Ozone SwiftMax, Manual

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ADVANCED FLIGHT TECHNIQUES
EN
15
14
Ozone would like to remind you that the following 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 sink rate without radically changing the airspeed. This is useful for
staying out of cloud or descending quickly through the lift band of the hill, for example when top landing.
To pull big ears, keep hold of your brake handles and take the outermost A-line on each side, then pull out
and down (preferably one at a time) until the wingtips fold under. The Outer A line is attached to the Baby
A riser, making identification and use of the big ear system easier. The size of the big ears can be adjusted
by pulling more line, or reaching higher up the line. Once the big ears are engaged you can further increase
the sink rate by releasing the trimmers.
For directional control while using the Big Ears, you should use weight shift.
You may use Big ears for the final landing approach but they should be released before making the final
flare. To reopen the ears, release both A lines at the same time. To help reinflation, brake gently one side at
a time until tips regain pressure. Avoid deep symmetric applications of the brake as this could accidently
induce a stall.
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 very physical and is for fast descents in emergency situations only. It is faster, safer and easier
to lose altitude with a spiral dive.
To initiate the B-stall, keep the brakes in your hand and take hold of both the B risers, or place your
fingers between the lines above the maillons. Pull the B risers firmly, you may need the assistance of your
passenger to break the pressure. As you pull the B risers the airflow over the wing is broken, the glider
loses its forward speed but remains open with a reduced cord. You can descend at around 6 m/s.
To exit the B-stall the B risers should be released symmetrically and in one smooth, progressive motion.
The glider will resume normal forward flight without further input. Check you have forward flight again
before using the brakes.
If you pull too much B-line the glider may horseshoe and move around a lot. If this occurs, slowly release
the B risers until the wing stabilises or simply exit the B line stall by immediately releasing the B risers. Do
not attempt to maintain a B line stall that is not stable.
Spiral Dives
If you turn your glider in a series of tightening 360’s it will enter a spiral dive. This will result in rapid height
loss. To initiate a spiral, look and lean in to the direction you want to turn, then smoothly pull down on
the inside brake. The SwiftMAX will first turn almost 360 degrees before it drops into the spiral. Once in
the spiral you should re-centre your weight shift and apply a little outside brake to keep the outer wing tip
pressured and inflated.
Safe descent rates of more than 8m/s (1600 ft/min approx.) are possible in a spiral dive, but at these rates
the associated high speeds and G-forces can be disorientating. Always pay particular attention to your
altitude. To exit the spiral dive, move your weight shift to the outside whilst smoothly releasing the inside
brake. As the SwiftMAX decelerates allow it to continue to turn until enough energy is lost to return to level
flight without an excessive climb and surge.
The SwiftMAX shows no tendency to remain stable in a spiral dive, however certain parameters could
influence its behaviour including: very tight chest strap settings, total weight in flight outside of the
certified weight range, or being in a very deep spiral at a very high sink rate >14m/s. You should always
be prepared to pilot the wing out of a spiral dive with opposite weight shift and a smooth application of
the brake, the rotational speed will then start to reduce and the glider will resume normal flight. Never
attempt to recover from a spiral with hard or quick opposite inputs as this will result in an aggressive climb
and surge.
IMPORTANT
Induce Big ears one
side at a time
DO NOT perform spiral
dives with Big Ears
engaged.
IMPORTANT
The pitching movement
on exiting the B stall is
small but necessary.
We recommend you do
not brake the glider
until you are sure that
the glider is flying
properly again.
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.