Flying the APUS RS
Section 5
27
Big Ears
Big ears are the simplest method for rapid
descent and have a sink rate of 3-5m/s. The
advantage of big ears is that the glider
continues to fly straight, meaning that a
danger area can be avoided. It is even
possible to land using big ears, for example
on a top-landing to compensate for the
updraft.
The wing-loading increases by the reduction
in the wing’s surface area, the wing
becomes more stable aga
inst collapses in turbulence. Nevertheless,
the air resistance of the wing also increases,
and it flies more slowly and closer to the
stall limit. To counter this and to increase
the effectiveness of the sink, the speed bar
is generally also used in combination with
big ears.
Starting the manoeuvre
Start the “Big Ears” manoeuvre by pulling
both outer A-lines downwards. This should
start the manoeuvre by folding down a
sufficiently large part of the wing tips so that
the pilot does not then have to counteract
the tendency to reopen. If the surface area
which tucks under is too small (“ears”
flapping, high holding forces ) re-open the
ears and then pull down and hold the A-
lines a little more firmly.
To make the manoeuvre more stable and
more effective, slightly accelerate the wing
after pulling in the ears.
The brake lines are held steady and the pilot
uses weight-shifting to steer the paraglider.
You can now descend safely on the stable
middle part of the wing. The brakes must
not be shortened during the manoeuvre,
e.g. by wrapping the brake lines.
Recovery
For recovery release the speed bar, wait
until the the wing has slowed down and let
go of both A-risers. Assist the opening
process by a short, impulsive pumping
motion with the brakes if the ears do not
open automatically.
WARNING
The technique of big ears causes a
higher load for the line groups which are
still weight-bearing. Therefore, do not fly
any extreme manoeuvres with big ears.
This manoeuvre should be avoided in
low temperatures. Pilots should be aware
that this increases the tendency to deep
stall.
Landing
There are no specific characteristics to
observe during landing. Prepare for landing
by making a straight approach flight into the
wind and allow the glider to decelerate at
trim speed. At 1m above the ground, the
brake lines are pulled down as far as they
will go, so that the paraglider has been fully
braked just before the ground is reached.
The brakes should be applied in a more
regulated manner if there is a strong
headwind. Landing out of a steep turn or a
rapid change of direction before landing
should be avoided because of the pendulum
effect caused.
WARNING
Always fly with sufficient speed when you
are near the ground (well above stall
speed) to avoid an unintentional stall.
