Niviuk PEAK 4, User Manual

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9
4. IN FLIGHT
4.1 FLYING IN TURBULENCE
The PEAK 4’s profile withstands different turbulent conditions thus
allowing the best piloting and stability. It reacts admirably in passive
flight, thus offering a high level of safety in turbulent conditions.
Nonetheless, the pilot always has to pilot according to the prevailing
weather conditions. The pilot is the ultimate safety factor.
We recommend active piloting, making the necessary fine adjustments to
keep the wing in control. He/she should stop braking to allow it to fly at
the required wing speed after a correction is made.
Do not maintain any correction for longer than necessary (braked) this
would cause the wing to enter into critical flying situation. Whenever
necessary, control a situation, react to it and then re-establish the
required speed.
4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS
We recommend paying special attention on the flight test report made
by the certification laboratory, and specially attention to the test pilot
comments (Point 25 on the flight test report).
On the flight test report there is all necessary information to know how the
new glider will react on each manoeuvre tested.
It is important to take into account that each size can have a different
reaction on the same maneuver. Furthermore, the same size on maximum
load o minimum load can experiment a different behavior.
Knowing how the glider is going to react when maneuvering is the best
way to face every possible situation with success.
We recommend that training to master these maneuvers be carried out
under the supervision of a competent school.
Asymmetric collapse
In spite of the great stability of the profile of the PEAK 4, heavy turbulent
conditions may cause part of the wing to collapse asymmetrically. This
usually happens when the pilot has not foreseen this possible reaction of
the wing. When the wing is about to experience an asymmetric collapse
the brake lines and the harness will transmit a loss of pressure to the pilot.
To prevent the collapse from happening, pull the brake line corresponding
to the compromised side of the wing, this will increase the angle of
incidence. If the collapse does happen the PEAK 4 will not react violently,
the turn tendency is very gradual and it is easily controlled. Lean your
body towards the side that is still flying in order to counteract the turn and
to maintain a straight course, if necessary slightly slow down the same
side. The collapse will normally open by itself but if that does not happen,
pull completely on the brake line on the side, which has collapsed (100%).
Do this with a firm movement. You may have to repeat this operation to
provoke the re-opening. Take care not to over-brake on the side that is
still flying (turn control) and when the collapse has been solved; remember
to let the wing recover its flying speed.
Symmetric collapse
In normal flying conditions the design of the PEAK 4 ensures that a
symmetric collapse is quite improbable. The profile of the wing has been
designed to widely tolerate extreme changes in the angle of incidence. A
symmetric collapse may occur in heavy turbulent conditions, on entry or
exit of strong thermals or lack of adapting the use of the accelerator to the
prevailing air conditions. Symmetrical collapses usually re-inflate without
the glider turning but you can symmetrically apply the brake lines with
a quick deep pump to quicken the re-inflation. Release the brake lines
immediately to recover optimum flight speed.
Negative spin