flight
13
Turns
Optic 2 Light is an agile wing, with smooth reactions to all pilot’s
actions. Handling is actually easy and forces grow proportionally to
position of the brakes. Adding some weight shift will make the
paraglider turn really quick and tight.
The combined technique (weight shifting and brake input) is by far
the most efficient method of turning. Turn radius is then determined
by the amount of inside brake used and weight shift. Additional
application a little outside brake after initiating the turn with
maximum weight shift increases turn efficiency and the outboard
wing’s resistance to collapse (in turbulence, the edge of a thermal
etc).
In case of necessary turning in confined area at slow speed (e.g.
slope soaring), it is recommended to steer the decelerated canopy
by loosening the brake at the outside of the turn while applying just
a little more brake on the inside.
Caution:
when entering a turbulent area you should brake a
little to put up the tension. It will allow you to react instantly
in case of a problem. Too hard or too quick pulling of one
brake can cause the wing to enter a spin.
Thermalling and soaring
When flying minimum sink is reached with slight brake pressure
applied (5 to 10 cm, depending on pilot’s weight). In turbulent
conditions the canopy should be flown with a small amount of brake
applied. This improves overall stability by increasing the angle of
attack of the canopy. The canopy should neither rock back nor
surge forwards, but always stay above the pilot. In order to achieve
it, the pilot should accelerate the canopy by letting off the brakes
when entering a thermal (according to its strength) and brake it on
exiting. This is part of basic active flying that can spare you many
potential collapses.
When soaring the slope, minimum height of 50 m above the ground
is recommended for safety reasons. It is important to comply with
air traffic rules, especially when many pilots share airspace close to
the hill.
The avoidance manoeuvres often happen to be impossible in such
conditions.
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