Sol Axion 22, Pilot'S Manual

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A combined technique: weight shift and pulling on the appropriate control line
is the most efficient turning method for any situation, whereby the radius of
the turn is determined by the amount of inside brake pulled and weight shift.
Applying a little outside brake in turns, after the initiating the turn with
maximum weight shift, increases efficiency and also the outside wing’s
resistance to collapsing in turbulence (edge of thermals).
In case it is necessary to turn the SOL AXION in a confined area at slow speed,
it is recommended to steer the decelerated canopy by loosening the brake at
the outside of the turn while applying a little more brake on the inside of the
turn.
For the SOL AXION minimum sink and best glide is attained with no brake
pressure applied. In large areas of smooth lift, as little brake as possible
should be used for minimising sink rate. Note: apply brakes as normal if
turbulence is encountered.
WARNING :
Pulling one brake too hard or too fast can result in the canopy entering a
negative spin.
Spiral dive :
To enter a spiral dive with a SOL AXION the pilot must slowly apply more and
more brake on one side, to initiate an increasingly steeper turn which
eventually results in a spiral dive.
During a spiral dive the angle of bank can be controlled by increasing or
reducing the amount of inside brake. To exit, ease off inside brake slowly.
Watch for, and dampen any surging. Allow sufficient height in the unlikely case
that the glider continues 1or 2 turns.
Induce and recover slowly from a spiral dive !
Due to the rapid loss of height encountered during a spiral dive (more than 20
m/sec) sufficient altitude is essential for this manoeuvre!
Spiral dives can also create very high G-forces, placing high loads on the
glider’s structure and the pilot. Be careful not to overload it and yourself !
NEVER DO BIG EARS IN SPIRALS, AS THIS MAY DRASTICALLY REDUCE THE
NUMBER OF LINES TAKING THE ALREADY HIGH LOADS, POSSIBLY CAUSING
STRUCTURAL FAILURE.