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Minimum sink rate and max glide ratio.
The minimum sink rate can be found by pulling the brakes on by about 20 cm. the theoretical
max glide ratio is obtained by trimming the back risers by 1 cm.
Accelerated flight
Once you have become accustomed to flying the BOBCAT, you can practice using the trimmers.
These enable you to increase the speed of your glider, and to have better penetration through
the air in stronger wind conditions. Expert pilots can also use the trimmers to better match
their glide to the angle of the slope. Caution: when flying accelerated, your wing will react in a
quicker, more responsive manner in turns and the glide angle will be a lot steeper. Learn and
take advice from a qualified instructor.
Active Flying
The BOBCAT has a high internal pressure, high resistance to collapses and a high level of
passive security. However, it is recommended with this type of glider to adopt an active
handling style that will help you to fly safely. The key to active handling is to keep your glider
above your head. If the glider has a tendency to lag behind, raise your hands. If the glider has a
tendency to shoot forward, then control it with the brakes. In all cases, always remember to
keep sufficient air-speed and avoid over-piloting.
In turbulent conditions
The BOBCAT is a very stable glider and collapses on one or both of the front risers are
extremely rare. Extreme turbulence could generate a collapse but the BOBCAT will resume
normal flight in almost all configurations. In case of any doubt, keep your hands at shoulder
height and let the glider fly.
However, if the glider shoots forward violently, control it with the brakes immediately. To help
your glider resume flight more rapidly, it is recommended to use an active handling style,
without being out of time with the wing’s movements.
Caution :
The BOBCAT is not designed to perform manoeuvres outside the normal flight configuration. Our
test pilots have tested the various reactions in extreme situations; however we strongly
recommend that you do not perform stalls, manoeuvres and spins. It is also strongly
recommended not to fly any aerobatics with the BOBCAT.