Normal Flight; Active Flying - Ozone OCTANE FLX Betriebshandbuch

Normal Flight

Flying at 'trim speed' (hands-up), the Octane FLX will achieve its
'best glide' speed for normal air. You should fly at this speed when
gliding downwind or when the air is not excessively sinking.
For better penetration in headwinds and improved glide performance
in sinking air, crosswinds or headwinds, you should fly faster than
trim speed by using the accelerator system. Using up to half bar
does not degrade the glide angle or stability significantly and will
improve your flying performance, as you will reach the next thermal
faster and higher. At full speed the Octane FLX is stable; however we
recommend that you do not fly at full speed close to the ground or in
turbulence.
By applying the brakes approximately 30cm, the Octane FLX will
achieve its minimum-sink rate; this is the speed for best climb and is
the speed to use for thermalling and ridge soaring.
Turning
To familiarize yourself with the Octane FLX your first turns should be
gradual and progressive.
To make efficient and coordinated turns with the Octane FLX first
look in the direction you want to go, then lean into it. Your first input
for directional change should be weight-shift, followed by the smooth
application of the brake until the desired bank angle is achieved. To
regulate the speed and radius of the turn, coordinate your weight
shift and use the outer brake.
IMPORTANT: Never initiate a turn at minimum speed (i.e.
with full brakes on) as you could risk entering a spin.

Active Flying

To minimize the likelihood of suffering collapses in turbulent condi-
tions, it is essential to use active flying.
All good pilots react to the feedback the gliders send them, and are
constantly adjusting their speed and pitch to match the movements
of the air. The key elements of active flying are pitch control and
pressure control:
As the glider pitches in front of you, use the brakes to slow it down.
Equally, as the glider drops behind you, release the brakes to allow it
to speed up.
Flying with a bit of brake applied (approx. 20cm) will give you feedback
from the wing. In turbulent conditions the internal pressure of the
wing can change and you can feel this through the brakes. The aim is
to maintain a constant pressure through the brakes. If you feel a loss
in pressure apply the brakes until normal pressure is resumed then
raise hands back to original position (this must be done quickly).
Avoid flying with continuous amounts of deep brake in rough air as
you could inadvertently stall the wing. Always consider your airspeed.
These movements can be symmetric or asymmetric; you may have to
apply both brakes or just one. These subtle adjustments will keep the
glider flying smoothly and directly above you and dramatically reduce
the chances of a collapse. These are skills that are best learnt by
playing with the glider on the ground!
IMPORTANT: No pilot and no glider are immune to collapses
however active flying will virtually eliminate any tendency
to collapse. When the conditions are turbulent, be more
active and anticipate the movements of your wing. Always
be aware of your altitude and do not over-react. We advice
you to keep hold of your brakes. Do not fly in turbulent
conditions.
8