9
Collapse of the canopy
Remember this is a glider with unspectacular reactions to disturbances in the air.
Whenever in doubt, let up the brakes and let the glider fly. The glider has a high internal
pressure, resistance to tucking and very high degree of passive safety. It is
recommended that at this stage you already start to practising an active flying style. The
key to active piloting is keeping the glider above your head at all times. We recommend
in principle that you hold the brake handle in your hand whenever possible, or fly with
your hands through the brake handles, to allow you to react immediately to any possible
disturbances.
This form of collapse occurs most frequently, caused by turbulence.
Pull the outermost A-line slowly down, until the edge of the canopy folds in. The canopy
collapses furthest if you pull A-riser violently down. This causes up to 70 % of the leading
edge to close up, and results in the canopy going into a spiral towards the collapsed side.
If the harness is too loosely adjusted, in a more extreme collapse you will fall in the
direction of the folded-in side, thus unintentionally magnifying the canopy's tendency to
turn.
Recovery
Basically the VELVIA will re-open by itself from closures of up to 70% by turning of 90°.
The time this takes, and the associated loss of height, can however be noticeably
reduced by appropriate action by the pilot. Apply opposite brakes on the un-collapsed
side, the outside of the curve, to stop the turning movement of the canopy. If you react
immediately, 30% brake on the open side should suffice to hold the canopy on a straight
course.
WARNING!!
If you fly with your hands through the brake handles, you may lose valuable
time for activating the rescue system.
WARNING!!
Especially in turbulence, you
must
first stop the canopy turning, before you
pump out the collapsed side. When the canopy is stable again, open it by pulling the
brake lines on the closed side. If it is tangled, pumping the brake line should help.
WARNING!!
Take care to avoid applying too much brake when pumping out the
deflation, as this may disrupt the airflow over the canopy and lead to a stall.
Asymmetrical collapse
Initiation
10
WARNING!!
In the case of a cravat which pumping of the brakes fails to release - apply
50% -70% brake on the open side of the canopy to stop rotation. Then pull the caught
line carefully to release it then pump out the affected side. Take care to avoid applying
too much brake when pumping out the deflation, as this may disrupt the airflow over the
canopy and lead to a stall.
NOTE!!
Envy usually opens from frontal tuck by itself. If counter braking, be careful - do
not brake too much. You could cause glider to begin a full stall with following surge
forwards.
Symmetrical collapse - "Big-Ears"
Frontal deflation
Initiation
Whilst maintaining contact with the brakes, grip the outermost A line on both sides.. Work
your hands as high as possible on these outermost A -lines, until you have enough to be
able to pull on them without pulling second A-lines as well. Pull outer A-lines down
simultaneously. The further you pull the A-lines, the greater the area of canopy that will
collapse (and the greater will be the sink rate).
Recovery
As soon as you release outer A-lines, the VELVIA will open slowly.(The recovery
depends on pilot's weight.) You can speed up its opening by light braking. If in extreme
cases the lines get tangled, pumping (pulling repeatedly) the brake lines should help.
If you feel strong turbulence coming, first step off the speedbar. Sometimes you may
have to pull both brakes to avoid a deflation.
Initiation
Hold the brake handles in your hands and grip A-risers at the level of connection with
lines. Now pull down far enough to make the whole leading edge fall in (the further you
pull, the more area folds in).
Recovery
As soon as you release the A-risers, the VELVIA opens by itself and the glider will
recover with a small surge. You can speed up this process by light braking. If the A-risers
are held too long, the canopy could fold in the middle with the wing tips going forward.
