Advance acoustic SIGMA8 User manual

User manual
SIGMA8

Edition 01-2011

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Contents
Thank you for flying ADVANCE ....................................................... 4
About ADVANCE ............................................................................. 5
The SIGMA 8.................................................................................... 6
Discover free riding ..................................................................... 6
Outstanding features ................................................................... 6
Other important details ................................................................ 7
Pilot requirements ........................................................................... 9
General information on paragliding ............................................. 9
Using the paraglider ...................................................................... 10
Delivery....................................................................................... 10
Basic settings ............................................................................ 10
Adjusting the brake lines ........................................................... 10
Speed system with SPI............................................................... 10
SPI values .................................................................................. 12
Adjusting the speed system ...................................................... 13
Suitable harnesses .................................................................... 15
Weight range ............................................................................. 15
Flight characteristics .................................................................... 16
Launch........................................................................................ 16
Normal flight ...............................................................................17
Turns ...........................................................................................17
Accelerated flight ....................................................................... 18
Collapses ................................................................................... 19
Rapid descent ........................................................................... 20
Stalling ....................................................................................... 22
Landing ..................................................................................... 23
Flying with a wet glider .............................................................. 24
Winching .................................................................................... 24
Aerobatics .................................................................................. 24
Paramotoring ............................................................................. 25
Maintenance, repairs and service intervals ................................. 26
Packing ...................................................................................... 26
Care and maintenance .............................................................. 26
Lines .......................................................................................... 26
Check ........................................................................................ 27
Repairs ....................................................................................... 27
Disposal ..................................................................................... 27
Technical details ............................................................................ 28
Materials used ............................................................................ 29
Certification ................................................................................ 30
Service ........................................................................................... 32
ADVANCE Service Centres........................................................ 32
The ADVANCE website .............................................................. 32
Warranty .................................................................................... 32
Parts .............................................................................................. 34
Lineplan ......................................................................................... 35
Risers ............................................................................................ 36
Bowline knot .................................................................................. 37

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Thank you for flying ADVANCE
Congratulations on your choice of SIGMA 8 - a quality product from
ADVANCE. We are sure that you will spend many rewarding hours in
the air with it.
The user manual is an important part of the glider. Here you will find
instructions and important information about safety, care of the glider
and maintenance, and that’s why we recommend that you read this
document carefully before your first flight.
The latest version of this manual as well as further updated informa-
tion can be found at www.advance.ch. Any new safety-related infor-
mation will also be published on the website. If you have any further
questions or problems please contact your dealer or get in touch di-
rectly with ADVANCE.
We wish you a lot of enjoyment with your SIGMA 8, and always «hap-
py landings».
Team ADVANCE

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About ADVANCE
ADVANCE, based in Switzerland, is one of the world’s leading pa-
raglider manufacturers. Since it was founded in 1988, the compa-
ny has consistently pursued its own directions and concepts, both in
development and production. The results are quality products with
distinctive characteristics.
At the heart of the ADVANCE brand is a team of specialists who
share the passion of the customers who place their trust in the com-
pany’s products. With their thorough understanding of flying they
contribute their valuable personal experience and dedication to the
working processes.
For many years ADVANCE has drawn on the competition scene for
its technical expertise. Its small team of test and competition pilots
regularly notches up remarkable sporting successes with ADVANCE
prototypes, winning numerous important international titles.
Total control of the production process and supervision of the work-
ing practices at the ADVANCE factory in Vietnam ensure a high
standard of workmanship. Long term relationships with fabric and
line manufacturers means that ADVANCE knowledge and expertise
also finds its way directly into the development of new materials.
ADVANCE attaches great importance to after-sales customer sup-
port, and has built up a worldwide service network for this purpose.
An on-going interaction with its customers brings in a steady flow of
new knowledge that finds its way into ADVANCE products, thus com-
pleting the «Circle of Service».

