Gradient s.r.o., Plzenska 221/130, 150 00 Praha 5, tel+fax +420257216319, www.gradient.cx, [email protected].
8.
Recovery:
The Aspen5 cannot stay in deep stall flight, so after the brakes are released the
glider automatically returns to normal flight. If you need to, you can accelerate recovery by
pulling hard on both brakes, followed by a fast release. Or you can pull lightly on the A-risers.
Caution:
If you pull too hard on the A-risers you may experience a full frontal collapse.
5.3.4 Full Stall
Initiation:
Wind the control lines once or twice around your hands and pull both of them
down smoothly. Hold them down until the canopy falls behind the pilot and deforms into a
characteristic crescent shape. Hold your hands firmly (press them underneath the seat) and
be careful that you do not release the brakes prematurely or asymmetrically.
Recovery:
The Aspen5 recovers from a full stall automatically once the brakes are smoothly
released. During correct recovery from a full stall the Aspen5 shows no extreme tendencies
such as diving in front of the pilot. If the brakes are released prematurely or too quickly
there is a possible tendency for the glider to dive ahead of the pilot. This can be corrected by
adequate simultaneous braking on both-sides.
Caution:
When exiting a Full Stall, if the brakes are released asymmetrically the glider may
suffer a massive asymmetrical collapse followed by a tendency to enter a spin.
5.3.5 Negative Spin
Initiation:
Slow down by braking to nearly minimum speed. Then pull a brake on one side
all the way down while simultaneously releasing the brake on the other side. Because the
stalled side falls back, the canopy suffers airflow disruption over one half of the wing which
results in a spin and a rapid loss of altitude.
Recovery:
Under normal circumstances the Aspen5 is capable of recovering from a negative
spin automatically when the brakes are released.
Caution:
In general, when there is a very fast or a long-lasting rotation and when the brakes
are released too quickly, the canopy may shoot in front of the pilot followed by a massive
asymmetrical collapse.
Warning:
Whenever a paraglider is not in normal flight and airflow is disrupted there is
always a rapid increase in sink rate and therefore a substantial loss of altitude.
Remember:
When practising SIV the wrong manoeuvre at the wrong time may change a
fairly easy situation into a dangerous problem. You are also exposing your glider to forces
that may damage it. Practise SIV manoeuvres only under the supervision of an instructor and
with a reserve parachute.
6. Maintaining your glider
If you handle your glider with care and store it in a suitable place it can last you a very long
time. On the other hand, neglecting maintenance, bad storage and the use of unsuitable
cleaning products can reduce the lifespan of your glider significantly or may even make it
dangerous.
You must keep to these rules:
Choose a suitable area for your launches. Lines caught on roots or rocks lead to unnecessary
strain on the attachment tabs during inflation. Snagging lines may rip the canopy tissue or
damage lines.
When landing, never let the canopy fall on its leading edge in front of the pilot. The effect
of these forceful collisions and the sudden pressure increase can severely damage the air-
resistant coating of the canopy as well as weaken the ribs and seams.
