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EPIC 2-manual-EN-v1.2 April 2022
B-line stalls are useful if you need to lose a lot of height quickly, perhaps to escape from a thunderstorm. They should
not be performed with less than 100m of ground clearance (see also also Chapter 5).
Spiral Dive
A normal turn can be converted into a spiral dive by continuing to apply one brake. The bank angle and speed of the
turn will increase as the spiral is entered. Be careful to enter the spiral gradually and with control, as too quick a brake
application can cause a spin or a high G spiral.
Spiral dives are one of the most dangerous manoeuvres in paragliding and the high G-force and quick loss of altitude
can easily catch pilots out. A mistake in judging these factors can lead to a very serious accident, so spirals must be
treated with great respect. Pilots are advised to practise spiral dives under close supervision or during an SIV course.
Do not perform spiral dives with big ears or asymmetric collapses. The high G loading on fewer lines could overload
and break the lines.
To pull out of a steep spiral dive, release the applied brake gradually and/or apply opposite 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 dive with the brakes. Also be ready to encounter turbulence when you exit from a spiral because you
may fly though your own wake, which can cause a collapse.
CAUTION: Spiral dives can cause loss of orientation or black-out and they take some time to exit from. This
manoeuvre must be exited with plenty of height.
Landing
Landing is very straightforward. When landing in light winds, flare in the normal way from an altitude of around 2m. It
may sometimes help to take wraps on the brakes to make the flare more effective.
Flight Characteristics
