8
Turning
To familiarise yourself with the Magnum2 your first turns should be
gradual and progressive.
To make efficient and co-ordinated turns with the Magnum2 first look
in the direction you want to go, then lean into it. Your first input for
directional change should be weight-shift, followed by the smooth
application of the brake until the desired bank angle is achieved. To
regulate the speed and radius of the turn, use the outer brake. En-
couraging your passenger to weight shift aswell will also improve the
turning characteristics.
IMPORTANT: never initiate a turn at minimum speed (i.e.
with full brakes on) as you could risk entering a spin.
Landing
The Magnum2 shows no unusual landing characteristics but as a
reminder, here are some tips:
Always set up your landing early, give yourself plenty of options
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and a safe margin for error.
Once below 30 metres avoid turning tightly as the glider will
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have to dive to accelerate back to normal flight. If you are at low
altitude, or if you hit sink, this could mean you hit the ground
harder than necessary.
Lean forward out of your harness and move the passenger to
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one side before the actual landing, this allows you both to be
able to run/step without tripping over each other. Do not slow
down gradually, instead, allow the glider to fly at full speed
for your final descent until you are around 1 metre above the
ground. Apply the brakes slowly and progressively to slow the
glider down until the glider stalls and you are able to step on to
the ground. Taking a wrap will allow for a fuller flare.
Be careful not to flare too hard at full speed as the glider might
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climb again before stalling. If the glider does begin to climb, ease
off the brakes until it stops climbing, then flare again, but slower
this time. If this does happen, don’t put your hands up! You
should keep the brakes at mid speed, stand up, be ready to run
Practice ground handling a lot! It’s great fun, and will give you a much
better feel for your Magnum2’s flight characteristics. It will also im-
prove your overall enjoyment of flying by making your launches easier.
Active Flying
To minimise the likelihood of suffering collapses in turbulent condi-
tions, it is essential to fly actively.
All good pilots react to the feedback the gliders send them, and are
constantly adjusting their speed and pitch to match the movements
of the air. The key elements of active flying, are pitch control and
pressure control:
As the glider pitches in front of you, use the brakes to slow it down.
Equally, as the glider drops behind you, release the brakes to allow it
to speed up.
Flying with a small amount of brake applied (approx 20cms) will allow
you to best feel the feed back of the wing. In turbulent conditions the
internal pressure of the wing can change, this can be felt through
the brakes. The aim is to maintain a constant pressure at all times.
If you feel a loss in pressure, apply the brakes until normal pressure
is resumed then raise hands back to original position (this must be
done quickly). Avoid flying with continuous amounts of brake in rough
air as you could inadvertently stall the wing. Always consider your
airspeed.
These movements can be symmetric or asymmetric; you may have to
apply both brakes or just one. These subtle adjustments will keep the
glider flying smoothly and directly above you and dramatically reduce
the chances of a collapse. These are skills are best learnt by playing
with the glider on the ground!
IMPORTANT: No pilot and no glider are immune to collapses
however active flying will virtually eliminate any tendency to
collapse. When the conditions are turbulent, be more active
and anticipate the movements of your wing. Always be aware
of your altitude and do not over-react. We advice you to keep
hold of your brakes. Do not fly in turbulent conditions.
