9
ENGLISH
RAPID DESCENT TECHNIQUES
Ozone would like to remind you that these manoeuvres should be
learnt under the supervision of a qualified instructor and always used
with caution. Never forget that properly analysing the conditions
before launch will help avoid the need to use these techniques.
Big Ears
Folding in the wingtips increases the wing’s sink rate. This is useful
for staying out of cloud or descending quickly. To pull big ears, keep
hold of your brake handles and take the outermost A-line on each
side, then pull down (preferably one at a time) until the tips of the
wing fold under. The Outer A line is attached to the Baby A riser,
making identification and use of the big ear system easier.
Do not use the brakes other than for re-inflation. For directional con-
trol while using the Big Ears, you should use weight shift.
To reopen your big ears, release both A lines at the same time. To
help reinflation, brake gently one side at a time until tips regain pres-
sure. Avoid deep symmetric applications of the brake as this could
induce parachutal or full stalls.
IMPORTANT: You can land with the ears (you should release
the ears before final flare). Ozone do not advise you to do
this when it’s turbulent or windy due to the risk of a possi-
ble stall and lack of precision in steering.
Big ears and accelerator
Once the big ears are in you can further increase the sink rate by
pushing on the accelerator bar.
NEVER try to pull the Big Ears in with the speed bar on. This
can lead to a major asymmetric deflation. Always make the
Big Ears first and then apply the speed bar.
Active C Riser Control
When gliding at trim or in accelerated flight it is possible to pilot the
wing with the C risers. This gives an improved feel and control over
the wing enabling you to fly actively without using the brakes (which
causes drag and pitch movements). The direct feel allows you to stop
collapses before they happen and maintain higher speeds and higher
levels of efficiency through turbulence.
To fly with the C risers, keep hold of your brake handles (remove
any wraps) and take hold of the handles located at the top of the C
risers. With the C risers you can fly actively through turbulence; If
you feel the nose of the wing lose internal pressure you can apply
pressure to the C’s to keep the nose open. The amount of pressure
and size of the input is dependent on the amount of turbulence, but
always be gentle at first to learn the feel of the wing and to avoid
large pitch movements.
NOTE: This control method is suitable for gliding in good
‘normal’ air without huge turbulence, it does not replace
proper active flying with the brakes in strong turbulent
conditions. If you are unsure about the air return the glider
to trim speed, release the C risers and fly the glider actively
with the brakes.
IMPORTANT: Be careful to use only small inputs to the ris-
ers as you risk stalling part or all of the wing if you are over
enthusiastic. Be prepared for plenty of practice as this new
method may take some time for it to become totally intui-
tive, efficient and comfortable.