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The SIGMA 8
Discover free riding
As a top-performance intermediate with a high fun-factor the SIGMA 8
is the definitive Cross Country Free Rider: sportiness and dynamic
handling paired with performance, enriched with the latest technology,
reduced to minimum weight. This wing is just waiting to take you on
new flying adventures, to leave your well-worn paths and investigate
some fresh countryside.
Outstanding features
Uncompromising 3-Liner
The SIGMA 8 is a true three liner with much less drag and the best
possible compromise of performance/handling and aspect ratio. The
noticeable balanced pitching quality allows the glider to operate at a
glide ratio of 10 and a top speed of 55 km/h even in turbulent air. The
reduction to 3 line levels also means that the SIGMA 8 can be more
easily and efficiently accelerated.
High fun factor
The origin of the lively-sporty handling lies in ideal lift distribution
combined with the specially selected new profile. This also makes the
SIGMA 8 behave more quietly in pitch and roll as well as providing
nicer turning and improved circling. The result is more direct and pre-
cise manoeuvering in all dimensions.
New technology inside
The inside of the SIGMA 8 is evolutionary: an analysis of the structure
with a focus on weight reduction and the inclusion of the latest tech-
nology such as Nylon wires make the SIGMA 8 to one of the lightest
of its class. The end result is knock-on benefits - less canopy inertia,
therefore even better pitch control and ultimately more passive safety.

performing sporty evolutionary
performing sporty evolutionary
performing sporty evolutionary
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Other important details
Efficient and smooth 2-phase speed system with SPI
Thanks to its 3 line levels and the choice of profile the SIGMA 8 can be
very efficiently accelerated with little effort. In addition the SIGMA 8
has a variable ratio speed system. This means that the speed bar
travel and pressure can be changed to suit the user’s anatomy:
smooth, 3:1 ratio when the legs are bent, and efficient, more direct
2:1 with outstretched legs. During accelerated flight the Speed-Per-
formance-Indicator (SPI) always shows the ideal against the currently
selected accelerate setting.
Hybrid lines
A mixed line system makes the SIGMA 8 robust and gives it good fly-
ing performance. The lower A and B lines are covered to withstand
the exposure to wear in this area. The uncovered lower C lines and
those of the middle and upper galleries reduce aerodynamic drag,
and therefore contribute to more performance. They are special-
ly coated to provide high resistance to UV radiation and abrasion. At
line junctions the line loops are thickened, resulting in reduced sur-
face pressure. A well-tried Dyneema/Aramid combination for the
brake lines provides a high degree of length stability.
PERFORMING
SPORTY
EVOLUTIONARY

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ADVANCE Standards
ADVANCE pays a lot of attention to small details. Sewn-in tension
straps improve the wing’s stability, and the distinctive winglets reduce
induced drag (vortex-effect). The Smart Sail System aligns the mate-
rial at the leading edge in the best direction to match the loads in this
area, and a strong, specially impregnated fabric is used here to im-
prove the life of the wing. Velcro closures at the wingtips make it easy
to remove debris like sand and snow from the glider. Like all
ADVANCE models the SIGMA 8 has line swivels and magnets on the
brake handles, which come in two sizes, depending on the glider
size.

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Pilot requirements
The SIGMA 8 is a high performance intermediate that suits the expe-
rienced thermal pilot who has, at least, already made his first cross
country flights, and who possesses a good feeling for a glider. He has
an active flying style, can recognise and prevent the onset of trouble,
and has no problem with fast descent techniques. If these conditions
are met the performance potential of this glider can be realised, and
the pilot cover the countryside feeling safe and relaxed.
General information on paragliding
Flying a paraglider calls for appropriate training and a sound knowl-
edge of the subject, as well as, of course, the necessary insurance
cover and licence. A pilot must be able to correctly assess the weath-
er conditions before taking off. His or her capabilities must be ade-
quate for the actual paraglider.
Wearing an adequate helmet, suitable boots and clothing, and car-
rying an emergency parachute are essential. Before every flight all
items of equipment should be checked for damage and airworthi-
ness. A proper pre-takeoff check must also be carried out.
Every pilot bears sole responsibility for all risks including injury or
even death when carrying out paraglider sports. Neither the man-
ufacturer nor the seller of a paraglider can guarantee or be held re-
sponsible for the pilot’s safety.

