B-Line-Stall; Spiral Dive - ICARO paragliders Sitta Manual

Table of Contents

Advertisement

B-Line-Stall

The glider is a very agile glider with high trim speed. Therefore spiral dive is the
most effective method to reduce flight level. B-Line-Stall is not so effective,
furthermore stresses the material of the glider and reduces operating life of the
canopy. Therefore it is not recommended. If you want to fly a B- Line- stall
nevertheless following remarks:
To enter and hold a B-line-stall requires considerable strength. It is very
dangerous performing a B-line-stall incorrectly and following errors must be
avoided:
• pulling too far on the B-line-stall aid, so that the A-lines are pulled too, and
using brakes during or directly after exiting,
• exit is too slow,
• releasing the B-line-stall aid without simultaneously pushing up with your hands
• Brakes must not be shortened by twisting around your hand during the
exercise.

Spiral Dive

Thin material will be stressed when you fly spiral dive very often. Therefore ICARO
paragliders recommends flying spiral dive only when it is necessary or training.
In a controlled spiral dive, the pilot applies an active flying technique in the same
way as when circling in thermals. The strong centrifugal forces in a spiral dive,
however, change the control pressure. It increases by a multiple of the force. Even
in moderate spirals, the pilot reaches double acceleration of gravity. Subsequently,
the control pressure also doubles.
To initiate a spiral dive, look in the direction you want to go, roll your body weight
in that direction and at the same time smoothly pull down on the inside brake. The
glider will start to turn, and then drop into a spiral.
In the spiral dive an uncontrolled acceleration of the canopy must be prevented.
As the canopy always accelerates via the outside of the wing, the spiral speed is
controlled via the outside brake by applying the active flying technique. If the
speed increases in an unwanted manner, the pilot pulls the brakes further to slow
down. If the wing becomes too slow, it can be speeded up by releasing the outside
control.
If you pull abruptly and too far on the brakes, the canopy may enter a
negative spin. When entering a spiral dive keep the brake on the outer curve
released.
Spiral dive with the SITTA must be finished actively!
Bring your weight into a neutral position, release the brakes of the inner
curve side and brake gently on the outer curve side until you notice that the
wing starts to level out. Then gently brake on the inside curve for several
turns until normal flights returns.
Rate of descent could be very high also the dynamic and g- load. In reliance
of your physical condition it is possible to have a blackout.
Page 13

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Table of Contents