Rapid Descent Techniques - Ozone SPARK Manuel

Landing
The Spark shows no unusual landing characteristics. We recom-
mend the trimmers be returned to the normal slow position for
landings. You can land un-powered or powered, here are some
tips:
• Always set up your landing early, give yourself plenty of op-
tions and a safe margin for error and make sure you are head-
ing INTO wind.
• Once below 30 metres avoid turning tightly as the glider will
have to dive to accelerate back to normal flight.
• Allow the glider to fly with speed for your final descent until
you are around 1 metre above the ground. Apply the brakes
slowly and progressively to slow the glider down until the
glider stalls and you are able to step onto the ground.
• It is safest to perform un-powered landings as this reduces the
likelihood of propeller damage caused by either falling over
or allowing the lines to foul the prop. Turn off the engine at
around 30m and glide in like a normal paraglider.
• Powered landings offer the chance to power up and continue
with the flight if you misjudge your final approach, but can be
more expensive if you get it wrong!
• Choose the appropriate approach style in function of the land-
ing area and the conditions.
• In light winds you need a strong, long and progressive flare to
bleed off all your excess ground speed. In strong winds your
forward speed is already low so you are flaring only to soften
the landing. A strong flare may result in the glider climbing
upwards and backwards quickly, leaving you in a vulnerable
position.
• In strong winds you need to turn towards the glider the
second your feet touch the ground. Once facing the wing pull
smoothly and symmetrically down on the brakes to stall the
wing. If the glider pulls you, run toward it.
• If the wind is very strong, and you feel you might be dragged,
stall the glider with the C risers. This stalls the Spark in a very
quick and controllable way and will drag you less than if you
use the brakes.
advanced flight techniques

Rapid Descent Techniques

Ozone would like to remind you that these manoeuvres should be
learnt under the supervision of a qualified instructor and always
used with caution. Never forget that properly analysing the condi-
tions before launch will help avoid the need to use these tech-
niques.
Big Ears
Folding in the wingtips of the Spark increases its sink rate. This is
useful for staying out of cloud or descending quickly. To pull big
ears on the Spark take hold of the outermost A-line (Baby A) on
each side whilst keeping the brake handles in your hand. Pull down
the baby A risers until the tips of the wing fold under.
Do not use the brakes other than for re-inflation. For directional
control while using the Big Ears, you should use weight shift steer-
ing. To reopen your big ears, release both baby As at the same
time. To help re-inflation, brake gently one side at a time until tips
regain pressure. Avoid deep symmetric applications of the brake as
this could induce parachutal or full stalls.
IMPORTANT: You can land with the ears (you should release
the ears before final flare). Ozone does not advise you to do
this when it is turbulent or windy due to the risk of a pos-
sible stall and lack of precision in steering.
Big Ears and accelerator
Once the big ears are in you can further increase the sink rate by
pushing on the accelerator bar.
NEVER try to pull the Big Ears in with the speed bar on al-
ready. This can lead to a major asymmetric deflation.
Big Ears and spiral dive
Whilst it is possible to enter a spiral dive whilst holding in Big Ears,
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