U-Turn BLACKLIGHT L, Manual

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Rapid Descent
In any situation where you have to get down ASAP for diff erent reasons (weather, extreme
updraft , or other dangers,) there are a couple of techniques that are described in this chapter.
Caution: Th e described manoeuvres stress you paraglider more than normal and should
only be performed for practise or in a real emergency!
„Big Ears“
Pull down simultaneously both designated outer A2-risers (by grabbing at or above the
maillons), about 15-20cm to fold in the wingtips. Th
e brake toggles are to be held in hand
together with the pulled down A-risers. For additional stability and for an increased sinkrate
the speedsystem should be actuated. Th
e glider remains fully steerable by weightshift ing and
descents at a rate of 4-7m/s straight forward.
Once you release the A-risers, the folded wingtips reinfl ate automatically, if not, you may
pump the brakes gently. „Big earing“ is due to the high wingload a very stable fl ight condi-
tion and well suited evine in turbulent air.
Please be aware that you reduce the trimspeed during „big ears“, but this can be compensated
by applying speedbar. „Big earing“ in combination with weight shift ing in order to get the
glider to spiral dive, will achieve the highest sink rate. Th
is descent method is oft en taught in
SIV training. Be mindful this exposes the glider to extreme loads, should one need to use
this maneuver again we recommend an equipment inspection.
B-Stall
Another very effi cient descent method is the B-stall. It allows for a rate of descent of 6 to over
9 meters per second. Check the airspace under and behind you prior to initiating a B-Stall.
To initiate it you hold the two B-risers above the lines carabiner. While holding the brakes
in your hands at all times, pull the B-risers down progressively and symmetrically down
to the shoulder to about chest level. Hold this position. Your sail will stop ! ying forward,
partially empty, and stabilize itself overhead. During this the wing will fall back a little, which
shouldn`t tempt you to release the risers again. Th
e glider would then shoot forward and os-
cillate vigorously. Only once the glider has stabilized overhead it is ok to exit the B-line stall.
For this release the risers symmectrically into their original position.
We recommend no to simply let the risers snap shut as this puts a lot of pressure on the ma-
terial. In the paragraph titled „advanced handling“ you can read what to do if you get caught
unexpectedly in a stall.
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