7.
made easier by weight shifting to the inner side of the turn. Keep an eye on the tension of
the control line all the time – reduced tension signalises an overload of the glider and danger
of falling into a negative spin.
Recovery:
The BiGolden3 recovers from a spiral automatically as soon as the brakes are
released. Release them smoothly and always finish a spiral dive with safe altitude!
5.3 SIV maneuvers
No matter what category of canopy you fly or what level of certification it has, in turbulence
or in strong thermals you may experience all kinds of collapses. The BiGolden3 behaves
comfortably in these situations, indeed not only does the BiGolden3 deal with extreme flight
regimes automatically, but also offers an above-average degree of safety. Even so, you must
follow all safety rules when practising special flight operations and always pay attention to
your altitude!
Before performing special flight regimes remember:
Practise reserve deployment on the ground, in a simulator, so that reserve deployment is
automatic and efficient.
Rapid altitude loss and considerable rotational forces may develop during unstable
maneuvers. Take account of these factors in the context of reserve deployment
5.3.1. Asymmetric collapse
Initiation:
Take hold of the outer A-lines on one side and pull them down smoothly. The wing
tip will collapse downward forming a characteristic ‘big ear’. The size of the ear depends on
the depth to which the lines are pulled as well as the number of lines pulled down. You can
stop any tendency to turn by applying the opposite brake and by weight shifting onto the
inflated side of the canopy.
Recovery:
Under normal conditions the BiGolden3 will re-inflate spontaneously when the
pulled lines are released. The inflation time and loss of altitude can be reduced by suitable
action of the pilot. To stop any tendency to turn off course pull the brake on the inflated side
(be careful not to overreact and stall the inflated side) and weightshift to that side. If the
collapse remains then reinflate the collapsed side by ‘pumping’ the brake on the collapsed
side to quicken the inflation.
5.3.2. Frontal collapse
Initiation:
Take hold at the top of both A-risers and pull them down until the leading edge
collapses.
Recovery:
In normal conditions the BiGolden3 recovers normal flight automatically as
soon as the front risers are released. Opening may be assisted by applying both brakes
simultaneously to pump out the deflation.
5.3.3. Deep stall (“sackflug”)
Initiation:
Pull both brakes smoothly until the sink rate increases markedly and the forward
speed reaches almost zero. The pull on the brakes should be controlled so that the canopy
stays inflated and doesn’t fall back into a full stall.
Recovery:
The BiGolden3 cannot stay in this regime of deep stall flight, so after the brakes are
released the glider automatically returns to normal flight. If you need to, you may accelerate
the recovery of the glider by one of two methods: either pump both brakes deeply with a fast
release, or pull lightly on the A-risers.
Caution:
If you pull too sharply on the A-risers you may experience a front collapse.
