Flying the Scorpio
Section 7
39
can generally be opened by a short, fast pull
on the brake lines.
If this does not release the trapped side, pull
the red stabilo line as far as possible. This
will often correct a tangle. Pull the stabilo
line further for more serious tangles. Always
pay attention to your use of the brakes when
doing this and do not allow the glider to stall
on the open side.
If the tangle has not come free after several
attempts, you still have the option to open it
like a deep stall or a full stall. These flight
manoeuvres always require adequate
altitude and a high level of pilot skill.
WARNING
Deploy your reserve if the corrective
manoeuvres described in the following
sections do not return the glider to a
controllable flying position or if there is
not enough altitude for correction.
Front stall
WARNING
The glider design is such that the
following flight manoeuvres cannot be
performed in terms of the certification
test report:
•
front stall with open trimmers
•
front stall with open trimmers and
speed bar
A negative angle of attack can also cause
part or all of the leading edge of the glider to
collapse.
Recovery
The Scorpio will normally recover
automatically from a front stall, but re-
inflation can be assisted by rapid, light
symmetrical brake input on both sides. This
also prevents the wing tips moving forwards
during the front stall.
In the case of extreme front stalls across the
entire wing chord, the wing tips may move
forward. Stop the glider forming a U-shape
by timely and energetic use of the brakes.
There is a risk that the wingtips will become
tangled if they touch each other.
Types of stall
When a paraglider flies through the air, a
laminar and turbulent boundary layer is
created. Extremely dangerous flight
configurations can result if the laminar
boundary layer is interrupted, with
practically the entire airflow along the top
surface braking away. This happens in
particular when the angle of attack is too
great.
There are three different types of stall in
paragliding.
WARNING
Full stall and spin are manoeuvres
which can be fatal if recovery is not
correct. These manoeuvres should
therefore be avoided. However, it is
important to learn how to recognise the
indications that a glider is about to stall
so that you can take immediate action
to prevent it.
