U-Turn AIRWOLF LTF2 Handbook - page 16
Even with its high stability and very good reaction in turbulences, strong turbulences can cause the U-Turn AIR-
WOLF to collaps. That situation is not really dangerous and clears itself automatically and not impulsivly. To sup-
port the recovery, fi rmly apply brakes on the according side and simultaneosly steer opposite on the open side.
When a large part of the canopy is collapsed be careful and smooth when applying opposite steering to avoid a
complete departure of airfl ow and entering a fullstall.
Single side collapses close to the ground are the number one reason for accidents with paragliders. To avoid them,
or how to handle the situation when it happened, some tips and tricks from U-Turn test- and competition pilot Ernst
Strobl:
The best way to avoid collapses upfront is the right choice of the paraglider. A lot of pilots fl y a glider that is a little
too hot to handle for them. So why dont you get a glider with a lower rating but in the end fl y better and higher in
the updrafts and have a lot more fun and by the way be safer, too. To optimize the feeling for your glider on the
ground, try the following:
Practise on the ground with the right wind at a suitable location. Slowly pull up the canopy and try to hold it up
as long as possible without looking towards it. That is a good way to improve the feeling for your glider and is a
prerequisite for „active fl ying“ (the key to avoid collapses). Very important is also a close look at the terrain. Watch
for obstacles that could cause turbulences ( buildings, trees, ...). On certain days, for example a freshly mowed
madow as landing fi eld, could cause a lot of thermal activity. Fly very alert on a thermal active day. Watch your
canopy, collapses most of the time, announce themself. Light braking in turbulences mostly avoids a collaps. You
should have already practised that on the ground.Should a collaps occur close to the ground don´t always try to
prevent a turn away. There is a danger when the braking on the open side is to strong, to lose the airfl ow on this
side and stall the glider. Rather use the turn away motion to try to open the collapsed side.
Apply smooth braking on the open side, depending on the size of the collaps, and maybe a little pumping action.
Some canopies open a lot better whe the brakes are fully applied once on the according side, but that depends on
the brakeline adjustment and your armlength. Wrapped lines are cleared by braking the opposite side at enough
altitude and pumping the aff ected side a couple of times. Watch out for a possible stall. If that does not clear the
situation, try to pull down the outer line as much as possible. If you are too low for that, stabilize the canopy on
the opposite side to avoid turning away, and leave the lines like they are. Instead of any -risky manoeuver rather
concentrate on the landing. In the end one more advice in order to have all kinds of situations under controll.
Visit a safety-training above water. There is no better way to practice the right behavior than simulating a danger-
ous situation. Don’t get caught off guard by your fi rst collaps. In addition, during safety-training you can familiarize
yourself with the particulars of your equipment and you gain confi dence in your glider as well as your own abilities.
Thus far the expert advise concerning collapses,
by Ernst Strobl
Page 11
Collapses
How to avoid callapses