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as it could cause the leading edge to collapse. Steering is possible by weight shifting with big ears in. If
the big ears does not come out quickly on ist own a pump on the brake will speed things up.
Before using the big ears facility in earnest it is essential to practice beforehand with plenty of ground
clearance in case a leading adge collapse accurs. Always keep hold of both brakes in order to retain
control. Putting your hands through the brake handles so they remain on your wrists is a good method of
doing this.
B-Line Stall
This is a fast descent method and is a useful emergency procedure. With both hands through the brake
handles, the pilot takes hold of the top of the B risers, one in each hand, and pulls them down by around
50 cm. This will stall the canopy and forward speed will drop tp zero. Make sure you have plenty of ground
clearance because the decent rate can be over 10 m/sec. To increase the descent rate pull harder on the
B riser. When you release the B riser the canopy will automatically start flying again, normally within two
seconds. Sometimes the canopy will turn gently when it exits from the B line stall. It is normally better to
release the B riser fairly quickly rather than slowly as this may result in the canopy entering deep stall.
Always release the riser symetrically as an asymetric release from a B line stall may result in the glider
entering a spin. This manoeuvre is useful when losong a lot of height quickly is necessary, perhaps when
escaping from a thunderstorm. It should not be performed with less than 100 m of ground clearance. (see
also Chapter V, part 1)
Spiral Dive
A normal turn can be converted into a strong spiral dive by continuing to apply one brake. The bank angle
and speed of the turn will increase as the downward spiral is continued. Be careful to enter the spiral
gradually as too quick a brake application can cause a spin.
Care should be taken when exiting from a spiral dive. Too pull out of a steep spiral dive always release the
applied brake gradually. A sharp release of the brake can cause the glider to surge and dive as the wing
converts speed to lift. Always be ready to damp out any potential dive with the brakes. A spiral dive
should not be confused with a spin.
Speed System
The Magic is sold with accelerater risers and a speed stirrup as standard but can be flown without the
speed stirrup attached.
Launching and general flying is normally done without using the accelerater. The accelerater bar should
be used when higher speed is important. A 70 kg pilot on the Magic – medium should be able to reach a
speed of 53 kph or more using the accelerater system. Glide angle is not as good in this format, so it is not
necessarily the best way to race in thermic conditions and the canopy is slightly more susceptible to
deflations. Using the stirrup can require some effort and the pilot´s balance in the harness can be affected.
It may be necessary to make some adjustments to the harness. We recommend that only fly in conditions
where you can penetrate with the risers level so that you have the extra airspeed should you need it.
To fly at maximum speed the stirrup should be applied gradually until the upper pulley on the A riser butts
against the pulley at the riser base.
IMPORTANT
Do practice using the speed system in normal flying.
Be careful flying fast in rough or turbulent conditions as deflations are more likely to occur at speed.
The increased speed is achieved by reducing the angle of attack, this means that the canopy will
collapse only slightly more easily.
Remember that your glide deteriorates at higher speeds. Best glides are achieved when the risers are
level and the brakes are off.
