7 Pilot’s manual for Golden5
bracing will help the glider turn. In an emergency (e.g. a broken brake line) the glider can be steered
with the rear risers or by weight shift.
Using the speed system
Maximum speed is one of the strong points of Gradient paragliders and Golden5 is no exception. Not
only has the glider a very high maximum speed, but unlike some other 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 with Golden5 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 around 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 cloud base 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.
Golden5 can be steered while Big Ears are in by means of weight shift.
Initiation: Grab the outer A-lines or outer split A-risers 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 Golden5 will open automatically when the A-lines are released.
Opening may be accelerated by gently pumping the brakes (repeated symmetrical braking on both
sides).
CAUTION: The bigger sink rate of the glider increases the angle of attack. By pushing the speed bar, this
effect is compensated.
5.2.2. B-Line Stall
This is an effective rapid descent technique. Depending on how far the B-risers are pulled down, the
sink rate is between 5 m/s 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 practically to zero. Don't be startled when the airflow over the top surface is
interrupted and the glider enters a parachutal stall without moving forward. It will soon stabilise above
