Flying the MIURA RS
Section 05
31
Exit the spiral dive actively and in a
controlled manner. At higher sink rates,
exiting the manoeuvre can take several
turns.
Given the complexity and the possible
risks of the spiral dive, SWING
recommends that this manoeuvre be
learnt under qualified instruction.
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
and by
gently applying the outside
.
Look down before and during the spiral
dive to maintain a constant check on
your distance from the ground.
TIP
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.
DANGER
Under certain conditions it may be
necessary to brake the outside half
of the wing and/or to use weight-
shifting to recover from the spiral.
Furthermore, for exiting the
manoeuvre, several turns with a
corresponding loss of altitude may
be required.
You must
immediately
deploy your
reserve if you lose control of the
glider and the sink rate and find
yourself in a stable spiral.
The spiral may lead to loads and/or
disturbance to consciousness which
prevent later deployment of your
reserve.
WARNING
In the spiral dive, very high turn
speeds can be reached with an
increase in acceleration due to
gravity (up to over 6g), so exercise
care when attempting this
manoeuvre. Take note of the
following:
Do not enter the spiral dive by way of
a wingover. High sink rates can be
reached very quickly by doing this. It
is not possible to safely gauge the
sink rates.
Do not continue the spiral dive for
too long: it could cause a loss of
consciousness.
Always maintain
ground clearance
of 150
–
200m
.
The manoeuvre must
be exited at this height above
ground.
Spiral dives with “big ears” lead to
extreme loading of the open section
of the canopy. This move is
prohibited in Germany.
