Niviuk QUBIK 19, User Manual, Page: 16 / 32

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sufficient speed to prevent the stall. Take care not to pull the brakes while
making the ears as this will make a stall more likely!
5.2 B3 TECHNIQUE
On the new generation paragliders the application of big ears can create
a high degree of trailing edge turbulence. In addition, with the length of
the chord and the arc of the wing, the ears have a tendency to “flap”,
increasing the turbulence and causing the QUBIK to lose too much
airspeed, making it necessary for the pilot to recover it, either using the
the speed-bar or by releasing the ears.
This new rapid descent technique was first discovered by our Niviuk
team pilots in 2009 while flying a competition prototype wing, which,
because of its line plan and high aspect ratio would not allow big ears to
be applied. In fact, big ears on 2-liner wings can often prove difficult.
With the current 2 or 3-liner wings, the inability to pull big ears, or the risk
involved in doing so, concerns many pilots who want to have a controlled
rapid descent technique. For the above reasons we recommend using
the ‘3B3’ line.
This technique easily increases the descent rate without causing
problems and without the risk of causing a collapse while maintaining
high speed.
How? Locate the 3B3 line on your risers and, as you would when
applying big ears, simply pull down firmly and smoothly until you see
both wingtips drop back slightly. The forward speed of the glider speed
will then reduce slightly, quickly stabilise and then increase. You will then
experience a descent rate of around 5-6 m/s.
We recommend the application of the speed-bar whilst using this
technique. Controlled turning of the wing can easily be maintained by
weight shifting, exactly the same as you would with big ears. During this
manoeuvre, the first sensation is a decrease in relative wind and a slight
backwards inclination of the wing, as if going backwards.
To exit the manoeuvre release the lines as you would with big ears,
control the pitch and the wing will quickly adopt normal flight. This new
technique allows a comfortable and controllable rapid descent without
the risk of experiencing a cravat. It is very comfortable and makes turning
simple. We advise you to first try this technique in smooth conditions
with sufficient altitude above appropriate terrain.
This is a new controlled descent technique that only needs a little
practise to be executed with total comfort and effectiveness.
5.3 B-LINE STALL
When carrying out this manoeuvre, the wing stops flying, loses all
horizontal speed and the pilot is no longer in control of the paraglider.
The airflow over the profile is interrupted and the wing enters a situation
similar to parachuting.
To enter this manoeuvre, the B-risers are gripped below the maillons and
symmetrically pulled down together (approx. 20-30 cm) and maintained
in that position.
Initiating the maneuver is physically demanding because it can take
some strength to pull the risers down until the wing is deformed. After
this, the physical effort is less. Continue to hold the risers in position.
Once the wing is deformed, its horizontal speed will drop to 0 km/h;
vertical descending speed increases to –6 to –8 m/s, depending on the
conditions and how the manoeuvre is performed.
To exit the manoeuvre, simultaneously release both risers. The wing will
then slightly surge forward and automatically return to normal flight. It is
better to let go of the lines quickly rather than slowly.
This is an easy descent technique to perform, but remember that
the wing will stop flying, will lose all forward horizontal speed, and
its reactions will change markedly when compared to a normal flight
configuration.
5.4 SPIRAL DIVE