Rapid Descents; Spiral Dive; Big Ears; B-Line Stall - Nova Radon XS Betriebshandbuch

44

Rapid Descents:

Spiral dive:

The spiral dive is the fastest way to lose altitude. As explained previously (see un-
der main section "Flight" ) they have a rapid descent rate, however, the very high
G-forces make it difficult to sustain a spiral dive for long and it can place high loads
on the pilot and glider. As soon as any, even slight, light headedness or impaired
vision is noticed the spiral should be exited immediately.
If done in strong winds the pilot may drift off course.
NEVER DO BIG EARS IN A SPIRAL!

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-lines on both sides and pulls them down, the
NOVA RADON easily tucks the outside wings and enters a stable descent mode .
The pilot keeps the brake handles along with the outside A-lines 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 manoeuvre
can be done together with use of the speed system. Apply speed system after big
ears are induced.
Big ears substantially reduces the risk of canopy stability problems in turbulent air.
To exit the Big ears release the A-lines. The canopy does not always self-recover. 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 20 cm. The
airflow over the top surface is almost fully detached and the canopy enters a verti-
cal 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.