When turning into wind, remember to turn the right way (hint: always do it
the same direction) and keep the lines under load at all times. The turn itself
should be quick and smooth. While turning you have to release the brake
handles and grip them again facing forward. Last check of the wing & free
space to launch and off you go.
CAUTION: when deflating the canopy in strong winds (e. g. aborting a
launch), use the D risers, not the brakes. Using the brakes in strong wind
causes more lift, that eventually can lift the pilot up and drag him/her back.
TURNS
Orca XX is an agile wing, with smooth reactions to the steering inputs.
Handling is actually easy for such a big canopy, 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. Turn radius is determined by the amount of inside brake
used and weight shift. Additional application of a little outside brake after
initiating the turn with maximum weight shift increases efficiency and the
outboard wing's resistance to collapse (in turbulence, the edge of a thermal
etc).
In case of necessary turn 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 a little more brake on the
inside.
NOTE: when entering a turbulent area you should brake a little, just to
put up the tension. It will allow you to react instantly in case of a
problem.
CAUTION: Too hard or too quick pulling of one brake can cause the
wing to enter a spin.
THERMALLING AND SOARING
When flying Orca XX, minimum sink is achieved with light pull on the brakes
(15 to 20 cm depending on total weight in flight) and closing the trimmers.
Just be careful with closing the trims when flying at low weights - it is not
advisable.
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 (accordingly to its strength) and brake it on exiting. This is part of
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