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ENGLISH
Deep Stall / Parachutal stall
It is possible for gliders to enter a state of parachutal stall. This can be
caused by several situations including; a very slow release from a B-line
stall; flying the glider when wet; or after a front/symmetric deflation. The
glider often looks as though it has recovered properly but carries on de-
scending vertically without full forward motion. This situation is called ‘deep
stall’ or ‘parachutal stall’.
It is unlikely to happen on any Ozone glider, but should it happen, your first
reaction should be to fully raise both brakes. This normally allows the glider
to return to normal flight. If nothing happens after a few seconds, reach up
and push the A-risers forwards or better still, apply the speed bar to regain
normal flight.
Ensure the glider has returned to normal flight (check your airspeed) before
using the brakes again.
IMPORTANT: Only a few cms of brake input can maintain
the wing in a parachutal stall. Always release your wraps if
you have taken them!
IMPORTANT: Never fly in rain or with a wet wing, this will
significantly increase the likelihood of parachutal stall. If
you are accidently caught-out in a rain shower then land
immediately. DO NOT use big ears as a descent technique;
big ears with a wet wing will further increase the chances
of a parachutal stall occurring. Instead, lose height with
gentle 360’s and make sure to consider your air speed
during final approach, use a small amount of speed bar if
necessary.
Cravats
If the tip of your wing gets stuck in the lines, this is known as a ‘cravat’.
Cravats will make your glider enter a spiral dive that may be difficult to con-
trol unless preventative action is taken. The first course of action to recover
from a cravat is to maintain directional control. Stop the wing from entering
a spiral by using a combination of weightshift and brake to the opposite
side of the cravat. Be careful with any large brake inputs or you may stall
part or all of the wing, in the case of a large cravat it may be necessary to
allow the wing to remain in a controlled 360 to avoid stalling. Once you have
directional control, take hold of the stabilo line (red line on the C riser) and
pull until you feel it come under tension, keep pulling tension until the wing
tip frees itself.
If this does not work, taking the wing to the point of stall with a deep action
on the brake (symmetrically or asymmetrically) is another option. The high
angle of attack can reduce the tension in the trapped area and free the cra-
vat. Be carefull to not accidentally spin or stall the glider whilst doing this.
Using the above methods will clear 95% of cravats. If these methods have
not been successful or for very stubborn or large cravats it may be neces-
sary to perform a full stall. Full stalls should only be attempted with plenty of
altitude and only if you know how to do them properly.
If the cravated rotation accelerates and you are unable to control it by coun-
ter steering, you should use throw reserve parachute whilst you still have
enough altitude.
IMPORTANT: A bad preparation on launch, aerobatic flying,
flying a wing of too high a level or in conditions too strong
for your ability, are the main causes of cravats.
