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Before takeoff and whilst flying it is very important to anticipate any likely turbulence and fly
accordingly. Look well ahead, and as well as looking for areas of likely lift, try and predict, and
avoid, areas of sink and rough air. If you do find yourself in turbulence then look for the cause,
and adjust your flight plan to avoid other similar places.
Thermals and Turbulence
In turbulent air, the UP Ascent
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should be flown with a little brake to increase the angle of attack
and provide greater stability. While flying in strong or broken thermals, it is important that you
concentrate on keeping the wing centrally above your head. Do this by allowing the glider to fly
faster while entering a thermal, and by dampening the surge of the canopy while exiting the
thermal by braking gently.
Flying fast is useful for getting through sink or when flying into a headwind. The UP Ascent
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possesses a high inherent stability due to its construction and design, however an active flying
style in turbulence will help increase safety by preventing unnecessary collapses and deformation
of the canopy.
Getting down fast
All rapid descent manoeuvres should be practised initially in smooth conditions with plenty of
altitude before you need to use them 'for real'. It is important to distinguish between the three
techniques, and to know the merits of each.
WARNING!
All other manoeuvres, such as full stalls and spins, should be avoided as
fast descent techniques. They are not very efficient, and incorrect recovery can have
dangerous consequences (as with any paraglider)!
Steep Spiral Dive
A maximum sink rate of over 15 meters per second can be achieved in a steep spiral dive, but it is
advisable to build up gradually to these sink rates when you first practise spiralling.
Getting the UP Ascent
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into a spiral dive is very simple and has already been described in the
chapter regarding turning. When entering the spiral it is essential to induce the turn gradually; if
you apply the brake too quickly you may enter a spin. If this happens, release the brake
immediately and let the glider recover before trying again. Keep a steady tension on the inside
brake and observe the increased angle of bank and sink rate. A little brake on the outer wing will
help stabilize the glider at a high sink rate.
To recover from a spiral, simply release the inside brake. Do this gradually to prevent an
uncontrolled steep climb caused by the excess energy built up during the dive. Be prepared for
the glider to climb a little and to damp out the subsequent dive. Be warned that steep spiral dives
are equal to high G loading on both you and your glider!
WARNING!
Spiral dives with high sink rates expose the pilot and material to very high
centrifugal forces
– incidents caused by pilots falling unconscious during spiral dives
have been recorded. Approach this manoeuvre with caution. NEVER fly a spiral dive
with Big Ears engaged
– this could lead to a catastrophic material failure!
B-Line Stalls
To induce a B-line stall, start from normal, un-accelerated flight. Reach up and take hold of both B
risers, still with your hands in the brake loops, and pull down simultaneously by approximately 15
cm. The first few centimetres of travel will be quite hard, but as the glider settles into the stall so
the effort becomes less.
