Ozone Enzo 3, Pilot'S Manual

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INCIDENTS IN FLIGHT
EN
15
14
Deflations
Due to the flexible form of a paraglider, turbulence may cause a portion of the wing to collapse. This can
be anything from a small 30% (asymmetric) collapse to a complete (symmetric) collapse.
If you have a collapse, the first thing to do is to control your direction. You should fly away from the ground
or obstacles and other pilots. Asymmetric collapses should be controlled by weight shifting away from the
collapsed side and applying enough brake to control your direction. This action alone will often be enough
for a full recovery of the wing, however if the wing remains closed positive brake input is required on the
deflated side to encourage reinflation.
Once a glider is deflated it is effectively a smaller wing, so the wing loading and stall speed are higher.
This means the glider will spin or stall with less brake input than normal. In your efforts to stop the glider
turning towards the collapsed side you must be very careful to not stall the flying side. If you are unable
to stop the glider turning without exceeding the stall point then allow the glider to turn whilst you reinflate
the collapse.
If you have a deflation which does not spontaneously reinflate, make deep hard inputs on the deflated
side. This pumping action should take about 1-2 seconds per pump, pumping too short and fast will not
reinflate the wing and pumping too slow might take the glider close to, or beyond, the stall point.
Symmetrical collapses normally reinflate without pilot input, however 15 to 20cm of brake applied quickly
and symmetrically will reduce the size if the collapse and speed up the recovery process. After a symmetric
collapse always consider your airspeed. Make sure the glider is not in parachutal stall before making any
further inputs.
If the wing collapses in accelerated flight, immediately release the accelerator and manage the collapse
using the same methods described above.
Cravats
If the tip of your wing gets stuck in the lines, this is called a cravat. Due to the large amount of drag,
cravats can turn your wing into a spiral dive very quickly, this can be disorientating and difficult to control
if allowed to develop. To recover from a cravat immediately anticipate the movement of the wing, first
stabilise the direction of your wing with outside brake and weight shift. Once you have control of the
rotation and sink rate apply strong deep pumps of the brake on the cravated side whilst weight shifting
away from the cravated side. It is important to lean away from the cravat otherwise you risk spinning or
deepening the spiral. The aim is to empty the air out of the wing tip whilst it is unloaded. Correctly done,
this action will clear the cravat. Smaller wing tip cravats can be cleared by pulling the stabilo line but it is
normally more efficient to clear them with a deep hard input.
If it is a very large cravat and the above options have not worked then a stabilised parachutal or full stall
are other options. This should not be attempted unless you know what you are doing and have a large
amount of altitude. Remember if the rotation is accelerating and you are unable to stabilise the wing or
control the decent rate, you should throw your reserve parachute whilst you still have enough altitude.
Deep Stall / Parachutal Stall
It is possible for gliders to enter a state of parachutal stall. This can be caused by several situations
including; flying too slowly; too much B riser input; flying the glider when wet; or after a front/symmetric
deflation. The glider often looks as though it has recovered properly but carries on descending vertically
without full forward motion. This situation is called ‘deep stall’ or ‘parachutal stall’.
Your first reaction should be to fully raise both hands. This normally allows the glider to return to normal
flight but If nothing happens after a few seconds, apply the speed bar to encourage the wing to regain
normal flight. Ensure the glider has returned to normal flight (check your airspeed) before using the brakes
again.
Do not fly in rain or when the wing is wet, doing so significantly increases the likelihood of parachutal stalls
occurring. To reduce the chance of stalling in rain avoid using deep brake movements or Big Ears. Find a
safe area to land and using the speed bar, maintain a good airspeed at all times.
IMPORTANT
A bad preparation
on launch, aerobatic
flying, flying a wing of
too high a level or in
conditions too strong
for your ability are
the main causes of
cravats.
IMPORTANT
Only a few cms of
input from your
brakes can maintain
your wing in the stall.
Always fully release
your brakes to recover
normal flight.
IMPORTANT
NEVER fly in the rain
or with a wet glider.