10
Version 1.0 March 2017
Thermalling
To attain the best climb rate the BASE LITE should be thermalled using a mild turn, as described above, keeping the
wing´s banking to a minimum. In strong thermals a tighter banking turn can be used to stay closer to the thermal´s
core. Remember that weight-shifting in the harness will make the turn more efficient and reduce the amount of brake
required.
Care must be taken not to apply so much brake as to stall. This is however very easy to avoid as the brake pressure
increases greatly as you approach the stall point. Only fly near the stall point if you have enough height to recover
(100m).
Wing Tip Area Reduction (Big Ears)
The ‘baby A-riser’ allows the BASE LITE to be ‘big-eared’ simply and easily. The big-ear facility does not allow you to
fly in stronger winds, but iwhich allows you to descend quickly without substantially reducing the forward
speed of the canopy (as is the case with B-lining). To engage big ears the pilot will need to lean forward in the
harness and grasp the big-ears risers (one in each hand) at the maillons, keeping hold of both brake handles if
possible. Pull the risers out and down at least 30 cm so as to collapse the tips of the glider. It is very important that
the other A-lines are not affected when you do this as it could cause the leading edge to collapse. Steering is possible
by weight-shifting with big ears in. If the big ears do not come out quickly on their own, a pump on the brakes will
speed things up.
Before using the big-ears facility in earnest it is essential to practise beforehand with plenty of ground clearance in
case a leading edge collapse occurs. 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.
4 Flight Characteristics
