Advance ALPHA 3 Manuel D'utilisation page 36

Fast descents
To quickly lose height the ADVANCE test team recommends, depen-
ding on the situation, a spiral dive or big ears. It is a good idea that
you practise these in smooth air. Even flares and landings with big
ears should be practised in smooth conditions so that a serious
scenario doesn't turn into an emergency.
Spiral dive (360)
The spiral dive is entered into by gradually applying brake on one
side. The desired bank angle is controlled by the amount of brake
applied. We advise no weight shifting and to adjust the harness
chest strap width at around 37-40 cm between the karabiners. At
the same time the pilot's head and field of view should be oriented
in the direction of the turn. To exit the spiral raise the inside brake
gradually. Depending on the steepness of the spiral it is possible
that the glider could do another rotation even after releasing the
brake. Be aware that a collapse may occur in case the glider pas-
ses through its own trail.
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Big ears
The ALPHA 3 has a clever big ears line that enables the pilot to
easely facilitate the manoeuvre. A small line attached to the A riser
by velcro is lifted up and pulled down enabling big ears to take pla-
ce. Be careful not to pull down on the risers themselves. The wing
tips will fold down and back. Use the brakes to reopen.
NB : do not attempt spiral dives with big ears as this manoeuvre
results in extremly high loads and can unduly stress the glider.
Using speed system with big ears
In order to quickly reduce height and fly away from danger we
recommend the following :
place your feet on the speed system. Apply big ears. This will symme-
trically collapse 1/3 of the leading edge and reduce the angle of attack.
Apply speed bar to the desired point and steer using weight shift.
B line stall
Our experience indicates that a B line stall is not currently the most
efficient manoeuvre. It presents some risks with the high aspect
ratio gliders if it is not perfectly and symmetrically entered into and
exited from. This has to be considered as a emergency manœuvre.
In addition to this it can also damage the glider.
Parachutal stall/full stall
The progressive application of both brakes reduces forward speed
as is evidenced by the reduction in the presence of wind noise. After
minimum speed the glider goes into a momentary phase of para-
chutal stall which, if the brakes are pulled further down, is followed
by a full stall with the glider falling behind the pilot. The ALPHA 3
does not possess a stable parachutal (or deep) stall.