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Symmetric Collapse
A glider may collapse symmetrically when flying through sudden down draughts in
a front stall or by pulling strongly on the A-risers. The leading edge collapses
abruptly along the whole wing span. The pendulum movement is eased by
applying the brakes and speeds up re-inflation. Your NIKITA 2 normally re-inflates
promptly in a symmetric collapse without pilot input. Applying the brakes
symmetrically will speed things up.
Cravat
It matters on a flight failure during a maneuver or after a botched D-bag
activation.The NIKITA 2 turns off very quickly, and can be stabilized with the outer
brake only with much feeling.
There are a few ways to try to rectify this situation:
•
Try pumping on the side of the cravat
•
Pull the stabilo line (the outermost B-line)
•
Actively collapse the cravat side and release
•
If all else fails, attempt a full stall – only if sufficient altitude remains.
Attention: If you have exhausted all these options, you are uncertain how
to proceed and you do not have control over your glider and
you are running out of altitude, immediately deploy your reserve
parachute.
Emergency Steering
Should it no longer be possible to steer your NIKITA 2, for example due to a
broken line, the glider may be steered by gently pulling on either D-riser.
Attention: Handling will be more direct so be careful not to pull too hard. A
good way to get practice is during ground handling.
Full Stall
To initiate a full stable stall, apply both brakes to maximum arm extension. If
possible grasp the seat of your harness to assist keeping your arms locked.
Attention: It is imperative that the pilot fully completes this manoeuvre and
holds on, as a premature release while the glider is still falling
back may cause the glider to rapidly dive ahead past the pilot.
There is a possibility of the pilot landing in or entangling in the
glider.
Do not –under any circumstances- release at this point. The glider will slow down
and stall, falling quickly behind the pilot. Avoid the urge to release. The pilot will
swing back under the canopy and finally the canopy will stabilize to a full stall.
Attention: Spin and full stall are both dangerous and somewhat
unpredictable manoeuvres. Do not stall or spin your paraglider
on purpose. However it is very important to learn how to
recognize the symptoms of a glider about to stall or spin so that
you can take correct action to avoid it happening.
