Pluto II
8
It is important these manoeuvres are initially practiced under qualified supervision and
preferably during a safety training course.
Big ears
This is the easiest and safest technique for descent while maintaining forward speed.
Depending on how much of the wing-tip you deflate, 3m/s to 5m/s sink rate can be
achieved. While in big ears your forward speed can be increased by using the speed
system.
The Pluto II can be steered with big ears in by weight-shift alone.
Initiation
:
Reach up high and
take hold of the metal maillon (quick-link) of the “baby”
A-riser (red marked A-riser) on each side of the glider. Pull one in first, maintain
direction, and then pull in the second. Hold them in firmly. Make sure the lines are
pulled down equally on each side and your big ears are even.
Recovery
:
Under normal circumstances the ears will come out on their own slowly
when the “baby” A-risers are released. Occasionally the ears might stay slightly tucked
under but a gentle pump on the brakes will accelerate the opening.
B-line stall
This is an effective way of making a rapid descent but doesn’t allow any forward
speed.
Initiation
:
Take hold of the B-risers just below the maillons and smoothly pull them
down, twisting your hands until the canopy shows a span-wise crease at the B-line
attachment points. It is difficult to pull at first but becomes easier as the aerofoil
creases. Your sink rate will increase while your forward speed will reduce to practically
zero. Don’t release the lines immediately
-
the glider should be left to settle before
releasing.
Recovery
:
Let go of the risers smoothly but determinedly and symmetrically. The Pluto
II automatically returns to normal flight without any deep stall tendencies but may
dive slightly forward. If the risers are released slowly and very unevenly the glider
could start to spin.
Spiral dive
The spiral dive is the most effective way of making a fast descent. During the spiral
dive the pilot and glider will experience strong centrifugal forces which strain the
glider. As such it should be considered an extreme manoeuvre.
