Gradient BRIGHT III User Manual page 9

5.2.1 Big-ears
This is the easiest technique for a rapid descent. Depending on how much of
the wing tip you deflate between 3 to 6 m/s sink rate can be achieved. While in
big ears your sink rate and forward speed can be further increased by using the
speed system. BRIGHT III can also be steered in big ears by means of weight-
shift. BRIGHT III is equipped by split A-risers for easier big-ears.
- initiation: Take hold of the outer A-lines (special A-riser) on both sides as high
as possible and pull them down fluently and hold them firmly. The effective area
of the paraglider is reduced equally on both sides of the wing. The size of the
deflated area depends on how deeply the lines are pulled down, eventually on
the number of lines pulled (one or two outer lines on both sides). Be sure to pull
both sides equally.
- recovery: Under normal circumstances BRIGHT III opens automatically when
the A-lines are released. The opening may be accelerated by gentle repeated
braking symmetrically on both sides (slightly "pumping" the breaks).
5.2.2 B-line stall
This flight technique is a very effective way of making a rapid descent.
Depending on how much the B-risers are pulled down, the sink rate is between 5
and 10 m/s.
- initiation: Take hold of the B-risers at the top and smoothly pull them down
until the canopy shows a spanwise crease where the the B-lines attach to the
sail. Your sink rate will increase considerably while your forward speed will
decrease to practically zero. Don't be startled when the air flow over the top
surface is detached and the canopy enters a parachutal stall without moving
forward. It will soon stabilise above your head.
- recovery: On releasing
normal flight without staying in deepstall (sackflug) or shooting in front of the
pilot. Let go of the risers smoothly and symmetrically.
Caution: If the B-risers are released unevenly the canopy could enter a turn on
release from the B-stall. If the risers are released slowly and very unevenly it
could start a spin.
5.2.3 Spiral dive
The spiral dive is the most effective way of making a fast descent. Every pilot
should be able to perform a spiral dive and one day you may need to. Always be
aware of your altitude which decreases very rapidly during a spiral dive. The sink
rate reached in a spiral dive can be more than 12 or 15 m/s.
the B-risers BRIGHT III automatically returns to