Niviuk ARTIK 5, User Manual

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4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS
TTo become familiar with the manoeuvres described below, we
recommend practising within the environment of a licensed training outfit.
You must adapt your use of the brakes depending on the wing-loading
and avoid over-steering.
It is important to note that the type of reaction to a manoeuvre can vary
from one size of wing to another, and even within the same size the
behaviour and reactions may be different depending on the wing-loading.
In the test report, you will find all the necessary information on how to
handle your new wing during each of the tested manoeuvres. Having this
information is crucial to know how to react during these manoeuvres in
real flight, so you can deal with these situations as safely as possible.
Asymmetric collapse
In spite of the ARTIK 5’s profile stability, strong turbulent air may cause
the wing to collapse asymmetrically in very strong turbulence, especially
if you do not fly actively and prevent the collapse. In this case the glider
conveys a loss of pressure through the brake lines and the harness.
To prevent the collapse from happening, pull the brake handle on the
affected side of the wing. It will increase the incidence of the wing
(angle of attack). If the collapse does happen, the ARTIK 5 will not react
violently, the turning tendency is gradual and easily controlled. Weight-
shift toward the open, flying side (the opposite side of the collapse) to
keep the wing flying straight, while applying light brake pressure to that
side if necessary. Normally, the collapsed side of the wing should then
recover and reopen by itself. If it does not, try to weight-shift towards the
collapsed side. If this does not resolve the issue, pull the brake handle
on the collapsed side decisively and quickly all the way (100%) down
and release it back up immediately. You may have to repeat this action
to provoke the re-opening of the collapsed glider side. Do not over-brake
or slow down the flying side of the wing (control the turn). Once the
collapsed side is open make sure you return to normal flying speed.
Frontal collapse
Due to the ARTIK 5’s design, in normal flying conditions frontal collapses
are unlikely to take place. The wing’s profile has great buffering abilities
when dealing with extreme incidence changes. A frontal collapse
may occur in strong turbulent conditions, entering or exiting powerful
thermals. Frontal collapses usually re-inflate without the glider turning,
but a symmetrically applied quick braking action with a quick deep pump
of both brakes will accelerate the re-inflation if necessary. Release the
brake lines immediately to return to default glider air speed.
Negative spin
A negative spin does not conform to the ARTIK 5’s normal flight
behaviour. Certain circumstances however, may provoke a negative spin
(such as trying to turn when flying at very low air speed whilst applying
a lot of brake). It is not easy to give any specific recommendation about
this situation other than quickly restoring the wing’s default air speed
and angle of attack by progressively reducing the tension on the brake
lines. The normal wing reaction will be to have a lateral surge on the re-
accelerated side with a rotation not greater than 360º before returning to
default air speed and a straight flight path trajectory.
Parachutal stall
The possibility of entering or remaining in a parachutal stall have been
eliminated from the ARTIK 5.
A parachutal stall is virtually impossible with this wing. If it did enter into
a parachutal stall, the wing loses forward motion, becomes unstable
and there is a lack of pressure on the brake lines, although the canopy
appears to be fully inflated. To regain normal air speed, release brake line
tension symmetrically and manually push on the A-lines or weight-shift
your body to any side WITHOUT PULLING ON THE BRAKE LINES.
Deep Stall
The possibility of the ARTIK 5 stalling during normal flight is very unlikely.
It could only happen if you are flying at a very low air speed, whilst over-