Big Ears - Swing ARCUS 2 RS Owner's Manual

Recovery
Return the B-risers quickly and evenly
into their normal position. The glider
may go into a deep stall if they are
released too slowly or into a negative
spin if not released symmetrically. If
this happens, the speed must be
increased using the speed system or by
pulling the A-risers forward.
WARNING
The canopy speeds up after the B-
risers have been released until the
airflow returns. Under no
circumstances should the brakes be
applied at this time.
This manoeuvre should be avoided
at low temperatures. Pilots should
be aware that this considerably
increases the tendency to deep stall.

Big Ears

WARNING
The technique of big ears causes a
higher load for the line groups which
are still weight-bearing. Therefore,
do not fly any extreme manoeuvres
with big ears.
This manoeuvre should be avoided
in low temperatures. Pilots should be
aware that this increases the
tendency to deep stall.
Big ears are the simplest method for
rapid descent and have a sink rate of 3-
5m/s. The advantage of big ears is that
the glider continues to fly straight,
meaning that a danger area can be
avoided. It is even possible to land
using big ears, for example on a top-
landing to compensate for the updraft.
The wing-loading increases by the
reduction in the wing's surface area,
the wing becomes more stable against
collapses in turbulence. Nevertheless,
the air resistance of the wing also
increases, and it flies more slowly and
closer to the stall limit. To counter this
and to increase the effectiveness of the
sink, the speed bar is generally also
used in combination with big ears.
Starting the manoeuvre
Start the "Big Ears" manoeuvre by
pulling both outer A-lines downwards.
This should start the manoeuvre by
folding down a sufficiently large part of
the wing tips so that the pilot does not
then have to counteract the tendency
to reopen. It is important with the
ARCUS 2 RS not to pull down the outer
A-risers too far for "big ears", as the
"ears" start to flap.
If too much surface area has collapsed
("ears" flapping, high holding forces):
re-open the ears and pull down and
hold with slight force.
To make the manoeuvre more stable
and more effective, slightly accelerate
the wing after pulling in the ears.
The brake lines are held steady and the
pilot uses weight-shifting to steer the
paraglider. You can now descend safely
on the stable middle part of the wing.
The brakes must not be shortened
during the manoeuvre, e.g. by
wrapping the brake lines.

TIP
For the big ears manoeuvre, take
hold of the A2 risers quick link and
pull down firmly.
Then apply the speed bar, as the big
ears manoeuvre increases the angle
of attack.
Recovery
For recovery release the speed bar, wait
until the wing has slowed down and let
go of both A-risers. Assist the opening
process by a short, impulsive pumping
Flying the ARCUS 2 RS Section 05 25