Spiral dives with sink rates over 8meters/second are possible, but should be avoided. They are
dangerous and put unnecessary strain on the glider. If you go over 14meters/second for instance,
all paragliders will lock in and you will physically have to bring it out with weight shift and
opposite brake being smoothly applied.
Warning: Spiral dives cause disorientation and need time and height to recover. Do not
perform this manoeuvre near the ground.
6.2. B-Stall
The B-stall is used for fast descents in emergency situations only. B-stall is performed by
symmetrically pulling down on the B-risers. This takes quite a lot of effort. The best way to do this is to
place your fingers between the lines above the maillons at the top of the risers. You should not release
the brake handles while B-stalling. As you first pull the B-lines down the airflow over the wing is broken
and the glider loses forward speed but remains open. By pulling the B-risers further the sink rate can
be increased as the chord is effectively reduced. However, if you pull too far, (A’s & C’s effected), then
you may rosette the glider. If this happens, release the B-risers immediately.
To exit the B-stall the B-risers should be returned to their normal flight position symmetrically and
swiftly in one smooth motion. The glider should then resume normal flight without further input. Always
be sure of this before using the brakes again.
It is possible for the wing to resume its normal shape on release of the B-lines, but to remain in steep
descent without full forward motion. This is called a “deep stall”. It is unlikely to happen with your
paraglider, but you should be aware of the possibility. If you suspect this has happened, simply push
the A-risers forward until normal flight returns. Only then should you use the brakes again.
6.3. Big Ears
Folding in the tips of the wing increases the sink rate of your glider. This is useful for staying out of a
cloud or descending in strong winds. You pull “big ears” by drawing in the outermost A-lines until the
tips of the wing fold under and drag behind. Firebird gliders are fitted with split A-risers to make this
procedure easy.
To increase the sink rate further, the accelerator bar may be employed, but pull the tips in first.
Remember that when the tips are in, you have reduced the area of the wing supporting you, so your
stall speed will have increased. Be sure to keep speed on and not to use the brakes other than
cautiously for re-inflation. For directional control while using “big ears”, you should rely solely on
weight shift.
To reopen the wing tips, release the small A-risers and apply a short brake input which is best done
one tip at a time to minimise the chance of inducing a stall. You will find there is surprisingly little
tendency for the glider to deviate during the process.
Caution: We advise not to use “big ears” close to the ground.
7. Extreme Flying
It is advisable for all pilots who wish to learn extreme manoeuvres and how to handle emergencies to
attend a safety training course.
7.1. Deflation and Collapse
Due to the flexible shape of a paraglider, turbulence may cause a portion of the wing to suddenly
collapse.
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