Landings; Descending; Spiral Dive - FireBird Z-One DHV 1 Manuel

3.6 Landings

A windsock, smoke, flag or other indicator should be used by the pilot to judge
the wind direction in the landing area. Always land into the wind in an obstacle-
free zone.
Landing in a light or nil-wind
The landing approach should be flown using only light input on the brakes.
When you are one or two meters above the ground, apply the brakes
progressively so that the full brake position is attained just before your feet
touch down. Always approach with plenty of speed so that it can be converted
into a full flare.
Landing in a strong wind
The pilot should regulate his speed facing into the wind. Use the minimum of
brake needed to touch down smoothly, then immediately turn 180 degrees,
reach up and pull down both C-risers while moving towards the glider. This will
bring the wing down quickly without pulling you off your feet.

4 Descending

In sport flying situations arise suddenly which demand that the pilot descend
quickly. Pilots should be familiar with the different methods for descending.

4.1 Spiral Dive

When you turn in a series of 360s the paraglider will enter a spiral- a highly-
banked turn with rapid altitude loss. The longer you hold the inside brake on
the faster the turn becomes. Safe decent rates of 10 meters/second
(500ft./min.) are possible in a spiral dive, but with these high speeds and G-
forces a pilot easily becomes disoriented. It is particularly important to pay
attention to altitude.
paraglider
Note: The can enter a spiral within one revolution.
To exit a spiral dive, slowly release the inside brake and apply a small amount
of outside brake. As the glider begins to decelerate it is important to allow it to
continue in it's turn until enough energy has been lost for it to return to level
flight without excessive surging.
Spiral dives with sink rates over 8meters/second are possible, but should be
avoided. They are dangerous and put unnecessary strain on the glider. If you
go over 14meters/second for instance, all paragliders will lock in and you
will physically have to bring it out with weight shift and opposite brake
being smoothly applied.
Warning: Spiral dives cause disorientation and need time and height to
recover. Do not perform this manoeuvre near the ground.