Big-Ears - Airdesign UFO 2 Betriebshandbuch

This is the easiest and safest technique for descent while maintaining forward speed. While in
big-ears your forward speed can be increased by using the speed system. To use big-ears with
speed system pull the ears in first and then push the speed bar. To recover release the speed
bar first and then open the ears.
The UFO 2 can be steered with big ears in by weight-shift alone.
Initiation: Reach up high and take hold of the "outer" A-lines on each side of the glider. Pull
both sides down simultaneous. Hold them in firmly. The tips will fold in. Make sure the lines
are pulled down equally on each side and your big ears are even.
Recovery: The ears will open by itself. To support the reopening pull a little at the brakes.
The speciality of the UFO:
The UFO 2 is very stable. When you try to pull down the outer A´s it is resulting in more
like a pulling down the canopy than making the tips collapse. This demands a bit more
force to hold the ears down. At the same time this gives a very stable flying condition.
ALL RAPID DESCENT MANOUVRES SHOULD BE FIRST PRACTICED IN CALM AIR, WITH
SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND WITH QUALIFIED SUPERVISION.
REMEMBER:
A wrong manoeuvre at the wrong time may change a straightforward situation into a
dangerous problem. Extreme manoeuvres also expose your glider to forces which may damage
it.
•
Practice these techniques under qualified supervision preferably during a safety
training course.
•
Before initiating a manoeuvre make sure that the airspace below is clear of
obstructions or other pilots.
•
During manoeuvres watch both the glider and altitude above the ground.
iii. "Big-ears"
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