7.
centrifugal forces. Forces of greater than 3G are possible – a great strain on the pilot as well
as the glider.
Initiation:
Smoothly pull on one brake so that the glider goes from a normal 360-degree turn
into a steep turn and from there into a spiral dive. The transition into a spiral dive can be
made easier by weight shifting to the inner side of the turn. Keep an eye on the tension of
the brakes all the time: reduced tension signals an overload of the glider and danger of falling
into a negative spin.
Recovery:
The Golden4 recovers from a Spiral Dive automatically as soon as the brakes are
released. Release them smoothly and always finish a Spiral Dive with safe altitude!
CAUTION:
When exiting the Spiral Dive make sure your position in the harness is neutral.
Recovery from a Spiral Dive can be delayed if you are weight shifting to the inner side of the
turn.
5.3 SIV manoeuvres
No matter what category of canopy you fly or what level of certification it has, in
turbulence or in strong thermals you may experience all kinds of collapses. The
Golden4 behaves comfortably in these situations. Indeed, not only does the glider
deal with extreme flight situations automatically, but it also offers an above-average
degree of safety. Even so, you must follow all safety rules when practising SIV.
Always pay attention to your altitude.
Before performing any SIV manoeuvre remember:
Practise throwing your reserve on the ground, in a simulator, so that reserve deployment is
efficient and automatic.
Rapid altitude loss and considerable rotational forces may develop during unstable
manoeuvres. Take account of these factors when throwing your reserve.
5.3.1. Asymmetric Collapse – one side of the canopy collapses
Initiation:
Take hold of the outer A-lines (outer A-riser) on one side and pull them down
smoothly. The wing tip will collapse to form a characteristic Big Ear. The size of the ear
depends on the depth to which the lines are pulled as well as the number of lines pulled
down. You can stop any turn tendency by applying the opposite brake and by weight shifting
onto the inflated side of the canopy.
Recovery:
Under normal conditions the Golden4 will re-inflate spontaneously when the
pulled lines are released. Inflation time and loss of altitude can be reduced by suitable piloting.
To stop any tendency to turn off course pull the brake on the inflated side (be careful not to
overreact and stall the inflated side) and weight shift to that side. If the collapse remains then
re-inflate the collapsed side by “pumping” the brake on the collapsed side.
5.3.2. Full Frontal Collapse
Initiation:
Take hold of both A-risers at the top and pull them down until the leading edge
collapses.
Recovery:
In normal conditions the Golden4 will recover normal flight automatically as soon
as the front risers are released. Applying the brakes on both sides simultaneously can help
re-open the paraglider
5.3.3. Deep Stall
Initiation:
Pull both brakes smoothly until the sink rate increases markedly and the forward
speed reaches almost zero. The pull on the brakes should be controlled so that the canopy
stays inflated and doesn’t fall back into a full stall.
