15
Asymmetric collapse:
“Cravat” / Line-over:
Front Tuck:
A negative angle of attack can cause all or part of the leading-edge of the Eden 4 to collapse
(e.g. in turbulent air). Basically the Eden 4 will re-open spontaneously from closures of up
to 70% with a change of direction of up to 180°. The time this takes, and the associated
height loss, can however be noticeably reduced by appropriate action by the pilot. Apply
opposite brake on the inflated side, the outside of the curve, to stop the turning movement
of the canopy. This should be accompanied by appropriate weight-shift. If you react
immediately, 30% brake on the open side should suffice to hold the canopy on a straight
course. In the event of a big collapse, this braking should be applied very carefully to avoid
stalling the remaining inflated wing. The pilot's correction for direction can be aided by a
pumping out the deflation; a slow, long pumping action of the brake of the deflated side of
the wing helps the canopy to re-inflate. If the pilot does not correct, the Eden 4 usually self-
recovers. However, if it does not self recover and the pilot does not correct the canopy can
enter a stable spiral dive.
In the event of some lines becoming tangled during flight (caused by whatever), the
following action is recommended:
The pilot stabilizes the glider by gently applying the brakes. Please be aware that in this
condition the brake pressure can be higher and the brake travel shorter.
Without pilot input a line-over will result in a stable spiral dive.
Here are the various options to untangle a line-over:
- pumping the collapsed side.
- pulling the stabilizer line or lines causing the problem.
- should both measures fail, it may be possible to untangle the line-over by inducing a full
stall. This manoeuvre, however, should only be carried out by advanced pilots with
experience in extreme flight situations and with sufficient altitude available.
Attention! If these manoeuvres fail or if in any doubt, the pilot should instantly use their
emergency parachute system!
A front tuck can be induced by strongly pulling the A-risers or by sudden, heavy
turbulence. The entire leading edge spontaneously collapses. Gentle braking on both
sides will reduce the lateral pendulum motions and simultaneously accelerate re-
inflation. The Eden 4 generally self recovers from an initiated front tuck.
When having a very large front tuck, a frontal rosette can happen (the wingtips move
forwards: shaping a horseshoe). Gentle braking can avoid this deformation.
A quick recognition of the situation and a quick reaction by braking on both sides as long
as the collapsed wing is behind the pilot helps the recovery and limits the altitude loss.
16
Parachutal stall (deep stall):
Full-stall:
In a parachutal stall the paraglider has no forward momentum combined with a high
descent rate. A parachutal stall can be caused by, among other reasons, a too slow exit
from a B-line stall or severe turbulence. Porous canopies (UV influence) or canopies out
of trim (stretched or shrunken lines) are much more susceptible to a parachutal stall and
therefore should not be flown. These are some of the reasons regular checks should be
carried out on your glider.
A wet canopy or temperatures below zero centigrade (0°C) may also cause a stable
parachutal stall. The Eden 4 will usually spontaneously recover from a parachutal stall
within 2-3 seconds. If the canopy remains in a parachutal stall, it is sufficient to gently
push both A risers forward or to push the accelerator.
Attention! If brakes are applied while in a parachutal stall, the glider may suddenly enter a
full stall!
If a parachutal stall occurs on landing approach, the pilot should prepare for a hard
landing and make a parachute roll landing. In close proximity to the ground, due to the
forward surging pendulum effect, a recovery may be more dangerous than a hard landing
in parachutal stall.
To induce a full stall, apply full brake on both sides. The glider slows down steadily until it
stalls completely. The canopy suddenly surges backwards a long way. In spite of this
uncomfortable reaction of the canopy, both brake lines must be consequently held down
with all your strength until the canopy is stabilized (directly overhead). This usually takes
3-6 seconds. The Eden 4 generally flies backwards during a full stall but doesn't always
form a front rosette. A frontal rosette can be formed by entering the full stall slowly. When
entering (braking) fast, the canopy will not always form the desired front rosette.
Attention! Always apply both brakes evenly!
To recover from a full stall, Smoothly release both brakes simultaneously until 90% of
leading edge reopens, then release brakes rapidly. The glider ends the full stall on its own
without surging forward.
WARNING!! If the brakes are released rapidly and asymmetrically, the glider may surge
almost 90° and suffer an extensive asymmetric collapse.
The danger of overcorrecting and overreacting exists during all extreme flight
manoeuvres. Thus, any corrective action must be gentle and steady and done with feel!
