5.
paragliders the full speed range is useable. Don’t forget that any collapse at full speed will
be more severe than the same event experienced at normal trim speed.. Always keep both
hands on the controls when flying fast in turbulence and be ready to release the speed
system immediately at the first sign of a collapse. Use the speed system very carefully, or not
at all at low altitude.
5.1.4. Landing
Landing the Avax XC5 is very simple and shouldn’t cause any problem. On your first flights
you may be surprised at how well it glides. Take account of this when making your landing
approach! Into wind, at about one metre above the ground pull the brakes down all the way.
In nil-wind conditions, or if forced to make an emergency landing downwind, you may prefer
to take a wrap of each control line to enable a more dynamic flare.
5.2. Fast descent
Sooner or later every pilot will need to descend quickly. It might be because of a sudden
and unexpected change in the weather, reaching cloudbase and not wishing to enter cloud,
or simply because you need to finish your flight quickly. Additionally, if landing is thermic, it
is often very difficult to land without using a rapid-descent method. There are three main
methods for achieving a rapid descent and they are: Big Ears, B-Line Stall and Spiral Dive.
Practise these manoeuvres under the supervision of an instructor and with a reserve
parachute. Never compromise your safety.
5.2.1. Big Ears
This is the easiest technique for a rapid descent. Depending on how much of the wing tip you
deflate, 3 m/s to 6 m/s sink rate can be achieved. While in Big Ears your sink rate and forward
speed can be further increased by using the speed system. The Avax XC5 can be steered
while Big Ears are in by means of weight shift.
Initiation:
Grab the outer A-lines on both sides as high as possible and pull them down
smoothly. Hold them firmly. The effective area of the glider is reduced equally on both sides
of the wing. The size of the deflated area depends on how deeply the lines are pulled down
(or on the number of lines pulled – one or two outer lines on both sides). Be sure to pull both
sides equally.
Recovery:
Under normal circumstances the Avax XC5 will open when the A-lines are released.
Opening may be accelerated by pumping the brakes gently (repeated symmetrical braking
on both sides).
5.2.2. B-Line Stall
Depending on how much the B-risers are pulled down, the sink rate is between 5 and 8 m/s.
Initiation:
Grab the B-risers at the top and smoothly pull them down until the canopy shows a
spanwise crease where the B-lines attach to the sail. Your sink rate will increase considerably
while your forward speed will decrease ractically to zero. Don’t be startled when the airflow
over the top surface is interrupted and the canopy enters a parachutal stall without moving
forward. It will soon stabilise above your head.
Recovery:
On releasing the B-risers the Avax XC5 automatically returns to normal flight
without staying in deep stall (sackflug) or shooting in front of the pilot. Let go of the risers
smoothly and symmetrically.
Caution:
Do everything symmetrically and at the same time. If the B-risers are released
unevenly the canopy can enter a turn. If the risers are released slowly and very unevenly you
could enter a spin.
