Niviuk SKIN User Manual

Contents

Niviuk SKIN User Manual Manual pdf 8 page image

8The SKIN has a sturdy profile able to withstand various aerologicalconditions under pilot’s command. It reacts admirably in passive flights,and brings a high level of safety in turbulent conditions. Nonetheless,the pilot must always handle the wing according to the conditions of themoment. Active piloting is the ultimate safety factor.Necessary fine braking adjustments to keep the wing under control mustconstently be made to let the glider fly at the required air speed.Do not maintain any correction longer than necessary (brake input) whichcould cause the wing to enter an unwanted and possibly dangerousflying configuration. Always remain in control and re-establish therequired air speed when necessary.4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONSTraining to master these manoeuvres must be learned in a schoolenvironment.Asymmetrical collapseIn spite of having a very stable profile, heavy turbulent conditions maycause part of the wing to deflate asymmetrically with the brake linesand the harness transmitting a tension lose to the pilot. To prevent thecollapse from happening, pulling the brake line on the compromisedside of the wing will increase the angle of incidence. If the collapse doeshappen the SKIN does not react violently; its turning motion becomesgradual and easy to control. Weight shift toward the opposite side ofthe compromised half wing, and keep a straight flight path as soon aspossible. If necessary slightly slow the flying side down by braking lightly.The collapse will normally reopen by itself. If that does not happen, firmlypump the brake line on the collapsed side using the brake toggle. Repeatthe motion until the deflation fully reopens. Do not over brake on thepressurized remaining flying side while correcting the compromised halfof the wing.Symmetrical collapseDuring normal flying conditions, the SKIN design makes symmetricalcollapses quite improbable. The wing’s profile was designed to handlewide variations of the angle of attack. A collapse could take place inheavy turbulent conditions, entering/exiting strong thermals or misusingthe accelerator. Symmetrical collapses usually re-inflate without the gliderturning; even pressure applied onto both brake lines with a rapid deeppumping action of the toggles will also quicken the re-inflation. Releasethe brake lines tension (hands up) immediately to return to the defaultglider air speed and flying configuration.Negative spinThis configuration goes beyond the SKIN’s normal flight behaviour.Unusual circumstances can however provoke this configuration such astrying to turn when flying at close to minimum air speed (heavy into thebrakes). It is not easy to give any recommendations about this situationas it varies depending on the circumstances of the moment. Rememberto restore the relative air speed over the wing by progressively reducingbrake lines tension and let the wing regain its default wind speed. Thewing’s natural reaction would be to surge laterally with a turning radius nogreater than 360º before returning to normal flight conditions.Parachutal stallClose to be an impossibility with the SKINDeep stallThe possibility of the SKIN falling into this configuration during normalflight is very unlikely. It could only happen if you are flying at a verylow air speed, whilst over steering, entering dangerous manoeuvres inturbulent air. To provoke a deep stall, the wing has to be slowed down toits minimum air speed by symmetrically pulling the brake lines all the way