Asymmetric Or Frontal (Symmetric) Collapses; Performance & Use Of Brakes; Use Of Speed Bar; Fullstall - SKY PARAGLIDERS SKY Kea Handbuch

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or control or special aerological conditions may lead to a prolonged phase
of parachuting. The recovery of the paraglider could be then initiated by
using the speed bar. In case there is no speed bar, pulling at the A risers by
4 – 5 cm will bring the same result.
Caution: unlike the big ears and the spiral (see above) when the glider takes
the position of the B-line stall, it is in a stalled state. Parachuting to B is a stall
and should therefore never be performed close to the ground.
6) Performance & Use of Brakes
KEA best glide is at a trim speed (no brakes) – about 37 km/h. The minimum
sink rate is achieved by applying approx. 15% of the brakes.
When using more than 30% of the brakes the aerodynamics and the
performance of the glider are likely to deteriorate and the effort to maneuver
will increase quickly.
In case of extremely high brake pressure there is a great risk of a coming
impending stall which occurs at a full brake travel (100% of the brakes).
In normal flying conditions the optimal position for the brakes, in terms of
performance and safety is within the top third level of the braking range.

7) Use of Speed Bar

KEA is equipped with a speed system. For fitting and positioning the speed
bar consult the instructions of the harness manufacturer. Before every take-
off check that the speed bar works freely and that the lines are long enough
to ensure that it is not engaged permanently. If the harness is fitted with
a front mounted reserve the speed bar lines must pass under the reserve
container and the reserve bridle so that it can be deployed easily. Use of the
speed bar increases the maximum speed of the paraglider by up to 30% of
the trim speed. However, it does reduce the angle of attack and therefore
there is a risk of a frontal (or asymmetric) collapse. We therefore do not
advise to use the speed bar near the ground or in turbulent air.
8) Asymmetric or Frontal (Symmetric)
Collapses
Despite the tests proved that KEA recovers on its own after collapses, active
piloting is recommended in case of an asymmetric or frontal collapse. Active
piloting will reduce the loss of altitude and a change of direction.
In case of a frontal (symmetric) collapse:
 Bring both brakes down symmetrically to speed up the reopening of the
paraglider, and then raise your hands back up immediately.
In case of an asymmetric collapse:
 Keep the paraglider flying straight by leaning in the opposite direction of
the collapse and simultaneously applying the brake on the opposite side
of the collapse.
 Speed up the reopening of the closed side by a single, positive input on
the collapsed side.
10) Full Stall
Certain behaviour or weather conditions can cause a full stall. This is
a serious deviation from normal flight and can be difficult to manage. If a stall
occurs at less than 100 m above the ground, throw your reserve parachute.
Main Causes of a Full Stall:
 A poorly timed or an extensive use of brakes when the air speed of the
wing is reduced (e. g. when coming out of a spiral or speeding up after
a B-line stall).
 Soaked or heavily drenched leading edge (from rain or a cloud) can
result in a stall due to an uneven airflow over the leading edge. This
process has been related to high levels of porosity in the glider's cloth.
Whatever the cause, a full stall can be either symmetrical or a spin.