GIN GTO 2 - Manual (Page 18)

18
WARNING: Uncontrolled re-openings
after rapid descent techniques,
collapses, extreme manoeuvres or
during ground-handling may place
additional stress on your glider.
Wherever possible, avoid such flight
configurations in order to reduce the
possibility of material damage.
TIP: Always try to avoid the need to use
these descent techniques. Thoroughly
check the conditions before launch,
and pay close attention to how the day
develops.
WARNING: Do not attempt to release big
ears near the ground.
Rapid descent techniques
Learn and practice the techniques in this section under qualified supervision. Big ears and
spiral dives are generally the most common methods of descent. Big ears can achieve a moderate
rate of descent with the advantage of forward speed and manoeuvrability. Spiral dives attain
higher rates of descent, but the G-forces can be significant and the manoeuvre is more technically
demanding. ‘B-stalls’ have little or no advantages compared to the other methods of descent and
therefore are not recommended in normal situations.
Big ears
To enter big ears, pull down firmly the outermost A lines on each side of the wing one-by-one
until the wingtips fold under. The glider can then be steered by weightshift. Do not use the brakes
unless you intend to exit big ears.
Once in big ears, you can increase your sink rate and forward speed by applying the speed bar.
Always apply the speed bar AFTER entering big ears, never before.
To exit big ears, release both A lines at the same time. Apply brake progressively one side at
a time to help re-inflation. Be careful not brake too deeply on both sides at the same time as this
could cause a stall.
Spiral dives
Before entering a spiral, make sure you have adequate height for recovery. To enter the spiral
dive, weight shift and progressively apply the inside brake until the glider enters the spiral. As
the glider accelerates into the spiral, centre your weight and control your rate of descent with
weightshift and outer brake.