RAPID DESCENT TECHNIQUES
21
NEVER
induce Big
Ears in accelerated
flight, this can lead
to a major deflation.
Always pull the Big
Ears first and then
apply the speed bar.
DO NOT
perform spiral
dives with Big Ears
engaged.
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 wing tips of the Speedster 3 increases its sink rate. This is useful for staying out
of cloud or descending quickly. To pull big ears on the Speedster 3 take hold of the outermost
A-line (Baby A) on each side whilst keeping the brake handles in your hand. Pull down the
baby A risers until the tips of the wing fold under.
Do not use the brakes other than for re-inflation. For directional control while using the Big
Ears, you should use weight shift steering. To reopen your big ears, release both baby As at
the same time. To help re-inflation, brake gently one side at a time until tips regain pressure.
Avoid deep symmetric applications of the brake as this could induce parachutal or full stalls.
Big ears and accelerator
Once the big ears are in you can further increase the sink rate by pushing on the accelerator
bar. Never attempt to induce Big Ears with the speed bar already engaged, always make the
Big ears before accelerating the wing otherwise you risk provoking a major asymmetric or
symmetric deflation.
Big ears and spiral dive
Whilst it is possible to enter a spiral dive whilst holding in Big Ears, the high forces applied
to the lower lines could exceed the breaking strain of the lines leading to equipment failure!
B-Line Stall
B-stall is for fast descents in emergency situations only. B-stall is performed by symmetrically
pulling down on the B-risers. The load applied on the B lines during this manoeuvre is not
very good for your wing; only use it in emergency situations. To initiate the B-stall place
your fingers between the lines above the maillons on the B risers. Do not release the brake
handles. As you pull the B-lines down the airflow over the wing is broken and the glider loses
