ICARO CYBER2 User Manual - page 28
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Cravat
In rare circumstances, during a large deflation, part of the glider, particularly a
wing tip, may get caught in its own lines. More often it happens through pilot error,
particularly in a missed visual check of the canopy prior to launching. The pilot
neglected to spot a line over his canopy, knotted or tangled lines, or he may have
picked up debris such as branches during launch.
This can be one of the most dangerous and demanding situations in paragliding,
depending on the size of the cravat. If the cravat is small, less than 20% of the
glider, it will have less tendency to turn. As the cravat size increases the tenden-
cy and rate of turn increases. Large asymmetric cravats result in uncontrollable
spiral dives.
To get out of this situation: attempt to maintain straight flight with maximum weight
shift on the inflated side. If the glider continues to turn in the direction of the cra-
vat, add a small amount of brake to the inflated side. If the glider continues to turn
and you do not have adequate terrain clearance, immediately deploy your reser-
ve parachute. If you are able to maintain flight path and have sufficient altitude
you may attempt to release the cravat in the order given:
Identify the outermost B-line: the stabilo line. While keeping your body
weight away from the cravat, pull the stabilo line in towards you, hand over
hand, until the wing tip fabric comes down and is freed.
Try sharp pumps on the cravated side to see if trapped fabric or lines
can be shaken free.
Actively collapse the cravated side and release.
Attempt a full stall, only if sufficient altitude remains.
WARNING: FREEING A CRAVAT MAY BE COMPLICATED EVEN FOR AN
EXPERT PILOT. IF YOU HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL THESE OPTIONS, ARE
UNCERTAIN HOW TO PROCEED, OR YOU DO NOT HAVE CONTROL OF
THE GLIDER AND ALTITUDE IS RUNNING OUT, IMMEDIATELY DEPLOY
YOUR RESERVE PARACHUTE.
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It is important that you maintain flight path away from terrain or other obstacles.
Usually, aggressively rolling your body weight on the good side is sufficient to
divert air to the collapse and cause it to re-inflate.
If your glider begins to turn and you do not manage to stabilize it, and you have
sufficient terrain clearance, let it turn while you assist to re-inflate it. Make a cou-
ple of smooth progressive pumps, about 2 seconds per pump, on the deflated
side. Be careful not to continue pumping for an excessive period of time or pull
the brake too long on the deflated side as it may stall that side and result in a spin.
If your CYBER2 collapses in accelerated flight, immediately release the speed
system to slow down to trim speed. Be aware that an accelerated collapse tends
to dive and turn more quickly than a regular collapse, and therefore requires more
altitude to recover from. If a large asymmetric collapse occurs while accelerated
at low altitude, it may be prudent to deploy your reserve parachute.
No pilot is immune to collapses, however choosing weather conditions appropri-
ate for a pilot's skill level combined with active flying, will virtually eliminate any
tendency to collapse.
Symmetric Collapse
A glider may collapse symmetrically across its leading edge when flying through
down drafts. This can be simulated during SFI training by grasping the A-riser
steel karabiners in each hand and aggressively pulling them down. The leading
edge will collapse over the whole span and then the pilot releases the A-risers.
Symmetric collapses re-inflate promptly without pilot input, however, 20 cm of
brake applied symmetrically will speed the process up.
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