MAC PARA Magus XC2 User Manual - Big Ears:
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WARNING!! Nearly all gliders will have a tendency to stay in the spiral if the sink-rate
exceeds around 15-m/s, depending on weight-shifting, wing loading and G-force. In fact
most gliders need a counter-input to end a turn.
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Attention! Due to energy retention, the glider will climb a lot after a deep spiral-dive
release. If you apply inner brake and decelerate the glider for two or three turns, big
pendulum effects can be avoided.
WARNING!! Practise spiralling with caution and lower sink-rates to get a feel for the
gliders behaviour. A pilot who is dehydrated or not accustomed to spiralling can lose
consciousness in a steep spiral dive!
Big ears:
When in big-ears, the horizontal speed is higher than the sink rate, unlike a spiral dive
or a B-line stall. This rapid descent technique is used to quickly and horizontally exit a
dangerous area in the desired direction. In order to collapse the outside wing, pull the
outside A-lines.
When the pilot holds the outside A1-risers on both sides and pulls them down, the
Magus XC2 easily tucks the outside wings and enters a stable descent mode. The pilot
keeps hold of the brake handles along with the outside A1-risers in his hands. By
braking on one side and weight-shifting, the canopy remains steerable. In order to
increase the sink rate as well as the horizontal speed, this manoeuvre should be done
together with use of the speed system. Apply the speed system after big ears are
induced (step into the speed-bar before you grab the outer A1-risers). Big-ears
substantially reduces the risk of canopy stability problems in turbulent air. To exit Big-
ears release the A1-risers. The canopy does very slowly self-recover. To quicken the
recovery, the pilot can dynamicaly pull down and immediately release the brakes of the
glider.
WARNING! Never do big-ears in spirals, as this may drastically reduce the number of
lines taking the already high loads, causing structural failure.
Attention! All rapid descent techniques should first be practised in calm air and with
sufficient height so the pilot can use them in emergency situations! By far the best
technique is to fly correctly and safely, so you never have to descend rapidly!
B-line stalls:
To induce a B-line stall symmetrically pull down slowly on both B-risers, until the canopy
folds (parallel to its long axis). The airflow over the top surface is almost fully detached
and the canopy enters a vertical descent flight mode without forward movement. Further
pulling of the B-risers reduces the surface area more and increases the sink rate. (Up to
8 m/s) Be careful, pulling too far or too rapidly may cause a frontal horseshoe to form.
To exit from this flight mode release the B-risers at first rapidly but then gently (1 sec).
The canopy surges forward re-attaching the airflow over the top surface and resumes
normal flight. When the B-risers are released, the brakes should not be activated. This
will give the canopy the chance to gain speed and resume normal flight. On exit from a