Pluto II
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can risk stalling the glider completely. Release the speed-bar immediately if you have a
big collapse during accelerated flight and, while keeping weightshift neutral, apply
slight brake to the open side. Let the glider enter a turn if space allows in order to
avoid a spin or stall.
Symmetric collapse
A symmetric, or frontal, collapse will normally reopen without any pilot input. The
Pluto II will regain airspeed with a small surge. Be careful not to brake while the glider
is behind you as this could induce a stall.
Deep stall
The Pluto II has no tendency to either get into, or stay in, a deep stall. If the glider does
enter a deep stall, accelerate the glider out of the deep stall by pushing on the A-risers.
Never try to steer out of a deep stall. A wet glider has a higher tendency to deep stall,
so if you pass through rain accelerate a little and avoid using big-ears until the glider is
dry.
Full stall
This is an extreme manoeuvre that should rarely, if ever, be required. To induce a full
stall take one or two wraps of the brake lines and pull both of them down smoothly.
Hold them down, locking your arms under your seat until the canopy falls behind you
and deforms into a characteristic crescent shape. In a stable full stall the canopy will
oscillate back and forth. Be careful not to release the brakes prematurely or
asymmetrically.
The Pluto II recovers from a full stall automatically after the brakes are released. During
correct recovery, where the brakes are let up a little to allow air to enter the glider prior
to being released when the glider is in front of you, the Pluto II shows no tendency to
surge strongly in front of the pilot.
WARNING: It is important this manoeuvre is not practiced without qualified
supervision. It should be preferably be practiced during a safety training course.
Negative spin
If a spin occurs the Pluto II is capable of recovering automatically when the brakes are
released. As the glider surges forward slow it down with the brakes to avoid the
possibility of an asymmetric collapse. Always wait for the glider to be in front of you or
above you - never brake while it is behind you as this can risk a stall.
Remember:
A wrong manoeuvre at the wrong time may change a straightforward
situation into a dangerous problem. Extreme manoeuvres also expose your glider to forces
which may damage it. Practice these techniques under qualified supervision preferably
during a safety training course.
