In any situation where you have to get down ASAP for different reasons e.g. thunderstorms,
extreme updraft or other danger there are a couple of techniques to do so that are described in
this following chapter.
ATTEnTIOn:
The described manoeuvres stress your paraglider more than
normal and should only be performed for practice or in a real emergency
situation!
„Big Ears“
Both designated outer A2-risers (grab at or above the quick links) are being pulled down
simultaneously for 15-20 cm to fold in the wing tips. The brake toggles are to be held in hand
together with the pulled down A-lines. For additional stability and for an increased sink rate
the speedsystem should be actuated. The glider remains fully steerable by weight shifting
and descents at an elevated sink rate (4-7 m/sec, depending on how many cells are folded in)
straight forward. Once the A-risers are released, the folded wingtips reinflate automatically, if
not you may pump the brakes gently. Due to the high wingload “big earing” is a very stable flight
condition even in turbulent conditions. Please be aware that you reduce the trimspeed during
“big ears”, but this can be compensated by applying the speedbar. “Big ears” in combination
with weight shifting in order to get the spiral dive, will achieve the highest sink rate. This decent
method is often taught in SIV training. Be mindful that this exposes the glider to extreme loads,
should one need to use this manoeuvre we recommend an equipment inspection afterwards.
B-Stall
Another very efficient method is the B-stall. The B-stall is generally known as the easiest de-
cent method. But caution, if done wrong, it is anything but harmless!
The B-stall allows a sink rate of 6 to over 9 m/sec. Check the airspace under and above you
prior to initiating a B-stall. Also pay attention to sufficient height. To initiate you hold the two B-
risers above the quick links. Whith the brakes in hand at all times, pull down the B-risers pro-
gressively and symmetrically down to the shoulder to about chest level. Hold this position. Your
sail will stop, the wing will become partially empty and stabilize itself overhead. During this the
wing will fall back a little, which must not tempt you to release the B-lines again. The glider
would then shoot forward and oscillate vigorously. Only when the glider has stabilized overhead
it is ok to exit the B-line stall. Therefore bring the B-risers swiftly and symmetrically back into
their original position. We recommend not to simply let the risers snap shut as this puts an
enormous load on fabric, sewings and lines. In the paragraph titled “advanced handling” you
can read what to do if unexpectedly caught in a stall.
raPid descent
