ICARO PANDION 2, Manual

Page: 12 / 28

Page 12
Version 1/ 2023
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using brakes during or directly after exiting,
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Brakes must not be shortened by twisting around your hand during the
exercise.
Spiral Dive
With stronger, one-sided control line pull and corresponding weight shifting, the
paraglider takes on a clear lateral inclination and flies fast, steep turns, which can
continue up to a spiral dive. When initiating a turn, always release the outer brake
line completely and allow the glider time to absorb the turning movement.
Once you are in the spiral, take a neutral pilot position by taking back the weight
shifted to the inside of the turn. Apply the outer brake so strongly that the glider
cannot accelerate any further. In the spiral phase the inner brake remains static
(only minor corrections), via the outer brake you control the spiral (steeper or
flatter). If the glider slows down, release the brake a little, if it speeds up, apply the
outer brake more. Try to keep the pressure on the inner brake relatively constant.
To exit the turn, shift your weight slightly to the outside, release the inside brake in
a controlled manner and gently apply the brakes on the outside of the turn until
you notice that the glider starts to straighten up. Reduce the turn energy in circles
until the canopy is normally above you.
Here is a summary of the most important points:
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Initiate in a controlled manner and do not pull through abruptly. If the steering
lines are pulled through too far or too fast, there is a risk of stall. Note that
control pressures in a spiral dive are much higher than in normal flight.
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If the outside brake is not applied enough, the glider can go into a very steep
spiral, because on the one hand it is not prevented from "going on the nose",
and on the other hand the outer wing is prevented from collapsing, which would
normally dampen a too aggressive acceleration and transition into the spiral
dive.
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If you spiral stably under unfavorable conditions, the spiral dive must be actively
rejected. This is done by decisively breaking the outer side of the turn in
addition to shifting your weight outwards until you notice that the glider starts to
straighten up. Then brake again sensitively on the inside of the turnover several
turns until normal flight is achieved. During this process the glider can pitch
forward strongly, and you must slow it down with dosed use of the brakes.
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Always check the sink rate! Do not put weight in the spiral as well but follow the
centrifugal force. The sink rates in the spiral can be very high and therefore also
the g-load for the body. Depending on the physical constitution, this can also
lead to unconsciousness. If there are any signs of dizziness or blackout,
immediately exit the spiral in a controlled manner.
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Only fly the spiral dive if you have mastered this maneuver and it is necessary.
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With high sink rates, make sure that the wing turns and pitches further
forward, so that you must pull the wing harder.