Rapid Descent Techniques - Nervures ALTEA 25 Manual

The most suitable way of laying out a wing is in an arc, which enables
the paraglider to fill up evenly, starting from the centre.
It is essential to assure that every row of suspension lines is free of tangles
and knots and that no line goes around the wing tip. In fact, any defect in the
sail during the phase of take-off can have unpredictable effects on the trajec-
tory.
The direction of the take-off, from the wing centre should be into the wind
starting with taut lines and no jerk, leaning forwards for a progressive pull.
Limit the movements of your hands to simply accompanying the rising wing
with front risers applying light traction. Too strong a traction can partly close
the leading edge intakes.
In moderate winds (from 10 mph), in order to avoid a brutal take-off, it is re-
commended to ask assistance of another paragliding pilot who is able to hold
you on the ground during the inflation and the inspection phase before starting
the take-off run.
Pilots not used to back to wind techniques should not take off in winds of more
than 15 mph.
In a 360° spiral, a sink rate of 5 - 6 m/s (116 - 20 ft/s) is attained. This
manoeuvre can disorientate the pilot (loss of reference point and strong
acceleration). One should learn this technique progressively. In particular one
should avoid the symmetrical mid braking position for coming out of the spiral.
This is best obtained by raising both hands progressively.
The "B"- line stall is possible by pulling slowly the B Branch of the risers. After
a slight swinging, this will produce a vertical descent rate of about 8 mls. There
is a risk of entering a front horseshoe configuration. To get out of it the pilot will
slowly release the B branch and pull symmetrically and briefly the brakes. The
return to flight will cause a moderate surge which should be controlled on the
brakes. Avoid a sudden release of the B risers.
Big ears are obtained by pulling on first A line near from the wingtip. Pulling on
this line must be done progressively to avoid too big a closure. Once the big
ears are in, the pilot can increase progressively their size by pulling more and
more length on the appropriate line.
One should make sure that the central half of the wing is kept open.
To re-open big ears The pilot will pull symmetrically and briefly on the brakes.
For these 3 manoeuvres and for all other phases of flight, we strongly
recommend keeping the toggles in the hands which enables an instant return
to conventional piloting.
The emergency manoeuvres should only be used when necessary.
After a while they weaken the lines, the ribs and the attachment points.
Attention is drawn to the risk involved when spiralling with a lot of big
ears pulled on. This can increase the load considerably on the front lines to
the centre of the wing and weaken them prematurely: therefore only use this
technique when really necessary and have the strength tested subsequently in
INFLATION AND TAKE-OFF

RAPID DESCENT TECHNIQUES

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