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

50

Rapid Descents:

Spiral dive:

The spiral dive is the fastest way to lose altitude. As explained previously (see
under 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.
By tensing ones abdominal muscles an a higher body tension one can rather
resist the high g-forces. Don't forget proper breathing!
As soon as any, even slight, light dizziness or impaired vision is noticed the
spiral should be exited immediately.
ATTENTION! AT HIGH SINK SPEEDS OR IN THE CASE THE PILOT KEEPS
HIS WEIGHT ON THE INSIDE, THE WING CAN STAY IN A CONTINUED
DEEP SPIRAL AND HAS TO BE ACTIVELY EXITED (SEE FLIGHT PRAC-
TICE: DEEP SPIRAL).

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.
If canopy does not recover apply both brakes gently to recover.

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.