Landing; Turning; Rapid Descent; Spiral Dive - Flow Paragliders Cosmos User Manual

Landing

Because of the exceptional glide for this type of glider, high caution is recommended in the stages of approaching and landing. The Flow Cosmos
is a fast glider, any action on the brakes may cause significant reactions. It is therefore recommended to execute the first flights in a familiar
environment and under easy conditions. With negative steering, there is more time for the manoeuvres to be performed steadily, which results
in reducing the pendulum movements of the paraglider. Reminder: Negative steering involves applying the brakes symmetrically by about 30%
of the maximum range to slow the paraglider and a simultaneous turning by means of releasing the outside brake. Speeding up just prior to
landing allows a more effective flare and therefore a gentler landing.

Turning

Flow Cosmos was designed to perform well in turns. Negative steering (see above) on one hand slows the paraglider in certain phases of the flight
and on the other hand reduces excessive rolling during turn reversals. It is not only designed to turn (with approx. 30% brake) but also to fly slowly
in order to help identify the areas of lift and to keep the paraglider flatter to minimize the sink rate in a turn (with 15% brake). Symmetrical brake-
input at 20-30 % enables you to keep your wing under control – to brake further when pitching and to release when the canopy banks up.
RAPID DESCEND
Techniques
In order to descend, the paraglider must fly away from the areas of lift. In case any problems occur, the following techniques might be used to
increase the sink rate.
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Spiral Drive
: The Flow Cosmos is a manoeuvrable wing which responds to any input easily. To initiate the spiral, apply one brake
progressively to about 35% and hold it in its position. The speed of rotation will increase progressively as well as the pressure on the brake
and the centrifugal force that is perceived. The angle or the speed of rotation can be decreased or increased by releasing or pulling the
brake by several centimetres. Once mastered the spiral allows you to descend by more than 10 m/s. Movements which are extremely
abrupt or badly synchronized or very quick initiation of the spiral can result in an asymmetrical collapse or a spin. CAUTION: A deep spiral
is no harmless manoeuvre. The kinetic energy obtained must be reduced by slow releasing of the inside brake.
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