U-Turn BLACKLIGHT S, Руководство пользователя

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Collapses
Even with its high stability and very responds well in turbulence, strong turbulences can
cause the BLACKLIGHT to collapse. Th
at situation is not really dangerous and clears its-
elf automatically, without any further input required. To support the recovery, fi rmly apply
brakes on the aff ected side and simultaneously steer opposite on the open side. When a large
part of the canopy is collapsed be careful and smooth when applying opposite steering to
avoid a complete disruption of airfl ow and entering a fullstall.
In case of larger defl ations the counter steering is to be excercised with restraint / in modera-
tion, in order not to completely interupt the airfl ow to the positive side of the wing and spin
the glider.
How to avoid collapses
Single side collapses close to the ground are the number one reason for accidents with
paragliders. To avoid them, or how to handle the situation when it happened, some tips and
tricks from U-Turn test- and competition pilot Ernst Strobl:
Th
e best way to avoid collapses upfront is the right choice of the paraglider. A lot of pilots fl y
a glider that is a little too hot to handle for them. So why don`t you get a glider with a lower
rating but in the end fl y better and higher in the updraft s and have a lot more fun and by the
way be safer, too. To optimize the feeling for your glider on the ground, try the following:
Pratice on the ground with the right wind at a suitable location. Slowly pull up the canopy
and try to hold it up as long as possible without looking
towords?? it. Th at is a good way to
improve the feeling for your glider and is a prerequisite for „active fl ying“ (the key to avoid
collapses). Very important is also a close look at the terrain. Watch for obstacles that could
cause turbulences (buildings, trees, ...). On certain days, for example a freshly mowed ma-
dow as landing fi eld, could cause a lot of thermal activity. Fly very alert on a thermal active
day. Watch your canopy, collapses most of the time, announce themself. Light braking in
turbulences mostly avoids a collapse. You should have already pratised that on the ground.
Should a collapse occur close to the ground don`t always try to prevent a turn away. Th
ere is
a danger when the braking on the open side is to strong, to lose the airfl ow on this side and
stall the glider. Rather use the turn away motion to try to open the collapsed side.
Apply smooth braking on the open side, depending on the size of the collapse, and maybe a
little pumping action. Some canopies open a lot better when the brakes are fully applied once
on the according side, but that depends on the brakelines adjustment and your armlength.
Wrapped lines are cleared by braking the opposite side at enough altitude and pumping the
aff ected side a couple of times. Watch out for a possible stall. If that does no clear the situati-
on, try to pull dow the outer lines as much as possible. If you are too low for that, stabilize
the canopy on the opposite side avoid turning away, and leave the lines like they are. Instead
of any - risky manoeuvers rather concentrate on the landing. In the end one more advice in
order to have all kinds of situations under control.
Visit a safety-training above water. Th ere is no better way to practice the right behaviour
than simulating a dangerous situation. Don`t get caught off guard by your fi rst collapse. In
addition, during safety-training you can familiarize yourself with the particulars of your
equipment and you gain confi dence in your gliders as well as your own abilities.
Th us far the expert advise concerning collapses, by Ernst Strobl.
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