Date: 10.03.2008
Manual
Revision: 0
F1RST
Page: 18 of 21
Firebird GmbH & Co. KG
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Am Tower 16
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54634 Bitburg
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Germany
14.6. Negative Spin
Pulling down hard on one brake can cause the air stream to break away on that half of the
wing. A reversion of the air-stream direction can occur. The slowed half flies in the opposite
direction. The paraglider then turns around its vertical axis. For negative spins there can be
two reasons:
•
one brake-line is pulled too fast and too far. (e.g. while entering a deep spiral)
•
during slow flying one side is braked too much (e.g. while flying circles in thermals)
If an unintentional negative spin is released immediately during its beginning, the glider
normally goes back into normal flight without loosing lots of height. But if the negative spin
is kept for a longer time and the glider can accelerate in this negative spin the release of
the spin can cause the canopy to move extremely asymmetrically in front of the pilot. Big
collapses and cravats can be the result!
14.7. Wingover
Narrow turns to the left and to the right are flown alternately. During that moves the bank
is increasing more and more. If there is too much dynamic and bank the wing’s outer side
can loose pressure. If the bank is increased further and the pilot reacts wrong (timing!) a
big part of the glider can collapse impulsively!
Full stall, Negative Spins and Wingover (over 90 degrees) are prohibited aerobatic (acro-)
moves!!! Doing these maneuvers wrong or a wrong reaction of the pilot can generally be
very dangerous and life-endangering with all paragliders!
14.8. Emergency Steering
In the event of loosing control of the steering lines, the F1RST can be flown easily with the
rear risers (D lines). A stall happens quicker when steering with the rear risers, as if steered
with the brake lines. The way of steering with the rear risers is at approx. 20cm with the
F1RST. Light turns can be flown using the stabilizer lines or by shifting your weight.
15. Descending Maneuvers
15.1. Spiraling
Spiraling is the most efficient way to descend quickly. However, this causes a lot of strain
for the paraglider as well as the pilot. Please be aware that, according to your fitness,
outside temperature (cold) and descent rate, you could loose consciousness. Many pilots
lower their breathing rate or start hyper ventilating, both of which heighten the risk of
loosing control.
With the first signs of sickness, weariness or blurred eye sight you must stop spiraling
immediately.
To enter a spiral you carefully but constantly pull at the brake-line on one side and move
your weight-shift to the curve’s inner side. By its direct handling the F1RST fast increases
bank and flies a steep curve. As soon as the glider gets in front of the pilot (glider is
“getting on its nose”) there is an impulse which the pilot should follow and move his weight
