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ANDA manual EN-v1.01 January 2023
can speed this up if necessary.
Before using Big Ears in earnest you should practise 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.
B-Line Stall
This is a fast descent method and is a useful emergency procedure. With both hands through the brake handles,
take hold of the top of the B-risers, one in each hand, and pull them down by 10-15cm. This will stall the canopy and
its forward speed will drop to zero. Make sure you have plenty of ground clearance because the descent rate can be
over 10m/sec.
To increase the descent rate pull harder on the B-risers. When you release the B-risers 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-risers fairly quickly rather than slowly, as the latter may result in the canopy
entering deep stall. Always release the risers symmetrically, as an asymmetric release from a B-line stall may result in
the glider entering a spin.
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
Flight Characteristics
