Swing Astral 3, Руководство пользователя

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4.3 Rapid descents
In some situations you need to lose height quickly to avoid dangerous situations, e.g. the upcurrent
from a cumulus cloud, an approaching cold front, a storm front etc. Below we explain three ways to
make a rapid descent, so that you can avoid these situations and similar ones.
Spiral dives
The spiral dive is the classic method for making a rapid descent with a sink rate of up to
14 m/s in normal flight situations, and up to 20 m/s in extreme flight situations. It is
particularly suitable where there is a high ascent rate and little wind. Spiral dives with a
sink rate above 14 m/s are not tested on certification; this exceeds the manufacturer's
limits.
Whilst flying at full speed, start to apply the brake on one side. This will steer the
paraglider into a turn with a strong bank. You can tell that you are in a spiral dive if you
are being pressed hard against your seat (high centrifugal force).
Starting the
manoeuvre
When you are in a spiral dive, you should steer very carefully because the paraglider
will react immediately. Banking and rate of turn increase if braking efficiency increases.
Look down before and during a spiral dive so that you can tell how far you are from the
ground!
Tip
When you are in a spiral dive, the outer part of the wing can collapse, but this is no
cause for concern. You can avoid this by braking slightly in the outside of the turn.
Release the brakes carefully.
Recovery
If you release the brakes too quickly, the increased speed can cause the wing to climb,
become unsettled, or partly collapse.
If the glider does not stop turning, you can stop it by weight-shifting to the outside of
the turn.
Caution! Accident risk!
With spiral dives, very high turn speeds can be reached, with an increase of
the acceleration due to gravity. So be careful when you try this!
Do not continue the spiral dive too long; you could lose consciousness.
Never attempt this with less than 150 to 200 meters ground-clearance.
Spiral dives with "big ears" lead to extreme loading of the open section of the
canopy. This move is prohibited in Germany.
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