Landing; Turning; Rapid Descent Techniques; Performance & Use Of Brakes - SKY PARAGLIDERS KUDOS XS Mode D'emploi

on the wind conditions or the slope, judicious use of the brakes
may assist a cleaner launch.

4.3. Landing

Due to the exceptional glide of the KUDOS, extreme caution
is recommended during approach and landing. The KUDOS
is an extremely agile and sensitive glider. Each brake input
may initiate a significant glider reaction. It is therefore
recommended that first flights are performed in a familiar
environment, from a large launch site and under stable
meteorological conditions. An advantage of negative steering
is that there is more time for manoeuvres to be performed
precisely, resulting in reduced pendular motion of the
paraglider.
Reminder: Negative steering involves slowing the glider by
applying brakes symmetrically to about 30% of the maximum
range, then effecting a turn by releasing the outside brake.
Speeding up just before landing allows a more efficient flare
and a gentler touch-down.

4.4. Turning

The KUDOS is designed to turn efficiently and will core
thermals even without the need for weight-shift piloting.
Negative steering (see above) slows the paraglider in certain
phases of flight and in turn reduces excessive roll during turn
reversals. Your glider is not only designed to turn rapidly (with
approx. 30% brake) but also to fly slowly to help identify areas
of lift and to maintain a flatter turn to minimise sink rate during
the turn (with 15% brake).
Symmetrical brake-input at 20-30 % enables you to control
the glider – to brake further if the canopy pitches forward and
to release when if the canopy pitches backwards.

4.5. Rapid Descent Techniques

As a general rule, to descend fly away from areas of lift. If for
whatever reason, you are taken unawares by the development
of conditions, you may consider using the following techniques
to increase your sink rate.
Big Ears
Pull the outside A lines until the wingtips fold back under the
leading edge. We recommended that you perform each 'ear'
successively and not both simultaneously. Keep the lines taut
to stop the wingtips from reopening until the manoeuvre is
finished. Depending on the size of 'big ears' initiated, the sink
rate can increase by up to 3–4 m/s.
As soon as the lines are released, the paraglider should
spontaneously reopen. However, you can speed reopening
by "pumping" the brakes in a single sweeping movement.
When pumping the brakes it is recommended that one side of
the paraglider be opened after the other. Pulling both brakes
simultaneously may result in a stall.
Spiral Dive
The KUDOS is a manoeuvrable wing that responds to pilot input
precisely and progressively. To initiate a tight spiral apply one
brake progressively to about 35% and hold it in this position.
The speed of rotation and the brake pressure will increase
gradually and the centrifugal force on the pilot will also increase.
The angle and speed of rotation can be decreased or increased
by releasing or depressing the brake by several centimetres
respectively.
Once mastered the spiral dive allows you to descend at
rates higher than 10 m/s. Extraordinarily abrupt or poorly
synchronised brake inputs or too-rapid initiation of the spiral
may result in an asymmetrical collapse and/or a spin.
Caution: A deep spiral is a radical manoeuvre. The kinetic
energy generated must be dissipated by slowly releasing the
inside brake.
B-line Stall
Grasp the B risers at the quick links and pull them down
symmetrically. The paraglider will enter a B-line stall and drop
backwards before stabilising overhead. The descent rate
increases to 6 - 8 m/s. To exit the B-line stall raise both hands
KUDOS
User manual / Handbuch / Manuel / Návod k obsluze
together in a single, positive movement so that the risers are at
full extension. On releasing the B-risers, your KUDOS should
return immediately to regular flight. An adjustment error, control
error or special aerological conditions may lead to a prolonged
stall phase. A push on the speed bar should initiate rapid exit
from the B-line stall.If the speed bar is not connected, pulling
on the A-risers by 4 – 5 cm will have the same result.
Caution: unlike big ears and spiral dives (see above) a glider in
a B-line is in a true stalled position. For this reason, a B-line stall
should never be performed close to the ground.
4.6. Performance & Use of Brakes
The KUDOS best glide is at trim speed (no brakes) – about 38
km/h. The minimum sink rate is achieved by applying approx.
15% brake.
When using more than 30% brake the aerodynamics and the
performance of the glider deteriorate and the brake pressure
rapidly increases.
With extremely high brake pressure there is a high risk of an
impending stall which occurs at full brake travel (100% brake).
In normal flying conditions the optimum brake position, in terms
of performance and safety, is within the top third of the braking
range.

4.7. Use of Speed Bar

Your KUDOS is equipped with a speed system or accelerator.
For fitting and positioning of the speedbar consult the
instructions provided by your harness manufacturer. Before
each take-off check that the speed bar works freely and
that the lines are long enough to prevent the speed bar from
being activated involuntarily in flight. 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 correctly. 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 an increased risk of a frontal (or asymmetric)
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