NIVIUK GLIDERS IKUMA 21, User Manual

Page: 12 / 25

12
To carry out this maneuver you have to take the B and B’-risers below
the maillons and symmetrically pull both of them down (approx. 20-30
cms) and then hold this position. The initial phase is quite physical (hard
resistance) which means that you will have to pull strongly until the profile
of the wing is deformed, when this happens the required force will then
significantly reduce. To maintain this maneuver you must continue to hold
the B and B’ lines in the pulled down position. The wing will then become
deformed, horizontal speed drops to 0 km/h and vertical speed increases
to –6 to –8 m/s depending on the conditions and how the maneuver has
been performed.
To exit the maneuver, simultaneously release both risers, the wing will
then slightly surge forward and then automatically return to normal flight.
It is better to let go of the lines quickly rather than slowly. This is an easy
maneuver but you must remember that the wing stops flying, it loses all
horizontal movement and its reactions are very different compared to
normal flight.
5.4 SPIRAL DIVE
This is a more effective way for rapidly losing height. You have to
know that, the wing can gain a lot of vertical speed and rotation speed
(G force). This can cause a loss of orientation and consciousness
(blackouts). These are the reasons why it is best to carry out this
maneuver gradually so your capacity to resist the G forces increases and
you will learn to fully appreciate and understand the maneuver. Always
practice this maneuver when flying at high altitude.
To start the maneuver, first lean your bodyweight and pull the brake line
to the side to which you are leaning. You can regulate the intensity of the
turn by applying a little outside brake.
A paraglider flying at its maximum turn speed can reach –20 m/s,
equivalent 70 km/h vertical speed and stabilize in a spiral dive from 15
m/s onwards.
These are the reasons why you should be familiar with the maneuver and
know how to carry out the exit methods.
To exit this maneuver you must progressively release the inside brake and
also momentarily apply outside brake. Whilst doing this you must also lean
your bodyweight towards the outside. This exit maneuver has to be carried
out gradually and with smooth movements so you can feel the pressure
and speed changes at the same time.
The after effect of the exit maneuver is that the glider will rock briefly with
lateral surge, depending on how the maneuver has been carried out.
Practice these movements at sufficient altitude and with moderation.
5.5 SLOW DESCENT TECHNIQUE
Using this technique (do not hurry to descend) we will fly normally,
without forcing neither the material nor the pilot. It means looking for
descending air areas and turn as it was a thermal – in order to descend.
We have to avoid danger areas when looking for descent zones. Safety is
the most important thing.
6. SPECIAL METHODS
6.1 TOWING
The IKUMA does not experience any problem whilst being towed. Only
qualified personnel should handle the qualified equipment to carry out this
operation. The wing has to be inflated in the same way as in normal flight.
6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHT
Although the IKUMA has been tested by expert acrobatic pilots in
extreme situations, it HAS NOT been designed for acrobatic flight and
we DO NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF THIS GLIDER for that use.
We consider acrobatic flight to be any form of piloting that is different
to normal flight. To learn safely how to master acrobatic maneuvers