For the most comfortable way of doing this we recommend a neutral sitting position without active weight shift, and a shoulder-width carabiner distance (approx 45 cm).

Enter the spiral by progressively pulling one brake. Your head and field of view should be directed in the turn direction. As the angle of bank increases so will the rate of turn, airspeed and centrifugal force, which makes the pilot feel heavier.

The behaviour of the spiralling paraglider can be separated into two phases: in the beginning the glider makes a normal turn which progressively tightens, with increasing angle of bank. In the second phase the paraglider engages its spiral mode. This means that the wing dives forward and assumes a more vertical flightpath. During this phase of the manoeuvre try to keep a neutral sitting position and give way to the centrifugal force – your body will be pulled to the outside of the turn.

To recover keep the neutral sitting position and progressively release the inside brake. Your body weight will be somewhat tipped to the outside. While coming out of a spiral dive of high vertical and rotational speeds some assistance with outside brake is essential. Careful releasing of the inside brake will prevent the wing from recovering too quickly, thus pitching back excessively before diving in front if the turn stops with too much speed remaining. Make sure that you start the recovery with plenty of height above the ground. Generally speaking you should allow the same amount of time to recover as it took to enter the manoeuvre, but remember that the vertical speed will be higher, and much more height will be used!

WarningThe PI 4 ULS only comes out of a spiral dive by itself if the pilot is in a neutral sitting position. From a steep spiral with a high sink rate – more than 14 m/s – recovery requires active outside brake with weight shift to the outside at the same time.

WarningWeight shifting to the inside of the turn results in increased acceleration and stable continued rotation. In this case, active counter-braking with simultaneous weight transfer to the outside of the turn is required to end the manoeuvre (push your body outwards).

WarningThe PI 4 ULS is approved for harnesses in group GH (without rigid cross-bracing). Harnesses in group GX (with cross-bracing) or those with very low suspension points (carabiners) may drastically change the flying characteristics in a spiral.

WarningDo not fly spiral dives or aggressive changes of direction with big ears applied: the raised wing loading carried by fewer lines can damage the glider.

WarningAfter recovering from a spiral dive it could be that the pilot flies into turbulence that he has caused. Fly actively to prevent a collapse.

Product manual

Contents