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Cravats
If the tip of your wing gets stuck in the lines, this is called a ‘cravat’. This can make your glider
go into a spiral, which is difficult to control. The first solution to get out of this situation is to
stabilise the glider into normal flight, i.e get control of your direction and then pull down the
stabilo line until the wing tip frees itself. You must be careful with any brake inputs or you
may stall the opposite wing. You can also use strong deep pumps on the brake to the cravated
side, when doing so 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, but without spinning.
Correctly done, this action will clear the cravat.
If it is a very large cravat and the above options have not worked then a full stall is another
option. This should not be attempted unless you have been taught how to do it and can only
be done with a large amount of altitude. Remember if the rotation is accelerating and you are
unable to control it, 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; a very slow release from a B-line stall; 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’. Should it happen, your first reaction should be to fully raise both
brakes, this action alone normally allows the glider to return to normal flight. If nothing
happens after a few seconds, release the trimmers to regain normal flight. Ensure the glider
has returned to normal flight (check your airspeed) before using the brakes again.
Never fly in rain or with a wet wing
, this will significantly increase the likelihood of
parachutal stall. If you are accidently caught-out in a rain shower, land immediately. DO
NOT use big ears as a descent technique; big ears with a wet wing will further increase the
chances of a parachutal stall occurring. Instead, lose height with gentle 360’s and make sure
to consider your air speed during final approach, release the trimmers if necessary.
IMPORTANT
Do not fly your wing
when it is wet.