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Using the paraglider
Delivery
Before delivery every ADVANCE paraglider has to be flown by the
dealer and checked for correct settings and trim. When this has been
done the dealer enters the date of the first flight on the label attached
to a centre rib. This entry, together with a completed warranty form,
will ensure that defects in the product attributable to manufacturing
faults are covered by the ADVANCE warranty. See Warranty in the
section «Service».
The SIGMA 8 comes with a backpack, an inner bag, a compression
strap, a repair kit, speed bar with lines, a mini windsock in the canopy
colours and a booklet called ‘Getting started’.
Basic settings
The basic SIGMA 8 set-up at delivery is the original trim setting that
the ADVANCE test team have found to be best; and the glider was
certified in this condition. Any personal alteration or modification to
the paraglider - for example, changing the line lengths or fitting differ-
ent risers or quick links by the owner - will result in invalidation of the
certification. See section «Certification».
Adjusting the brake lines
The length of the brake lines is set at the factory so that the trailing
edge is not braked (is crease-free) when brakes are fully released in
fully accelerated flight. This setting should be kept as a matter of prin-
ciple.
If the length of the brake lines has to be readjusted there must be 8
cm of slack (free travel) between the brakes free position and the first
effect of brake on the trailing edge in unaccelerated flight. We recom-
mend that the brake handles are secured with a bowline knot. See
the attached illustration, page 35.
Speed system with SPI
The SIGMA 8 is a cross country glider designed for accelerated flight
in bumpy air. Accelerated flight plays an ever more important role for
the recreational pilot, and a high average speed is a decisive factor
in the success of long flights. This requires an ongoing review of the
choice of speed to fly between thermals, based on the current head-
wind, expected next climb quality and the effect of sinking air – and
the right decision will achieve the best possible glide, or the shortest
time to cloudbase. The SPI is a very important feature of the
SIGMA 8.

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The SIGMA 8 has a speed system with a Speed-Performance-Indi-
cator (SPI), which reads off against 2 positions on the backs of the C
risers (30% and 80% positions). The red markers on the speed sys-
tem enable a precise speed bar position to be set to suit the in-flight
situation. Thanks to its well-behaved pitching qualities the SIGMA 8
can also be accelerated without problem in light turbulence. Because
of its high performance in accelerated flight the choice of speed-to-fly
plays a very important part in obtaining the best gliding performance.
Each of the SIGMA 8 SPI positions has a value for headwind, expect-
ed climb and sink rate. These indicated positions are effective for on-
ly one of their three values, taken in isolation - considered by itself.
This means that either the headwind, or the expected rate of climb,
or the sink rate applies to that position. The SPI principle is based on
the simple (using headwind and sink) and the extended (including ex-
pected climb rate) McReady Speed-To-Fly theory.

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SPI values
The following table gives the theoretical values for two (30% and
80%) accelerate positions on the SPI. Notice that each SIGMA 8 size
has a slightly different polar curve.
Practical examples for best glide with SIGMA 8 25
• Withnoheadwind(orwithatailwind),littleornoexpectedthermal,
and the glider’s normal sink rate (ca. 1 m/s vario) fly with no speed
bar.
• Withaheadwindof10.5km/horanexpectednextclimb(vario)
of 0.4 m/s or a sink rate (vario) of 1.4 m/s set the 30% position.
If two or more of these values apply at the same time you can
already use the 80% position.
• Withaheadwindof22.5km/horanexpectedclimbrate(vario)of
1.3 m/s or a vario sink rate of 2.3 m/s choose the 80% position.
SIGMA 8 23 25 27 29
30% Position
Headwind in km/h * 10.5 * *
Expected climb in m/s
(Vario value) * 0.4 * *
Sink rate in m/s
(Vario sink) * 1.4 * *
80% Position
Headwind in km/h * 22.5 * *
Expected climb in m/s
(Vario value) * 1.3 * *
Sink rate in m/s
(Vario sink) * 2.3 * *
* At present the data for these sizes are not yet available

