8
Spiral Dives
If you turn your wing in a series of tightening 360’s it will enter a spiral
dive. This will result in rapid height loss. It is likely that that the wing
has neutral, possibly unstable tendencies during the spiral dive which
will require active piloting to return to normal flight.
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 increase the like-
lihood of the wing remaining neutral, possibly unstable in spiral.
Ozone strongly recommends to not perform spiral dives
with high descent rates.
To initiate a spiral dive, look and lean in to the direction you want to
turn and then smoothly apply the inside brake. The wing 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.
To exit the spiral dive, weight shift away from the direction of rota-
tion and smoothly release the inside brake. As the wing deceler-
ates 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.
IMPORTANT: The Trickster is a small and dynamic wing, the
entrance of the Spiral dives is very quick and the sink rate
high. Spiral dives are dangerous and put unnecessary strain
on the glider, they cause disorientation and need time and
height to recover.
Do not perform this manoeuvre near the to the ground
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however active flying will virtually eliminate any tendency
to collapse. When the conditions are turbulent, be more ac-
tive and anticipate the movements of your wing. Always be
aware of your altitude and do not over-react. We strongly
advice you to always keep hold of your brakes. Do not fly in
turbulent conditions.
Landing
The Trickster shows no unusual landing characteristics but as a
reminder, here are some tips:
Allow the glider to fly at hands up (trim) speed for your final de-
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scent until you are around 1 metre above the ground (in windy or
turbulent conditions you must fly the glider actively all the way).
Apply the brakes slowly and progressively to slow the glider down
until groundspeed has been reduced to a minimum and you are
able to step onto the ground.
In light winds/zero wind you need a strong, long and progres-
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sive flare to bleed off all your excess ground speed. In strong
winds your forward speed is already low so you are flaring only
to soften the landing. A strong flare may result in the glider
climbing upwards and backwards quickly, leaving you in a vulner-
able position.
If the glider does begin to climb, ease off the brakes (10-20cm)
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- do not put your hands up all the way - then flare again, but
more gently this time. Keep the brakes at mid speed, stand up,
be ready to run and make sure you brake fully as you arrive on
the ground.
Choose the appropriate approach style in function of the landing
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area and the conditions.
In strong winds you need to turn towards the glider the second
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your feet touch the ground. Once facing the wing pull smoothly
and symmetrically down on the brakes to stall the wing. If the
glider pulls you, run toward it.
If the wind is very strong, and you feel you might be dragged, or
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lifted again, stall the glider with the C risers. This stalls the wing
in a very quick and controllable way and will drag you less than if
you use the brakes.
Always land heading into wind!
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