Big Ears; B-Line Stall - Nova RA Manual

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Big ears:

When doing big ears, the horizontal speed is higher than the sink rate, unlike a
spiral dive or a B-line stall. This rapid descent technique is used to quickly and
horizontally exit a dangerous area into desired direction.
In order to collapse the outside wing, pull the outside A-lines .
When the pilot holds the outside A-risers on both sides and pulls them down,
the NOVA RA easily tucks the outside wings and enters a stable descent mode
.
The pilot keeps the brake handles along with the outside A-risers in his hands.
By braking on one side and shifting weight the canopy remains steer able.
In order to increase the sink rate as well as the horizontal speed, this manoeu-
vre should be done together with use of the speed system. Apply speed system
after big ears are induced (step into the pedal before you grab the outer A-
risers).
Big ears substantially reduces the risk of canopy stability problems in turbulent
air.
To exit the Big ears release the A-risers. The canopy does not always self-re-
cover. If not, or to quicken the recovery, the pilot gently brakes the glider.

B-line stall:

To induce a B-line stall symmetrically pull down both B-risers by about 20cm.
The airflow over the top surface is almost fully detached and the canopy enters
a vertical descent flight mode without forward movement.
Further pulling of the B-risers reduces the surface area more and increases the
sink rate. (up to 10 m/s)
Be careful, pulling too far may cause a frontal horseshoe to form.
To exit from this flight mode release the B-risers quickly (1 sec).
The canopy surges forward reattaching airflow over the top surface again and
resumes normal flight.
When the B-risers are released, the brakes should not be activated. This will
give the canopy the possibility to gain speed and resume normal flight.
The NOVA RA generally is self recovering from B-line stall. If the canopy re-
mains in a parachutal stall, it is sufficient to gently push both A risers forward
or to push the accelerator.
WARNING: IF BRAKES ARE APPLIED WHILE IN A PARACHUTAL STALL,
THE GLIDER MAY SUDDENLY ENTER A FULL STALL.