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Caution: Even though the SIGMA 8 has a high degree of sta-
bility in accelerated flight you should only use as much
speedbar as you feel comfortable with.
Info: According to the table for best glide you should fly to an
expected 0.4 m/s climb with 30% accelerate, and to a 1.3 m/s
one with 80%. This only applies if you can actually get all the
way to the next thermal in the accelerated condition.
Info: Although flying into a headwind (15-20 km/h) gives you
the feeling that your gliding performance is being badly affect-
ed, bear in mind that strong sink (more than 2 m/s) has a
relatively stronger adverse affect.
Adjusting the speed system
We recommend that the SIGMA 8’s speed system is correctly adjust-
ed before the first flight. The SIGMA 8’s riser system should be con-
nected to the harness speed lines by means of Brummel hooks.
The SIGMA 8 speed system can, with the help of the SPI, be adjust-
ed so that the whole speed system travel can be used. The system
is correctly set when pushing the first speed step gives you the 30%
position, and pushing the second achieves 80% accelerate. If set up
Example:
SIGMA 8/25
Neutral position
Position 30%
Position 80%

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like this you can achieve 100% (pulley to pulley) accelerate by press-
ing the second step with outstretched toes, or adding your second
foot to the speed loop in your speedbag.
After initial adjustment of the speed bar for leg length and harness,
fine adjustment is carried out by altering the 2-phase speed system
on the risers: by moving the knots which locate the gear change balls
(see ball 2 in the illustration) the speed bar travel and load can be
adjusted.
Example: If the knots are moved downwards the change
from 3:1 to 2:1 occurs earlier, then raising the loading but
shortening the total travel. Conversely, moving the knots up-
wards delays the gear change, eases and lengthens the total
travel of the speed bar.
Optimum adjustment of the 2-phase system enables a smooth tri-
ple transfer with bent legs and an efficient double transfer with out-
stretched legs.
The SIGMA 8 speed system is arranged so that the profile shape is
fully retained over the angle-of-attack range of the speed system.
This keeps the good qualities of the profile at high speeds.
2

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Caution: The speed system is correctly adjusted when you
can apply the whole accelerate travel of the glider. Be careful
not to adjust the speed lines so short that the wing would be
accelerated in flight all the time.
Suitable harnesses
The SIGMA 8 is certified for harnesses in group GH (without rigid
cross-bracing - see the «Certification» section). The suspension
points of the chosen harness should ideally have a distance of approx.
45 cm as well as a height of 40 to 48 cm.
The SIGMA 8 is neither suitable nor approved for harnesses in the GX
group (with active cross-bracing). The use of this type of harness
may have a detrimental effect on the handling and extreme flight
characteristics.
The SIGMA 8 was specially trimmed for use with a streamlined har-
ness. For this reason we recommend a harness with speedbag in
order to get the best out of the SIGMA 8’s great performance. The
ADVANCE IMPRESS or LIGHTNESS harness is particularly suitable
since the SIGMA 8 was designed and tested with it in mind.
Info: Experience has shown that you can significantly im-
prove your glide angle by using an aerodynamically stream-
lined harness.
Weight range
The weight ranges for the different wing sizes are listed in the «Tech-
nical Data» section. The figures given there refer to total take-off
weight. This includes the pilot’s body weight including clothing, as
well as the weight of all the equipment (paraglider, harness, instru-
ments, etc. – everything that’s going to fly).
Flying at the lower or upper limits of the weight range can affect the
flying characteristics of the wing, without, however, compromising
your safety. The SIGMA 8’s performance remains the same whether
flying in its lower or upper weight region.

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Flight characteristics
We recommend that first flights with the new paraglider be undertak-
en in calm conditions at a familiar place. A few pull-ups on gentle ter-
rain will increase your confidence in the SIGMA 8’s handling, from the
very beginning.
Launch
Before every takeoff carry out the following pre-takeoff checks:
1. Harness and helmet done up, reserve OK?
2. Lines free?
3. Canopy open?
4. Wind direction and strength assessed?
5. Airspace and field-of-view clear?
Thanks to its easy-rising profile the SIGMA 8 takeoff behaviour is very
smooth and easy for both forward and reverse takeoffs. The canopy
inflates quickly and rises progressively, without hanging or shooting in
front. The canopy should be laid out in a slightly curved shape so that
it fills cleanly from the middle out.
Tip: To get the wing in the right shape for takeoff pull the
brake lines in until they are all under tension while you are
sorting the lines. This will produce the best curve.
Forward launch
The SIGMA 8 only needs a moderate pull-up impulse even in a light
wind. It is not necessary to step back and ‘run into’ the lines. Lead
the glider up with pronounced forward leaning, but without too much
pull on the A-risers, until the wing has risen cleanly above you. Any
corrections during the inflation phase should only be made by pilot
movement under the glider - without using brake. After corrections
and a visual check, a few quick steps with a pronounced forward
lean are all that are required to launch, even in light wind.
Reverse launch
Reverse launch is particularly recommended in stronger breezes,
but it is also easy in light wind. On account of the long lines the pilot
should walk or run towards the SIGMA 8 as necessary while pulling
up, so as to control the tug and rising rate of the paraglider, and so
prevent any tendency for it to overshoot the overhead position. Dur-
ing a reverse launch, corrections during pull up should ideally only be
carried out by pilot movement under the wing. Stabilising the wing in
the overhead position, turning and taking off will then be easy.
Tip: Playing with the glider on flat ground in a light wind de-

