Flying the Nexus
Section 5
25
Big Ears
Big ears is the simplest method for rapid
descent and has 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 against 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 manoeuvre by pulling both outer A-
lines downwards. 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
Let go of both A-risers smoothly. Assist the
opening process by pumping 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 s till
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.