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of attack and effective wing-loading will also increase due to the smaller
surface area of the wing.
To re-establish forward speed and the correct angle of attack, the pilot
must accelerate once the ears are pulled.
To activate the ‘Big ears’ manoeuvre, take the outer ‘3 A 3’ line on
each A-riser and simultaneously, smoothly pull them outward and
downward. The wingtips will fold in. Let go of the risers to re-inflate
them automatically. If they do not re-inflate, gently pull on one of the
brake lines and then on the opposite one. We recommend inflating the
wing tips asymmetrically, without major change to the angle of attack,
especially when flying near the ground or flying in turbulence.
5.2 SPIRAL DIVE
This is a more effective way to rapidly lose altitude. Beware that the wing
will experience and be subjected to a tremendous amount of descending
and rotating speed (G-force), which can cause a loss of orientation
and consciousness (blackout). This manoeuvre must therefore be done
gradually to increase one’s capacity to resist the g-force exerted on
the body. With practise, a pilot will fully appreciate and understand it.
Only practise this manoeuvre at high altitude and with enough ground
clearance.
To start the manoeuvre, first weight shift and pull the brake handle
located on the inner side of the turn. The intensity of the turn can be
controlled by braking slightly using the outer brake handle.
A paraglider flying at its maximum rotating speed can reach –20 m/s, or
the equivalent of a 70 km/h vertical descent, and will stabilise in a spiral
dive from 15 m/s onwards. Good enough reasons to familiarise yourself
with the manoeuvre and understand how to exit it.
To exit this manoeuvre, the inner brake handle (down side of the turn)
must progressively be relaxed while momentarily applying tension to the
outer brake handle opposite to the turn. The pilot must also weight shift
and lean towards the opposite side of the turn at the same time.
The exit should be performed gradually and smoothly so that the
changes in pressure and speed can be noted.
When exiting the spiral, the glider will briefly experience an asymmetrical
acceleration and dive, depending on how the manoeuvre was carried out.
Practise these manoeuvres at sufficient altitude and with moderation.
5.3 SLOW DESCENT TECHNIQUE
This technique allows descent without straining the wing or taxing the
pilot. Glide normally while searching for descending air and begin to turn
as if climbing in a thermal, but with the intention to sink.
Common sense has to be used to avoid dangerous areas of rotor when
looking for descending air. Safety is the most important consideration.
6. SPECIAL METHODS
6.1 TOWING
The SKIN 2 does not experience any problem whilst being towed. Only
qualified winch personnel should handle the certified equipment to carry
out this operation. The wing must be inflated similarly as during a normal
takeoff.
It is important to use the brakes to correct the flight path alignment,
especially if the glider begins to turn. Since the wing is subject to a slow
airspeed and with a high positive angle of attack, we must make any
corrections with a high degree of feel and delicacy, in order to avoid a
stall.