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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 Icon is not designed to be used for aerobatics.
Alternative (emergency) steering:
If for some reason it becomes impossible to control the Icon with the brake lines the
loops on the C-risers may be used to steer and land the canopy. Attention! Of course
the range is much shorter (5-10 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.
RAPID DESCENTS
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 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 Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon did not show a tendency to remain in a stable
spiral by sink rates up tp 10 m/s 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!
