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Positive spiral
A positive spiral has a high sink rate. But the high acceleration, G-Force, impedes to fly this
maneuver for a long time. The G-Force may cause that the pilot looses his consciousness
and spirals until he crashes the ground. The same high energy is acting on the equipment
and will shorten his endurance.
A positive spiral never should be exercised in turbulent conditions or strong lateral wind.
Under strong wind conditions the pilot has to remember that the lateral drift could be
enormous.
When the pilot activates just one brake, slowly and progressively, the paraglider inclines
sideways in a sharp angle and enters in a steep and quick turn, which may become a
positive spiral. During a spiral the rotation radius can be controlled by the force applied
to the inside brake.
In order to come out of the spiral, the pilot must release the brake slowly and shift his
weight lightly to the outside of the turn. A sudden exit may result in an exaggerated
forward movement of the canopy, and cause a collapse. For this reason, on the last
turn, the inside brake of a given turn must be softly applied again.
In case the canopy collapses during this process, the spiral must be counter-acted, as
the active canopy area will be reduced.
- Never combine big ears with spirals. The canopy active area reduction
plus the ‘G’ force may result in line and/or canopy damage.
- Leaving a fast spiral must be executed slowly and progressively.
- The maneuver requires high alt 1itudes (at least 600 meter over ground)
and is dangerous, due high descent ratio the pilot can lose the altitude
reference.
Landing
Always choose a secure and clean landing side with lots of space, great distance to
natural obstacles and is not under the influence of turbulent air.
- The final approach stage must be done in straight line upwind.
- With less than 30m above ground avoid steer turns, they may result in dangerous
pendulous movements and the pilot could crash to the ground with high velocity.
- Before landing get up in your harness with the weight against the chest strap, especially
in turbulent conditions.
- Fly with hands up, without brakes, until more or less 1m over ground. In turbulent
conditions fly active until the end. Than apply slowly and progressively the brakes to
reduce velocity until you can almost without speed land on the ground.
- Always adapt your landing on space, circumstances and wind.
- If the wind is strong and you feel it might be possible been dragged or uplifted after
landing, pull symmetrically the B risers. This movement kills the glider fast and controlled
and avoids a re-inflation or that the glider turns into a great sail. After killing the glider
pull him back to you using the B risers.
The following maneuvers should be used only in emergency situations and need a
special training fore safety use. If possible attend a workshop to learn and practice this
maneuvers. This maneuvers are used by cloud entrance and in case of approaching
thunderstorms.
Remember: a good weather analysis before flight helps to avoid this
maneuvers during flight.
FAST DESCENT MANEUVERS
