs before a collapse.
Info
Learning efficient and instinctive C-handle technique needs much practice and experience.
Try it out slowly.
Warning
The C-handles should be operated with care and discretion. As with other paragliding
activities too much and too abrupt pulling risks stalling.
Warning
C-handle control is only recommended for gliding in calm or lightly turbulent air. In very
turbulent conditions ADVANCE recommend releasing the speedbar (and the C-handles) and
flying actively with brakes only.
4.5. Collapses
4.5.1. Asymmetric collapse
With an active flying technique in normal flying conditions, collapses can be almost completely prevented. The
wing gives very precise canopy feedback and makes it possible to sense an impending collapse early on, thus
helping timely pilot reaction. Should a collapse occur the wing will fold in a predictable and progressive manner
from wing tip towards the centre.
If the glider does, however, suffer a side collapse at trim speed, it will respond to collapses of 50 % or more with a
slight turning tendency, allowing heading to be easily held with light counter-steering. Normally, the wing will
reopen without pilot action. With an asymmetric collapse in accelerated flight the wing will react more impulsively
because of the higher forces associated with higher airspeed. The turning behaviour caused by a collapse at full
speed is more dynamic, but can be well controlled.
If a collapse is slow to reopen, a deep but fast pull on the closed side brake will help. It is important to completely
release the brake again to let the glider keep its flying speed. Be careful with the brake on the open side, and only
apply enough to keep straight – so as not to stall the wing.
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