17
velops a good feeling for the wing. The ADVANCE test team
have a motto: an hour on the ground is worth ten flights.
Normal flight
In calm air the SIGMA 8 best glide is achieved with fully released
brakes. Light braking brings the glider to its minimum sink condition.
When flying into a headwind, through descending air, or when pro-
ceeding to the next thermal, glide performance will be distinctly im-
proved by appropriate use of the speed system. The SPI is there to
help you do this. See also section «Speed-Performance-Indicator
(SPI)».
Despite the wing’s high stability an active flying style is recommended
- collapses can be almost completely avoided. ‘Active flying’ means
keeping the lightly-braked glider directly above you, in other words,
countering roll and pitch disturbances.
Info: Make sure that you always take note of your weight and
the type of harness for comparison flights. The exceptional
performance of the SIGMA 8 becomes evident above all in
accelerated condition into a headwind and – because of its
well-behaved pitching behaviour – in turbulent air.
Turns
The SIGMA 8 has short and soft, but also very precise braking and
steering travel. It responds very directly and progressively to increas-
ing brake inputs. Control of the paraglider is easily assisted by active
weight shifting. The SIGMA 8 holds your chosen turn radius with a
steady steering application – without needing large corrections from
you. You can always increase or reduce your angle of bank by pres-
sure on the brake lines.
The SIGMA 8 makes a very agreeable companion in thermals. You
do not have to correct for large pitching movements, and this im-
proves your climbing behaviour – and therefore your performance –
significantly. When thermalling, choose the desired angle of bank and
corresponding radius, and try to let the glider turn steadily in this at-
titude. Outside brake should be used to steady the wing tip and, in
particular, control the rate of turn. Anything stronger will slow the
wingtip down and lose the glider’s good steering qualities.
A harness specifically designed to match the flying characteristics
of the SIGMA 8 helps you to initialise and stabilise turns of this type,
which should be as even as possible. See also section «Suitable har-
nesses».

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Caution: When circling your SIGMA 8 in thermals make sure
you always have enough airspeed to give you good manoeu-
vrability – don’t hold too much outside brake.
Tip: If a brake line should break you can control your SIGMA 8
with the rear risers (C-risers).
Accelerated flight
The SIGMA 8 has a low drag line system and wing design, a high as-
pect ratio and exceptionally well-behaved pitching qualities in turbu-
lent air. These all help to give it a very good glide performance with
only moderately increasing sink rates, even in accelerated flight. In
addition the 3 line levels and the choice of profile mean that the
SIGMA 8 can be very efficiently accelerated with little effort.
The SIGMA 8 wing remains extremely stable even in accelerated
flight. However, paragliders operate at a lower angle of attack while
flying at their higher speeds, and the degree of stability is generally
reduced. The higher aerodynamic forces involved at higher airspeeds
mean that a collapse can be more dynamic (see also section «Col-
lapses»).
When flying fast into very turbulent air, first release the speed bar
completely before you give the necessary control inputs with the
brakes for stabilising the wing. The SIGMA 8’s high stability allows
for flying through moderately turbulent air in accelerated mode. Here,
however, active accelerating should be carried out, which means
controlling the angle of attack with the speed bar instead of the
brakes:
• whentheangleofattackincreases(e.g.wingpitchesbackwhen
entering lift), the speed bar is briefly pressed harder
• whentheangleofattackdecreases(e.g.wingpitchesforward),
the speed bar is released
As a result, pitching disturbances will be reduced to a minimum and
optimum glide performance achieved. See also the section «Speed
system» on the topic of «Accelerated flight».
Info: The SIGMA 8 has only 3 line levels, which makes for
exceptionally easy accelerating, and enables high speeds to
be reached with only modest speed bar travel. Use the
speed bar with care and sensitivity.
Tip: Make sure that brake is not applied at the same time as
speed bar, otherwise you will find yourself in the worst possi-
ble gliding situation, without gaining any advantage.

