airwave SPORT 4 Betriebshandbuch Seite 32

Sp iral Div e
A normal turn can be converted into a strong spiral dive by continuing to apply one brake. The bank
angle and speed of the turn will increase as the downward spiral is continued. Be careful to enter the
spiral gradually as too quick a brake application can cause a spin or enter an 'over the nose' spiral.
Airwave gliders are designed and tested to recover from normal spirals with a descent rate inferior to
14 m/sec, automatically without pilot input. If the pilot increases the descent rate of the spiral to
over 14 m/sec or initiates what is known as an 'over the nose' spiral, the glider may require pilot input
to recover. In this case all the pilot needs to do is to apply some outside brake and steer the glider
out of the turn.
The ''over the nose' spiral is a special type of spiral dive where the glider points almost directly at the
ground. This is entered by making a sudden brake application during the spiral entry so that the glider
yaws around, and the nose of the glider ends up pointing at the ground, after this the glider picks up
speed very quickly. This technique is very similar to SAT entry technique, and like the SAT it is an
aerobatic manouvre which is outside the normal safe flight envelope. Please do not practice these
manouvres as they can be dangerous.
Care should be taken when exiting from any spiral dive. To pull out of a steep spiral dive release the
applied brake gradually, or apply opposite brake gradually. A sharp release of the brake can cause the
glider to surge and dive as the wing converts speed to lift. Always be ready to damp out any potential
dive with the brakes. Also be ready to encounter turbulence when you exit from a spiral because you
may fly though your own wake turbulence, which can cause a collapse.
Sp ee d Sy ste m
The SPORT 4 is sold with accelerator risers and a speed stirrup as standard but can be flown without
the speed stirrup attached.
Launching and general flying is normally done without using the accelerator. The accelerator bar
should be used when higher speed is important. A 70 kg pilot on the SPORT 4 – medium should be
able to reach a speed of 50 kph using the accelerator system. Glide angle is not as good in this
format, so it is not necessarily the best way to race in thermic conditions and the canopy is slightly
more susceptible to deflations. Using the stirrup can require some effort and the pilot´s balance in the
harness can be affected. It may be necessary to make some adjustments to the harness. We
recommend that only fly in conditions where you can penetrate with the risers level so that you have
the extra airspeed should you need it.
To fly at maximum speed the stirrup should be applied gradually until the upper pulley on the A riser
butts against the pulley at the riser base.
IMP O RT ANT
Do practice using the speed system in normal flying.
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Be careful flying fast in rough or turbulent conditions as deflations are more likely to occur at
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speed. The increased speed is achieved by reducing the angle of attack, this means that the
canopy will collapse only slightly more easily.
Remember that your glide deteriorates at higher speeds. Best glides are achieved when the risers
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are level and the brakes are off.
Check the component parts at regular intervals for wear and tear and ensure that the system always
works smoothly.
Handbuch / Manuel d'utilisation / Owners Manuel - Airwave Sport 4 – Issue rev 1.0 – 17.01.2008 Page 32 / 32