MAC PARA Charger2, User Manual, Page: 28 / 40

28
RAPID DESCENT TECHNIQUES
Spiral dive:
Attention! Set trim setting in slow or neutral and turn your paramotor off when
executing spiral dive.
A spiral dive is the fastest way to lose altitude; however, the very high G-forces make it
difficult to sustain a spiral dive for long. It also places high loads on the pilot and glider.
By tensing ones abdominal muscles and a higher body tension you can to some extent
resist the high G-forces. Don't forget proper breathing to keep the blood flowing to avoid
blacking out. As soon as you feel any slight dizziness or impaired vision the spiral should
be exited immediately.
The Charger 2 has a very effective spiral dive. This allows rapid descent without stalling.
To enter a spiral dive the pilot should weight-shift to one side while slowly pulling the brake
gradually on the same side. During a spiral dive the angle of bank can be controlled by
increasing or reducing the amount of inside brake. When spiral diving the Charger 2, it is
recommended that the outside brake be lightly applied. This helps stabilize the wing and
enables an easier and safer exit from the spiral. To exit, release the inside brake slowly.
At higher sink speeds or if the pilot keeps his weight on the inside, the wing can stay in a
continued deep spiral and has to be actively exited. This is done by weight shifting to the
outside and gently applying brake to the opposite side.
WARNING!! Nearly all gliders will have a tendency to stay in the spiral if the sink-rate
exceeds approximately 15-m/s depending on weight-shifting, wing loading and G-force.
In fact most gliders need a counter-input to end a turn.
Attention! Due to energy retention, the glider will climb a lot after a deep spiral-dive
release. If you apply inner brake and decelerate the glider for two or three turns, big
pendulum effects can be avoided.
WARNING!!
Practise spiralling with caution and lower sink-rates to get a feel for the
gliders behaviour. A pilot who is dehydrated or not accustomed to spiralling can lose
consciousness in a steep spiral dive!
WARNING!!
Never do big ears in a spiral! This manoeuvre can lead to a smaller number
of lines carrying an excessive load multiplied by the centrifugal force. It could lead to
damage of the lines and or the paraglider itself.