U-Turn BLACKLIGHT 2, Manual

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Collapses
even with its high stability and very well responses in turbulences, strong turbulences can
cause the canopy of the U-Turn BLACKLIGHT 2 to collapse. Usually that situation is not danger-
ous and clears itself automatically without any further input. To support the recovery, firmly ap-
ply the brakes on the affected side and simultaneously steer opposite on the open side. When a
large part of the canopy collapses the counter steering is to be exercised in moderation in order
not to completely interrupt the airflow to the positive side of the wing and spin the glider.
How to avoid collapses
Tips and tricks by U-Turn chief designer, test and competition pilot ernst Strobl
Single side collapses, especially close to the ground, are the number one reason for accidents
with paragliders. How to avoid them or how to handle the situation when it already happened,
some tips and tricks from U-Turn test- and competition pilot ernst Strobl:
The best way to avoid collapses up front is the right choice of the paraglider. A lot of pilots fly
a glider that is a little too hot to handle for them. So why don`t you get a glider with a lower
rating but in the end fly better and higher in the updrafts and have a lot more fun and by the
way be safer, too. To optimise the feeling for your glider on the ground, try the following:
Practice on the ground with the right wind at a suitable location. Slowly pull up the canopy
and try to hold it up as long as possible without looking at it. That is a good way to
improve the feeling for your glider and is a prerequisite for „active flying“ (the key to avoid
collapses). very important is also a close look at the terrain. Watch for obstacles that could
cause turbulences (buildings, trees, ...). on certain days, for example a freshly mowed meadow
as landing field, could cause a lot of thermal activity. fly very alert on a thermal active
day. Watch your canopy, collapses most of the time, announce themselves. Light braking in
turbulences mostly avoids a collapse. You should have already practised that on the ground.
Should a collapse occur close to the ground don`t always try to prevent a turn away. There is
a danger when the braking on the open side is to strong, to lose the airflow on this side and
stall the glider. rather use the turn away motion to try to open the collapsed side.
Apply smooth braking on the open side, depending on the size of the collapse, and maybe a
little pumping action. Some canopies open a lot better when the brakes are fully applied once
on the according side, but that depends on the brake lines adjustment and your arm length.
Wrapped lines are cleared by braking the opposite side at enough altitude and pumping the
affected side a couple of times. Watch out for a possible stall. If that does no clear the situation,
try to pull down the outer lines as much as possible. If you are too low for that, stabilize
the canopy on the opposite side avoid turning away, and leave the lines like they are. Instead
of any - risky manoeuvres rather concentrate on the landing. In the end one more advice in
order to have all kinds of situations under control.
visit a safety-training above water. There is no better way to practice the right behaviour than
simulating a dangerous situation. don`t get caught off guard by your first collapse. In addition,
during safety-training you can familiarize yourself with the particulars of your equipment and
you gain confidence in your gliders as well as your own abilities.
Thus far the expert advise concerning collapses by ernst Strobl.