AirDesign UFO 2, Manual

Page: 52 / 163

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But as with any paraglider the possibility of a collapses cannot be excluded . “Active flying” as
described in point “f” can help avoid deformations.
In general, the UFO 2 behaves like a conventional glider during collapses.
You should always maintain course and direction by weight-shifting away from the collapsed
side. This can be reinforced by applying a small amount of brake on the opposite side to the
deflation. If the collapse stays in, the glider can be re-inflated by pumping the brake on the
collapsed side in a firm and smooth manner. Be aware that the brake travel is shorter when the
glider is collapsed, and the glider can stall with less brake input.
If you experience a big collapse while accelerated release the speed-bar immediately.
To assist in the reopening of a frontal collapse the pilot should pull both brakes equally at the
same time. This also reduces the dive after the glider reopens.
NOTE: Pulling too much brake during a frontal collapse recovery can stall the glider or cause
the glider to revert from the frontal collapse directly into a deep-stall.
k. Reopening a cravat
In extreme conditions and rare cases, it is possible that the wing tip(s) can become trapped
between the lines. In general, this would happen only after a big uncontrolled collapse or
during extreme manoeuvres.
If this cravat occurs, in the first instance use the techniques described for releasing asymmetric
collapses.
If it fails to release, take hold of the stabilo line and pull hard towards yourself until the
trapped section of the wing is released.
At low altitude it is important to stabilise the rotation, if any, and if necessary use the reserve
(rescue) if this is not possible.
l. Negative spin
We recommend that this manoeuvre is only carried out during a safety training course over
water and under supervision. The intention in this situation is for a pilot to discover the point-
of-spin and to control it. This demands a high level of experience and skill.
The longer the time between the glider entering a spin and the pilot attempting to recover, the
more chance there is of it becoming out of control.
The speciality of the UFO:
By pulling down the A-risers the UFO is not willing to collapse. If you ever want to make a
collapse
– for example at a safety clinic – we therefore separated the inner A-lines into
two main A-lines (both are at the same A-riser).
Simply take only the frontal inner main-A-line (and the outer A) and pull down.
Holding a side collapse we do not recommend it as the outer wing tends to snap-open
and therefore it’s hard to keep it in.