17
Spin (or negative spin):
Wingover:
Alternative (emergency) steering:
Pulling brake on one side too fast or too hard can result in a negative spin. During a spin
the canopy turns relatively fast around the centre section of the canopy while the inner
wing flies backwards (hence the term negative).
!
One brake line is being pulled down too far and too fast (e.g. when inducing a spiral
dive)
!
When flying at low speed one side is being braked too hard (e.g. when thermaling).
To recover from an unintentional spin, the pulled down brake line should be immediately
released as soon as a spin is suspected. The canopy will accelerate and return to its normal
straight and stable flying position, without losing too much height. If the spin is allowed to
develop for some time, the glider surges a long way forward on one side and a dynamic
asymmetric collapse or a line-over can occur. Gently apply the brakes to avoid side or
central collapse of the canopy and the possibility of a cravat (one of the tips becoming
entangled in the lines). See part collapses on page 15.
WARNING!! If you are LOW and are in an unintentional spin, or if the canopy is caught in a
cravat USE YOUR RESERVE.
To induce a wingover the pilot flies consecutive alternating turns to gradually steepen the
angle of bank. During wingovers with a high bank angle, the outside wing begins to unload.
Further increase of the angle of bank must be avoided, because any possible resulting
collapse may be quite dynamic!
WARNING! Full-stall, spin and wingover (over 90 degree angle of bank) are prohibited
aerobatic manoeuvres and may not be performed during normal flying. Incorrect
recovery procedures or overreacting of the pilot may have dangerous consequences!
Attention! The Eden 4 is not designed to be used for aerobatics.
If for some reason it becomes impossible to control the Eden 4 with the brake lines the D-
risers may be used to steer and land the canopy. Attention! Of course the range is much
shorter (10-15 cm) then with the brakes. It is also possible to control the direction of the
flight by pulling on a stabilizer line or by weight-shifting.
There are two usual reasons for an unintentional spin:
18
RAPID DESCENTS
Spiral dive:
Big ears:
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 and it can place 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! As soon as any,
even slight, light dizziness or impaired vision is noticed the spiral should be exited
immediately.
The Eden 4 has a very effective spiral dive. This allows rapid descent without stalling.
To enter a spiral dive the pilot should weight-shift on one side while slowly pulling the
brake gradually on the same side as weight-shifting. During a spiral dive the angle of
bank can be controlled by increasing or reducing the amount of inside brake. When
spiral diving the Eden 4 it is recommended that the outside brake is lightly applied.
This helps stabilize the wing and enables an easier and safer exit from the spiral. To
exit, release the inside brake slowly. The Eden 4 did not show a tendency to remain
in a stable spiral during testing. At high 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 gentler braking of the outside wing.
WARNING!! Nearly all gliders will have a tendency to stay in the spiral if the sink-rate
exceeds around 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!
When in big-ears, the horizontal speed is higher than the sink rate, unlike a spiral dive or
a B-line stall. This rapid descent technique is used to quickly and horizontally exit a
dangerous area in the desired direction. In order to collapse the outside wing, pull the
outside A-lines.
When the pilot holds the outside A1-risers on both sides and pulls them down, the
Eden 4 easily tucks the outside wings and enters a stable descent mode. The pilot
keeps hold of the brake handles along with the outside A1-risers in his hands. By
braking on one side and weight-shifting, the canopy remains steerable.
