Way Lacy, User Manual

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11
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Despite the stability of the Lacy, turbulence could close the sail
asymmetrically . This happens when the pilot does not anticipate an
asymmetric under-incidence. The pilot feels a decrease in control
pressure. In order to avoid collapsing, tension must be applied to the
brake on the side that will close to increase the angle of incidence.
In the event of closure, initially, the Lacy will react slowly and gently.
To reopen the sail, the foot of the body must be moved to the side
still open and the sail will reopen on its own normally. If it doesn't
work, it is necessary to brake amply on the closed side and then give
the hand back immediately. This movement can be repeated
several times.
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The Lacy is very tolerant with changes in the incidence angle. Under
turbulent conditions, a symmetrical closure could occur, when
entering or leaving a thermal. A symmetrical front closure inflates
itself, but the pilot can brake symmetrically and energetically. Then
the pilot must release the brakes immediately to restore the glider to
its optimal speed.
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A negative spin is out of the Lacy’s range of behavior. But some
actions of the pilot may be at the origin of this behavior. Trying to
turn when the wing is flying at low speeds causes this incident. In this
case, the relative wind on the profile must be restored. The pressure
on the brakes must be gradually reduced so that the glider can
regain speed. The expected reaction is a surge with a turn initiation
of less than 360° before returning to normal flight.
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A parachuting stall is almost impossible with a Lacy. If the wing
enters a parachuting phase, it stalls at the rear, becomes unstable,
and there is a lack of brake pressure, although the profile appears
to be fully inflated. In order to regain an air speed, the brake line
tension must be released symmetrically and the A lines manually
pushed. Then you have to move your body without pressing the
brake lines.
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The stall situation is unlikely with the Lacy in normal flight. It is when
you fly at very low speed, over-piloted in turbulent conditions that this
incident can happen. To cause a complete stall, you must brake
symmetrically so that the wing flies at its minimum speed, then you
must continue to brake at 100% and keep your hands in this position.
The sail will then tip backwards, and by a pendulum effect positions
itself vertically above the pilot with a previous surge, the extent of
which depends on how the manoeuvre has been carried out. When
you enter a stall, raise the brakes to the intermediate point of the
total brake travel. The wing will quickly drop forward and can reach
a point below the pilot. It is then necessary to control this surge by a
marked and effective delay. Brake pressure must be maintained until
the wing returns to its normal flying position. To return to normal flight,
the brakes must be released gradually and symmetrically so that the
glider can regain speed in a surge. The wing will react so that it dives
forward and at this point, it should not be over-piloted because it
must regain speed to recover from the stall.
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A cravat may occur in the Lacy after an asymmetric collapse, when
the tip of the wing is caught between the lines. This can quickly cause
the wing to spin. The manoeuvres to be used are the same as those
applied in the case of an asymmetric collapse. The heading must be
controlled by applying tension on the opposite side and weight
transfer. Then, you have to pull on the stabilo line (attached to the
wing tip) to undo the cravat. If this doesn't work, it is recommended
that the pilot proceeds to the nearest landing by controlling the
direction through weight transfer and the use of the opposite brake
of the tangled side.
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It is important to keep in mind that most flight incidents are caused by
pilot errors. Over-steering leads to critical flight situations. The Lacy is
designed to restore normal flight on its own. So you have to let it fly.