X-ALPS3
The spiral dive can be used to lose altitude quickly, so please consider
the following:
> High sink rates and the related high G-forces lead to a high physical strain on the body
that may be too much for inexperienced pilots! Approach spiral dives slowly!
> Tensing your stomach muscles during a spiral dive can be very helpful!
> If you feel dizzy or faint, exit the spiral dive immediately!
> Due to the extreme altitude loss in a spiral dive, make sure you always have enough
safe reserve.
> To avoid strong surging when exiting the spiral dive, release the inside brake slowly
while continuing to apply the outside brake.
> The brake line pressure in a spiral dive is substantially higher than in normal flight!
CAUTION
TO EXIT A SPIRAL WITH A HIGH SINK RATE (> 14M/S), IT MAY BE NECESSARY
TO BRAKE THE OUTSIDE HALF OF THE GLIDER AND/OR TO SHIFT YOUR
WEIGHT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE TURN. THE EXIT MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL
COMPLETE ROTATIONS AND MAY CAUSE A HIGH LOSS OF ALTITUDE. FOR THIS
REASON, DON’T PERFORM THIS MANEUVER AT AN ALTITUDE OF LESS THAN
200 METERS! BY THE TIME YOU REACH THIS ALTITUDE, THE MANEUVER
SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED!
BIG EARS
In contrast to the spiral dive, with big ears your forward speed is higher than your sink speed.
This descent method is used to quickly leave dangerous areas in a esired horizontal
direction. To collapse the wing tips, pull down both outside A-lines, which are connect-
ed to separate A-risers. The resulting collapsed wing tips will put the glider in a stable sink
flight. The brake handles remain in your hands together with the outer A-risers.
The glider can still be steered by weight shifting. The danger of canopy disturbances
in turbulent air is greatly reduced with big ears.
To exit, release the A-lines. The canopy will normally reopen by itself. You can brake a little
to speed-up the opening. It is better if you reopen one side at a time to reduce the
danger of a stall.
WINCHTOWING
The skywalk X-ALPS3 is well suited for winch towing.
Make sure that you only use certified winches and that you climb from the ground at a
flat angle.
The pilot must have had proper towing instruction and must ensure that the winch
operator has had proper training that includes paragliders. When launching on a winch,
always fly with a lot of feeling and don’t brake too much as your glider will already have an
increased angle of attack. We recommend the use of a towing adapter.
FLYING WITH A MOTOR
Currently, the X-ALPS3 has no certification for flying with a motor.
You can find out the current status of motor certification at any dealer or importer,
or by asking skywalk directly.
6 DESCENT TECHNIQUES
This manual is not intended to be an instruction manual and skywalk highly recommends
taking part in a safety training course over water.
The following hints will help you to get the most out of your glider.
For all extreme maneuvers it is important:
> First to practice them under the tutelage of a certified flight instructor as part of a
safety training course.
> To ensure that the airspace below you is clear before entering each maneuver.
> To maintain eye contact with your glider throughout each maneuver.
SPIRAL DIVE
The skywalk X-ALPS3 does not tend to enter a stable spiral dive – rather, it will recover by
itself if the brakes are released. You can enter a spiral dive by carefully increasing the brake
pressure on the inside of a turn while shifting your weight in the same direction.
If the glider doesn’t bank enough and the sink rate doesn’t increase, it’s better to start
over again rather than to keep applying brake without sensitivity. The spiral begins when
the glider banks sharply to the side and enters a sharp, steep turn. You can control the
bank angle and descent rate by applying or releasing the inside brake.
48
Descent Techniques
Descent Techniques
49
EN
