Normal Flight; Active Flying - Ozone SPARK Manuel

Normal Flight

Once at a safe height you can release the trimmers for a faster
cruise speed. If your motor has enough power, the Spark will
achieve very good straight line speeds whilst maintaining level
flight at high speeds. Do not fly with the trims fully released and
full speed bar applied at the same time.
For better penetration in headwinds and improved glide perfor-
mance in sinking air, crosswinds or headwinds, you should fly
faster than trim speed by using the accelerator system, or the
trimmers. For maximum efficiency whilst flying downwind, release
the speed bar and return the trimmers to the standard (certified)
position.
By pulling the trimmers to the standard position and applying
the brakes approximately 30cm, the Spark will achieve its best
minimum-sink rate; this is the speed to use for thermalling and
ridge soaring whilst free flying.
Turning
To familiarize yourself with the Spark your first turns should be
gradual and progressive.
To make efficient and coordinated turns with the Spark first look
in the direction you want to go and check that the airspace is
clear. Your first input for directional change should be weight-shift,
followed by the smooth application of the brake until the desired
bank angle is achieved. To regulate the speed and radius of the
turn, coordinate your weight shift and use the outer brake.
IMPORTANT: Never initiate a turn at minimum speed (i.e.
with full brakes on) or under full power in a steep climb as
you may risk entering a spin.

Active Flying

In turbulent air the profile is stable. It will resist reasonable levels
of turbulence without pilot input. However in stronger turbulence
Ozone recommends to return the trimmers to the standard position
and fly the glider actively. This way, you will be in the best position
to react correctly should an incident occur.
The key elements of effective active flying are pitch control and
pressure control:
In turbulent air, if the glider pitches hard in front of you, use the
brakes to slow it down. Equally, if the glider drops behind you,
release the brakes to allow it to speed up.
In severe turbulence, flying with a small amount of brake applied
(approx. 20cm) will give you tension in the brakes and feedback
from the wing. In turbulent conditions the internal pressure of the
wing can change and you can feel this through the brakes. The
aim is to maintain a constant pressure through the brakes. If you
feel a loss in pressure apply the brakes until normal pressure is
resumed then raise hands back to original position (this must be
done quickly).
Avoid flying with continuous amounts of brake in rough air as you
could inadvertently stall the wing. Always consider your airspeed.
IMPORTANT: No pilot and no glider are immune to collaps-
es. In severe turbulence active flying will virtually eliminate
any tendency to collapse. When the conditions are very
turbulent, be more active and anticipate the movements
of your wing. Always be aware of your altitude and do not
over-react. We advise you to keep hold of your brakes at all
times and not to fly in turbulent conditions.
IMPORTANT: In turbulent air return the glider to trim speed
- release the speed bar or return the trims to the slow posi-
tion
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