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Collapses
Asymmetric collapsing of the canopy
The SIGMA 8 features a very taut and stable canopy. With an active
flying technique in normal flying conditions, collapses can be almost
completely prevented. The wing gives very precise canopy feedback
and makes it possible to sense an impending collapse early on, thus
helping timely pilot reaction. Should a collapse occur the wing will
fold in a predictable and progressive manner from wing tip towards
the centre.
If the glider does, however, suffer a side collapse at trim speed, it will
respond to collapses of 50% or more with a slight turning tendency,
allowing heading to be easily held with light counter-steering. Normal-
ly, the wing will reopen without pilot action.
Due to higher aerodynamic forces during accelerated flight the glid-
er will respond to a side collapse a little more impulsively. The sever-
ity of the collapse in accelerated flight is softened because the wing
collapses from the wingtip towards the centre. The turning tenden-
cy in fully accelerated flight will be more dynamic, but is still well con-
trollable.
As a general rule, after an asymmetric collapse, the wing’s direction
must be maintained by controlled counter-braking and internal wing
pressure increased by pumping on the closed side. This speeds up
canopy reopening. Control inputs on the open side should be carried
out carefully in order to prevent this wing stalling.
Poorly executed wingovers may make the wing tips roll in from the
side, often creating cravats. Due to the high drag they produce cra-
vats may lead to strong spiralling. In this case, first prevent a rapid in-
crease in rotational speed by carefully controlled counter-steering.
Then open the hooked-up wing tip by pulling on the red marked sta-
bilo line.
Caution: If you want to make an accelerated collapse during
safety training we recommend that you lead up to it slowly –
starting with unaccelerated and then partially accelerated at-
tempts.
Symmetric collapsing (front collapse)
Following a spontaneous or deliberate front collapse the airflow will
break away from the wing, which will pitch back, followed by the pi-
lot. Wait, without applying any brake, until the wing is overhead again,
give it time to start flying, and then you can stabilise it using the

20
brakes. Reopening should not be forced with excessive control re-
sponses, because of the risk of a total airflow breakdown.
Rapid descent
To descend quickly and efficiently the ADVANCE test team recom-
mends a rapid descent with a spiral dive or big ears (the latter with
or without speed bar), depending on the situation. You should some-
times practise rapid descents in calm air so that they will not become
an emergency when needed.
Tip: To effectively lose height and get away from a hazardous
place you can use both of the SIGMA 8 outer A lines for big
ears (3A3 and 3A2), always with the speed system.
Symmetrical collapsing of the wingtips (big ears)
To do this manoeuvre pull the red marked outer A-line of each A-riser
simultaneously and briskly downwards. This causes the wing tips to
fold inwards and you can then hold them in this position. To reopen
let the A-lines go, and they will open by themselves after a short delay.
If necessary you can speed up the reopening with a brief tug on the
brake lines.
The sink rate can be increased by applying speed bar. Depending on
the situation the glider can be steered using weight shift.
Caution: Do not fly spiral dives or abrupt changes of direction
with big ears; the increased strain on a smaller number of
lines may result in structural damage.
Caution: Remember that flying with big ears increases the
chance of stalling. Be cautious with the use of brake when
the ears are folded and avoid this rapid descent technique
when the glider is wet. See also section «Flying with a wet
paraglider».
Tip: You can use both SIGMA 8 outer A lines (3A3 und 3A2)
for big ears without problem. The increased angle of attack
and raised form drag puts you nearer the point of stall, and
speedbar must always be applied in this configuration.
Tip: In general we recommend that the speed bar is always
used with big ears. This raises the descent rate and minimises
the risk of deep stall as well.