5.2 Turning and Thermaling
To familiarise yourself with your glider your first turns should be gradual and progressive. For efficient
coordinated turns: look in the direction of your intended course, then lean into it. Your first input for
directional change should be weight shift, followed by smooth application of the brake until the desired
bank angle is achieved.
To regulate the speed and radius of the turn the outer brake should be used. Never initiate a turn at
minimum speed (i.e. with full brakes on) as you could risk entering a spin.
5.3. Landings
A windsock, smoke, flag or other indicator should be used by the pilot to judge the wind direction in the
landing area. Always land into the wind in an obstacle-free zone.
Landing in a light or nil-wind
The landing approach should be flown using only light input on the brakes. When you are one or two
meters above the ground, apply the brakes progressively so that the full brake position is attained just
before your feet touch down. Always approach with plenty of speed so that it can be converted into a
full flare.
Landing in a strong wind
The pilot should regulate his speed facing into the wind. Use the minimum of brake needed to touch
down smoothly, then immediately turn 180 degrees, reach up and pull down both C-risers while
moving towards the glider. This will bring the wing down quickly without pulling you off your feet.
5.4. Active Flying
Active flying is the technique of using input to keep the wing as stable and efficient as possible.
All good pilots do it. For example, on entering a thermal your glider will rock back slightly behind you;
at this point you should reduce brake to allow the glider to come overhead again. As you leave the
thermal your glider will try to accelerate and dive forward slightly; apply a little brake to stabilize the
wing overhead.
When flying in turbulent air, you should be able to sense pressure loss in parts of the wing through the
brake lines. You can compensate by using a little of the appropriate brake until you feel the pressure
return. This should be done smoothly and progressively: over-braking your glider is dangerous and
could lead to a stall.
6. Descending
In sport flying situations arise suddenly which demand that the pilot descend quickly. Pilots should be
familiar with the different methods for descending.
6.1. Spiral Dive
When you turn in a series of 360s the paraglider will enter a spiral- a highly-banked turn with rapid
altitude loss. The longer you hold the inside brake on the faster the turn becomes. Safe decent rates
of 10 meters/second (2000ft./min.) are possible in a spiral dive, but with these high speeds and G-
forces a pilot easily becomes disoriented. It is particularly important to pay attention to altitude.
Note: The paraglider can enter a spiral within one revolution.
To exit a spiral dive, slowly release the inside brake and apply a small amount of outside brake. As the
glider begins to decelerate it is important to allow it to continue in it’s turn until enough energy has
been lost for it to return to level flight without excessive surging.
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