Rapid Descent Techniques - Ozone Element Betriebshandbuch

RAPID DESCENT TECHNIQUES

Ozone would like to remind you that these manoeuvres should be learnt under the
supervision of a qualified instructor and always used with caution. Never forget that
properly analysing the conditions before launch will help avoid the need to use these
techniques.
Big Ears
Folding in the wingtips of the ELEMENT increases its sink rate. To pull big ears on the
ELEMENT, keep holding your brake handles and take the outermost A-line (Baby A) on
each side, then pull it down until the tips of the wing fold under.
Do not use the brakes other than for re-inflation. For directional control while using the
Big Ears, you should use weight shift steering.
To reopen your ears, release the babyA : the glider should reopen automatically.
You can still help the reinflation by braking gently, one side at a time to minimise the
chance of inducing a stall.
IMPORTANT :
You can land with the ears (you should release the ears
before final flare). But Ozone don't advise you to do this when it's turbulent or
windy due to the risk of a possible stall and lack of precision in steering.
Big ears and accelerator
Once the big ears are in you can further increase the sink rate by pushing on the
accelerator bar.
NEVER try to pull the Big Ears in with the speed bar on. This can lead to a major
asymmetric deflation.
Big ears and spiral dive
Whilst it is possible to enter a spiral dive whilst holding in Big Ears, the high forces
applied to the lower lines could exceed the breaking strain of the lines leading to
equipment failure!
Ozone do not recommend the use of this manoeuvre!
B-Line Stall
B-stall is for fast descents in emergency situations only. B-stall is performed by
symmetrically pulling down on the B-risers.
To initiate the B-stall place your fingers between the lines above the maillons on the B
risers. Do not release the brake handles. As you pull the B-lines down the airflow over
the wing is broken and the glider loses its forward speed but remains open and you
will descend at around 6 m/s.
To exit the B-stall the B-risers should be released symmetrically and in one smooth,
progressive motion. The glider will resume normal forward flight without further input.
Check you have forward flight again before using the brakes.
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
IMPORTANT :
necessary. We recommend you do not brake the glider until you are sure that
the glider is flying again.
The load applied on the B lines during this manoeuvre is not very good for your
glider, only use it in emergency situations.
Spiral Dives
If you turn your Element in a series of tightening 360's it will enter a spiral dive. This
will result in rapid height loss. To initiate a spiral, look and lean in to the direction you
want to go, then smoothly pull down on the inside brake. The Element will first turn
almost 360 degrees before it drops in to the spiral. Once in the spiral you must apply a
little outside brake to keep the outer wing tip pressured and inflated.
Safe descent rates of 8 metres per second (500 ft/min approx.) are possible in a spiral
dive, but at these rates the associated high speeds and G-forces can be disorientating,
so pay particular attention to your altitude.
To exit the spiral dive, return your weight shift to a central position and then slowly
release the inside brake. The Element shows no indication of remaining neutral in the
spiral dive, however if it does so,you should always be prepared to pilot the wing out.
To do so smoothly use opposite weight shift and apply a small amount of outside
brake and the glider will start to resume normal flight. Never attempt to recover from a
spiral with hard or quick opposite inputs as this will result in an aggressive climb and
surge.
IMPORTANT :
should be avoided. They are dangerous and put unnecessary strain on the
glider. Spiral dives cause disorientation and need time and height to recover.
Do not perform this manoeuvre near the ground.
INCIDENTS
Deep Stall / Parachutal stall
It is possible for gliders to resume their normal shape on a very slow release of the B-
lines, but carry on descending vertically and without full forward motion. This situation
is called 'deep stall' or 'parachutal stall'.
It is highly unlikely to happen on any OZONE glider, but should it happen, your first
reaction should be to fully raise both brakes and the glider should return to normal
flight. If nothing happens after a few seconds, reach up and push the A-risers forwards
or apply the speeds bar to regain normal flight.
Ensure the glider has returned to normal flight (check your airspeed) before you use
the brakes again.
6
The pitching movement on exiting the B stall is small but
Spiral dives with sink rates over 8 m/s are possible, but