13
Losing altitude
It is necessary to know how to descend and lose altitude in several circumstances. The method of altitude loss
depends on the flight situation. It is recommended to learn the different methods with the help of an expert
pilot.
‣
A
first technique
of descent would be the
"big ears"
technique. With this manoeuvre, you reach -3 to -4
meters per second. The speed decreases from 3 to 5km/h.
‣
On each riser, take the outermost line and pull them simultaneously outward and downward.
‣
Keep the ears pulled outwards until you have lost the desired altitude.
‣
To regain the correct speed and angle of incidence, accelerate again once the ears are pulled.
‣
To inflate the wingtips, release the lines. If they do not inflate, pull one brake and then the other.
‣
Care must be taken not to brake when doing the ear technique as this can cause a stall.
‣
A
second technique
of descent would be "
the B-line stall"
. This is a manoeuvre during which you no longer
have control over the sail because it stops flying and enters a parachuting phase.
‣
Take the risers just below the links, then pull them down and keep them in that position. This manoeuvre
requires a fairly high effort as it requires a lot of pulling to start deforming the profile. This traction must be
maintained and the risers must not be released.
‣
The vertical speed is -6 or even -8 meters per second.
‣
To stop this manoeuvre, release both risers simultaneously in a fast and dry manner, then you will return to a
normal flight.
‣
The
third height loss technique
is called
"360 degrees".
This manoeuvre is one of the most effective but
requires a lot of training at high altitudes. The wing will experience a huge amount of descending and
rotating speed, G-force, which can lead to a loss of orientation of the pilot. With this manoeuvre, the sail will
gain speed and therefore Gs. You will have to learn to resist these Gs.
‣
First press your weight on one side of the harness and then brake on the same side. If you wish, you can
adjust the intensity of the turn by braking a little outside the turn. The glider can descend to -20 meters per
second, which is the equivalent of 70 km/h in vertical speed!
‣
To exit the manoeuvre, gradually release the inner brake of the turn. Brake briefly at the same time and
press the weight outwards from the bend. This must be measured and stopped when the sail starts to come
out of the turn. The sail may have pendulum movements and a lateral surge.
Summary of Contents for Lacy
Page 1: ...1 WAy beyond reality Lacy user manual...
Page 19: ...19 Suspension plan...
Page 20: ...20 Risers plan 1 2 3 1 3...
Page 21: ...21...
Page 22: ...22 WAy beyond reality...
