Performance & Use Of Brakes; Use Of Speed Bar - SKY PARAGLIDERS EXOS Manuel Utilisateur

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As soon as the lines are released, the paraglider should spontaneously
reopen. However, you can speed reopening by „pumping" the brakes in
a single sweeping movement. When pumping the brakes it is
recommended that one side of the paraglider be opened after the other.
Pulling both brakes simultaneously to reopen ears may result in a stall.
Spiral Drive
EXOS is a manoeuvrable wing that responds to pilot input precisely and
progressively. To initiate a tight spiral apply one brake progressively to
about 35% and hold it in this position. The speed of rotation and the brake
pressure will increase progressively and the centrifugal force on the pilot
will also increase. The angle and speed of rotation can be decreased or
increased by releasing or depressing the brake by several centimeters
respectively. Once mastered the spiral dive allows you to descend at rates
greater than 10 m/s. Extremely abrupt or badly synchronised brake inputs
or too-rapid initiation of the spiral may result in an asymmetrical collapse
and/or a spin.
CAUTION: A deep spiral is a radical manoeuvre.
The kinetic energy generated must be dissipated by slowly releasing the
inside brake throughout, at least, one whole revolution.
B-line Stall
Grasp the B risers near the quick links, hands on the Yellow sections, and
ease them down symmetrically. Do not snatch them down. The paraglider
will enter a B-line stall and feel to drop backwards before the pilot stabilises
underneath the wing. The descent rate increases to 6 - 8 m/s. To exit the
B-line stall raise both hands together in a single, positive movement so that
the risers are at normal full extension again. On releasing the B-risers, your
EXOS should return immediately to normal flight. An adjustment error,
control error or certain aerological conditions may lead to a prolonged
deep stall phase. A push on the speed bar should initiate rapid exit from
the B-line stall state. If the speed bar is not connected, pulling on the
A-risers by 4 – 5 cm will have the same result.
CAUTION: EXOS is of a '3 liner" design. Therefore B line stalls are more
sensitive in response to incorrect or asymmetric control inputs. Unlike big
ears and spiral dives (see above) a glider in a B-line stall is in a true stalled
position. For this reason, a B-line stall should never be performed close to
the ground and other techniques for rapid descent (see above) should be
used over and above B stall.
6) Performance & use of brakes
EXOS's best glide is at trim speed (no brakes) – about 38 km/h. The
minimum sink rate is achieved by applying approx. 15% brake. When
using more than 30% brake the aerodynamics and the performance
of the glider deteriorate and the brake pressure rapidly increases. With
extremely high brake pressure there is a great risk of an impending stall
which occurs at full brake travel (100% brake). In normal flying conditions
the optimum brake position, in terms of performance and safety, is within
the top third of the braking range.

7) use of Speed bar

Your EXOS is equipped with a highly efficient speed system. For fitting
and positioning of the accelerator system and speed bar, consult the
instructions provided by your harness manufacturer. Before each take-off
check that the entire accelerator system works freely and that the lines are
long enough to prevent the speed bar from being activated involuntarily in
flight (lines too short). If the harness is fitted with a front mounted reserve,
the speed bar lines must pass under the reserve container and the reserve
bridle so that it can be deployed correctly. Use of the speed bar increases
the maximum speed of the paraglider by up to 30% of the trim speed.
EXOS's LEO system allows the wing to have a highly tensioned leading
edge at accelerated speeds, offering a solid feel and good levels of
deflation resistance and added glide performance. Whilst this offers
improved deflation resistance, no paraglider is immune from deflations in