2.6.5
Symmetrical Collapse
Also known as a “frontal,“ this occurs when the leading edge of the wing and the cells
“collapse“ or fold downward. It is due to a rapid decrease in the wing’s angle of attack, sometimes caused by
a pitching or porpoising movement by the pilot. “Frontals“ can also be brought on by suddenly leaving ascending air
and entering descending air. Another cause is by pulling down on the A-risers too aggressively while trying to enter “Big Ears“
(section 2.5.2: pulling too much, pulling too many lines, pulling the inner split A riser instead of the outer one, etc.).
Under normal circumstances, the wing will return spontaneously to normal flight. A quick pump of both brakes to your shoulders by the same amount can “pump out“
a symmetrical collapse. It is possible that the glider will enter a parachutal stall while recovering from a “frontal“. If it does, take appropriate action (described above in 2.6.1).
2.6.6
Asymmetric Collapse
The same forces that can result in a symmetrical collapse can result in a collapse of only one side of the wing. This asymmetrical collapse results in one side of the leading edge of the wing closing,
and sometimes to losing pressure.
If it occurs, first GENTLY brake the opposite side of the wing and weight shift to the side opposite of the collapse. This maintains straight flight. If the collapse does not re-inflate, smooth and reasonably quick full
pumps of the brake on the collapsed side will re-inflate the wing by causing the air in the wing to move forward and open the leading edge and cell openings.
2.6.7
Common Errors
• Asymmetric braking resulting in rotation into a spin (sections 2.5.4, 2.6.3) – release the inner brake fully and allow the wing to recover.
• Releasing the brakes when the wing has moved behind the pilot. This can result in: a sudden strong surge, a “frontal“ or the pilot falling into the wing, etc. (sections 2.4.5, 2.6.4, 2.6.5) – brake the wing strongly, quickly and
symmetrically during a strong surge and hold the brakes down at approximately 50–70% until the wing stabilises overhead.
• Quickly releasing the brakes from very slow flight. A similar event to above will happen. The glider will not likely end under the pilot, but it will be exciting!
3.
HANDLING, STORAGE, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
• Avoid rough surfaces, sharp sticks, sharp rocks and any object or surface that will scrape or puncture your glider. This is not always possible, so the glider should be carefully
inspected from time to time for holes and scrapes.
• Avoid extremes of temperature (below 5 degrees C and above 50)
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to ultraviolet light. If you are waiting on launch, ball up and cover you wing to avoid
unnecessary exposure.
