Ozone Speedster 2, Pilot'S Manual

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ADVANCED FLIGHT TECHNIQUES
EN
17
16
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 wing tips of the Speedster 2 increases its sink rate. This is useful for staying out
of cloud or descending quickly. To pull big ears on the Speedster 2 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 its forward speed but remains open and you will descend at
around 6 m/s. If you pull too much B-line the glider may horseshoe and move around a lot.
To exit the B-stall the B-risers should be released symmetrically and in one smooth, fast
progressive motion. The glider will resume normal forward flight without further input. Check
you have forward flight again before using the brakes. Do not release the B lines slowly, this
may lead to a parachutal stall.
Spiral Dives
If you turn your Speedster 2 in a series of tightening 360’s it will enter a spiral dive. This will
result in rapid height loss.
To initiate a spiral dive, look and lean in to the direction you want to turn and then smoothly
apply the inside brake. The Speedster 2 will first turn almost 360 degrees before it drops into
the spiral (depending on the input). Once in the spiral you should apply a little outside brake
to keep the outer wing tip pressured and inflated.
Safe descent rates are possible but high speeds and high G-forces can build quickly leading
to disorientation. Excessive G forces can lead to loss of consciousness. High descent rates,
especially when combined with high hangpoint power units increases the likelihood of the
wing remaining neutral or possibly unstable in spiral.
To exit the spiral dive, weight shift away from the direction of rotation and smoothly release
the inside brake. As the Speedster 2 decelerates allow it to continue to turn until enough
energy is lost for it to return to level flight without an excessive climb and surge. Always be
prepared to pilot the wing out of a spiral dive. In case of neutrality/instability use opposite
weight shift and smoothly apply enough outside brake to provoke the glider to exit the spiral.
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.
IMPORTANT
Always be prepared
to pilot the wing out
of a spiral dive. Use
opposite weight shift
and apply enough
outside brake to
stop the wing from
spiralling.