moustache
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Flight techniques and characteristics | Descent techniques
bag up towards the leading edge and close the zipper. Make sure no lines or
fabric get into the zipper when closing it. You can also pack any FLARE Para-
kite with flexible nylon wires by any other method without damaging the lead-
ing edge.
A hint to increase the life of your glider even more:
Don’t pack your glider too tightly. Treat the leading edge with care despite
its robustness and open up your wing a bit if you store it for a longer period
of time.
6 DESCENT TECHNIQUES
The MOUSTACHE is certified according to EN926-1. This means, the MOUS-
TACHE underwent ‘only’ a shock- and loadtest. Check your local regulations,
whether you are allowed to fly your MOUSTACHE in high altitudes.
If so, learn about suitable descent techniques for the MOUSTACHE.
This manual is not intended to be an instruction manual and FLARE highly
recommends taking part in a safety training course over water.
The following hints will help you to get the most out of your glider.
For all extreme maneuvers it is important:
> First to practice them under the tutelage of a certified flight instructor as
part of a safety training course.
> To ensure that the airspace below you is clear before entering each maneuver.
> To maintain eye contact with your glider throughout each maneuver.
SPIRAL DIVE
The FLARE MOUSTACHE does not tend to enter a stable spiral dive – rather,
it will recover by itself if the brakes are released.
You can enter a spiral dive starting from close to ‘full speed brake setting’ by
carefully increasing the brake pressure on the inside of a turn while shifting
your weight in the same direction. Do not pull the inside brake too far, in
order to not ‘spin’ and stall your MOUSTACHE asymmetrically.
The spiral begins when the glider banks sharply to the side and enters a
sharp, steep turn. You can control the bank angle and descent rate by apply-
ing or releasing the inside brake.
Descent techniques
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We highly recommend having the outside brake at ‘full speed’ position’ or
close to it. This way you will get a higher sink rate with rather low G-forces.
The spiral dive can be used to lose altitude quickly, so please consider the
following:
> High sink rates and the related high G-forces lead to a high physical strain
on the body that may be too much for inexperienced pilots!
Approach spiral dives slowly!
> Tensing your stomach muscles during a spiral dive can be very helpful!
> If you feel dizzy or faint, exit the spiral dive immediately!
> Due to the extreme altitude loss in a spiral dive, make sure you always
have enough safe reserve.
> To avoid strong surging when exiting the spiral dive, release the inside
brake slowly while continuing to apply the outside brake.
> The brake line pressure in a spiral dive is substantially higher than in
normal flight!
TO EXIT A SPIRAL WITH A HIGH SINK RATE (> 14M/S), IT MAY BE
NECESSARY TO BRAKE THE OUTSIDE HALF OF THE GLIDER AND/
OR TO SHIFT YOUR WEIGHT TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE TURN.
THE EXIT MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL COMPLETE ROTATIONS AND
MAY CAUSE A HIGH LOSS OF ALTITUDE. FOR THIS REASON,
DON’T PERFORM THIS MANEUVER AT AN ALTITUDE OF LESS
THAN 200 METERS! BY THE TIME YOU REACH THIS ALTITUDE,
THE MANEUVER SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED!
ROLLING DURING ‘FULL SPEED POSITION’
The most effective way of descending with your MOUSTACHE without
increased G-forces is to initiate an alternating rolling motion by shifting
weight when in ‘full speed’ position with your brakes. This will increase
you sink rate from an anyway rather high sink rate when in ‘full speed’
position.
‘Full Speed’ position will give you a lot of sink, therefore coming down
on a parakite is easier than with regular paragliders.
Be aware you can’t do Ears, Big Ears or a B-Stall with the MOUSTACHE.
We recommend flying circles or small wingovers (rolling) to lose altitude
more quickly. While soaring, we recommend flying out (upwind) of the
updraft; this makes it easier for you to descend and land.
When soaring, be very careful doing full circles when you are too close
to the terrain; it can be very dangerous.
EN
