Flying the Core 3
Section 5
25
test out the effectiveness and reactions
of B-line steering in calm conditions.
B-line steering is suitable when flying in
normal wind conditions. B-line steering
is not recommended in strong
turbulence, and normal brake input
should be used.
Turns
With the Core 3, Swing has developed a
glider which reacts immediately to steering
input and is extremely responsive. The
Core 3 performs best in turns when it is
flown with sufficient speed and weight-
shifting. Too much braking increases the
sink rate.
The Core 3 has minimal negative tendency,
but nevertheless the glider’s high aspect
ratio and dynamics on tight turns and
centering near slopes take some time to get
used to. You should therefore maintain
enough distance from slopes and observe
safety margins during your first flights until
you are familiar with the Core 3
’s steering.
If more brake is applied, the bank attitude
increases and the glider will fly a fast turn
increasing in steepness, which will
eventually become a spiral dive (further
informa
tion on this is in the section “Spiral
Dive
”).
Rapid descent methods
In many flying situations a very rapid
descent is necessary to avoid a dangerous
situation, e.g. the upcurrent from a cumulus
cloud, an approaching cold front or a storm
front.
The design of the Core 3 means that the B-
stall and “big ears” manoeuvres are not
possible. The spiral dive can be used as a
rapid descent method. It should first be
practised in calm conditions and at
adequate altitude so that it can then be used
effectively in extreme conditions.
Spiral dives
The spiral dive is the most effective method
for making a rapid descent, and can allow
sink rates of up to 20 m/s to be reached.
The high dynamics mean that you must
always fly the spiral dive and recover from it
actively.
Starting the manoeuvre
Begin the spiral dive whilst flying at full
speed by flying a turn which becomes
tighter and tighter and by using weight-
shifting to the inside (
refer here to “Turns”
also).
The bank angle and sink rate are controlled
by carefully applying or releasing the inside
brake.
Look down before and during the spiral dive
to maintain a constant check on your
distance from the ground.
IMPORTANT
The outer wing tip may collapse during
the spiral dive although this is no cause
for concern. It can be avoided by lightly
braking on the outside. Release the
brakes carefully.
Recovery
Recover from the spiral dive slowly and
steadily over several turns. The inside
brakes are gradually released. If the brakes
are released too quickly, the increased
speed can cause the wing to climb, become
unsettled or partly collapse. Recovery can
be assisted by braking lightly on the outside.
