7 Pilot’s manual for Nevada2
5.1.3. Flight
Nevada2 is trimmed to fly at best glide when the brakes are fully up. Best sink rate is achieved when both
brakes are drawn down evenly to about 10-15% of their range.
Flying in turbulent conditions
When flying through severe turbulence, stabilise the canopy with simultaneously applying a little brake (C
handles) to both sides. Flying with a little brake applied will also help to prevent deflations and give you
more feedback about the air is doing and how the glider is reacting. Responding correctly to the
paraglider's movement by means of the brakes and weight shift is known as ‘active flying’. A pilot
demonstrating good active-flying skills will significantly reduce both the number and severity of collapses
he or she experiences.
Turning
Nevada2 is very comfortable and pleasant in turns. Handling characteristics are responsive and accurate
and demand no special habits or non-standard procedures. When developing Nevada2 special attention
was devoted to the brake pressure. The result is that brake travel and pressure have been optimised. Brake
pressure is reassuringly progressive. In flight, brakes are firm but responsive and precise and allow perfect
communication with the canopy. You will find that a harness with fairly loose cross-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 Nevada2 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 Nevada2 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.
