ICARO paragliders Sitta, Manual

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Page 12
The more turbulent the weather conditions and when near the ground, the
less acceleration should be used. Using the accelerator decreases the angle
of attack and can make the glider more prone to collapse.
Do not use the acceleration system and brakes at the same time! It is very
dangerous to use both simultaneously as it can result in serious collapses.
Turning
A combined steering technique is suitable for every situation.
The glider is very agile and reacts to steering impulses quickly and directly.
Strong, one sided pulling of the brakes brings the glider into an obvious side angle
and the glider flies fast steep curves until spiral dive begins.
If the brake lines are pulled too fast or too far the glider will be stalled!
A one-sided stall is signalized clearly by: The curves inner side of the wing is
getting soft, and nearly stops. In this case you have to release the brake line!
Landing
The SITTA is faster than gliders with normal sizes but also easy to land.
Always stand up in the harness in the landing position very early in order to be
able to react as fast as possible to sudden events.
Give yourself plenty of options and a safe margin of error. Set up your final landing
leg to face into the wind to minimize groundspeed. If you leave the inflated leading
edge bang on the ground, this can cause the cell walls to burst!
Do not break it too much, to avoid a stall of the glider in this very low
altitude! Do not reduce height by “pumping” with the brakes.
Descent Techniques
Training of descent techniques and simulation of flight incidents (SFI)
should only take place at professional safety training seminars with
professional trainer and only while flying over water.
Before inducing any exercise control the airspace beneath.
During the exercises stay in contact with the canopy.
If the glider is out of control, use your reserve parachute.
Big Ears
Only take the outer line of the A-risers in your hand, without releasing the brakes
and pull down leaving it run through your hands (use gloves!). Sink ride increases
but not the forward speed. If you use the acceleration system then higher sink
speeds can be achieved. Reopen the wing by pushing up with your hands and if
necessary then pump the brakes with short symmetric movements.
For directional control while using the big ears, you should use weight shift. As the
controls cannot be used to fly actively with big ears, the pitching movement has to
be compensated for with the help of the accelerator.
Never attempt tight turns or spirals with Big Ears, as the A-lines will be over
stressed.