Active Flying
Active flying is the technique of using input to keep the wing as stable and efficient as
possible.
All good pilots do it. For example, on entering a thermal your glider will rock back
slightly behind you; at this point you should reduce brake to allow the glider to come
overhead again. As you leave the thermal your glider will try to accelerate and dive
forward slightly; apply a little brake to stabilize the wing overhead.
When flying in turbulent air, you should be able to sense pressure loss in parts of the
wing through the brake lines. You can compensate by using a little of the appropriate
brake until you feel the pressure return. This should be done smoothly and
progressively: over-braking your glider is dangerous and could lead to a stall.
Descending
In sport flying situations arise suddenly which demand that the pilot descend quickly.
Pilots should be familiar with the different methods for descending.
Spiral Dive
When you turn in a series of 360s the paraglider will enter a spiral- a highly-banked
turn with rapid altitude loss. The longer you hold the inside brake on the faster the turn
becomes. Safe decent rates of 8 meters/second (500ft./min.) are possible in a spiral
dive, but with these high speeds and G-forces a pilot easily becomes disoriented. It is
particularly important to pay attention to altitude.
Note: The Hornet will entre a spiral within one revolution.
To exit a spiral dive, slowly release the inside brake and apply a small amount of
outside brake. As the glider begins to decelerate it is important to allow it to continue
in it’s turn until enough energy has been lost for it to return to level flight without
excessive surging.
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.
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