Niviuk QUBIK 19, User Manual, Page: 14 / 32

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release the brake line tension to regain air speed. When the wing reaches
the overhead position, the brakes must be fully released. The wing will
then surge forward to regain full air speed. Do not brake excessively at
this moment as the wing needs to accelerate to pull away from the stall
configuration. If you have to control a possible frontal collapse, briefly
pull both brake handles down to bring the wing back up and release
them immediately while the glider is still in transition to reposition itself
overhead.
Cravat
A cravat may happen after an asymmetric collapse, when the end
of the wing is trapped between the lines. Depending on the nature
of the tangle, this situation could rapidly cause the wing to spin. The
corrective manoeuvres to use are the same as those applied in case of
an asymmetric collapse: control the turn/spin by applying tension on
the opposite brake and weight shift opposite to the turn. Then locate
the 3STI stabilo line (attached to the wing tip) trapped between the
other lines. This line has a different colour and is located on the outside
position of the B-riser.
Pull this line until it is taut. This action will help to release the cravat. If
ineffective, fly down to the nearest possible landing spot, controlling the
direction with both weight-shift and the use of the brake opposite to the
tangled side. Be cautious when attempting to undo a tangle while flying
near terrain or other paragliders; it may not be possible to continue on
the intended flight path.
Over-controlling
Most flying problems are caused by wrong pilot input, which then
escalates into a cascade of unwanted and unpredicted incidents. We
should note that the wrong inputs can lead to loss of control of the glider.
The QUBIK was designed to recover by itself in most cases. Do not try
to over-correct it!
Generally speaking, the reactions of the wing, which are caused by too
much input, are due to the length of time the pilot continues to over–
control the wing. You have to allow the glider to re-establish normal flying
speed and attitude after any type of incident.
4.3 ACCELERATED FLIGHT
The QUBIK’s profile was designed for stable flight throughout its entire
speed range. The speed-bar can be used in strong winds or significant
sink.
When accelerating the wing, the profile becomes more sensitive to
turbulence and closer to a possible frontal collapse. If a loss in internal
wing pressure is felt, tension on the speed-bar should be reduced to a
minimum and a slight pull on the brake lines is recommended to increase
the wing’s incidence angle. Remember to re-establish the air speed after
correcting the angle of attack.
It is NOT recommended to accelerate near obstacles or in very turbulent
conditions. If necessary, constantly adjust the movements and pressure
on the speed-bar whilst doing the same to the brake lines. This balance
is considered to be ‘active piloting’.
4.4 FLYING WITHOUT BRAKE LINES
If, for any reason at all, the QUBIK’s brake lines become disabled in flight,
it will become necessary to pilot the wing with the C-risers and weight
shifting until landing. The C-lines steer easily because they are not under
much tension, however you will need to be careful and not handle them
too heavily in case this causes a stall or negative spin. The wing must
be flown at full speed during the landing approach, and the C-risers will
have to be pulled symmetrically all the way down shortly before contact
with the ground. This braking method is not as effective as using the
brake lines, and hence the wing will land with a higher ground speed.