Gradient s.r.o., Plzenska 221/130, 150 00 Praha 5, tel+fax +420257216319, www.gradient.cx, [email protected].
8.
5.3.4 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 separation over one half of the wing which
results in a spin and a rapid loss of altitude.
Recovery:
Under normal circumstances the BiGolden3 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:
In all regimes where the air flow is separated there is always a rapid increase in sink
rate and therefore a substantial loss of altitude.
And remember:
A wrong manoeuvre at the wrong time may change a fairly easy situation
into a dangerous problem. Furthermore you are exposing your glider to forces which may
damage it. So practise your piloting abilities for these special flight regimes only under the
supervision of your instructor and with a reserve parachute.
6. Maintanence and storage
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 lifetime 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
strains 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 weakening the ribs and seams.
Protect the canopy from unnecessary strain. Inconsiderate handling of your glider, namely
pulling it over grass, soil, sand or even over rocks, will significantly reduce its lifetime and
increase its air-porosity.
When preparing the paraglider for a launch or when ground handling, be sure not to step on
any of the lines or the canopy.
Don’t tie any unnecessary knots in the lines. A packing method where special knots are made
in the lines as used on parachutes and reserve parachutes aren’t suitable for packing the
lines used on paragliders.
Protect your canopy and lines from unnecessary exposure to sunlight. UV-rays can damage
many parts of a paraglider.
Try not to pack your glider when wet. If there’s no other way then dry it as soon as possible
but away from direct sunlight.
Don’t let your glider come into contact with sea water. If it does, rinse (the lines, canopy and
risers) with fresh water and dry before storing.
After flight or when storing, always use the inner protection sack.
When storing or during transport make sure your glider isn’t exposed to temperatures higher
than 50 degrees Celsius.
