AirDesign SUSI 4 Manuel D'instructions page 61

Initiation: Take hold of the B-risers (both sides at same time) just above the maillons and
slowly but smoothly pull them down, twisting your hands until the canopy shows a span-wise
crease at the B-line attachment points and stops flying forward. It is difficult to pull at first but
becomes easier as the airfoil creases. Your sink rate will increase while your forward speed will
reduce to practically zero.
Recovery: Let go of the risers smoothly but determinedly and symmetrically, the glider will
speed up and gain forward movement. The brakes are kept in your hands at all time during this
manoeuvre. When exiting take care not to pull the brakes.
ATTENTION: IF THE B-RISERS ARE PULLED DOWN TOO MUCH THE WING MAY LOOSE ITS
SPANWISE FORM OR THE TIPS COME IN FRONT OF THE CENTRE OF THE WING. IN THIS
INSTANCE THE B-RISERS MUST BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY.
This is the easiest and safest technique for descent while maintaining forward speed.
Depending on how much of the wing-tip you deflate, 3m/s to 5m/s sink rate can be achieved.
While in big-ears your forward speed can be increased by using the speed system. To use big-
ears with speed system pull the ears in first and then push the speed bar. To recover release
the speed bar first and then open the ears.
The tendency for the wing to collapse is reduced while flying with big-ears.
The SUSI 4 can be steered with big ears in by weight-shift alone.
Initiation: Reach up high and take hold of the metal maillon (quick-link) of the "outer" A-riser
on each side of the glider. Pull both sides down simultaneous. Hold them in firmly. The tips will
fold in. Make sure the lines are pulled down equally on each side and your big ears are even.
Recovery: The ears will open by itself. To support the reopening pull a little at the brakes.
ALL RAPID DESCENT MANOUVRES SHOULD BE FIRST PRACTICED IN CALM AIR, WITH
SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND WITH QUALIFIED SUPERVISION.
REMEMBER:
A wrong manoeuvre at the wrong time may change a straightforward situation into a
dangerous problem. Extreme manoeuvres also expose your glider to forces which may damage
it.
•
Practice these techniques under qualified supervision preferably during a safety
training course
•
Before initiating a manoeuvre make sure that the airspace below is clear of
obstructions or other pilots.
•
During manoeuvres watch both the glider and altitude above the ground.
iii. "Big-ears"
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