Directional Control
Goal: To be able to control the flying side of our wing while experiencing a cravat.
In the event of a collapse near the terrain, our first priority is to maintain our heading and keep a safe distance from any obstacles. Afterward, we can address the cravat.
Exercise 1:
- Pull and hold the collapse inward, then observe and react.
- The collapse should be held for an extended period to allow the pilot enough time to understand what is happening and build their situational awareness.
- Maintain a neutral position in the harness and observe the wing's behavior.
- If the wing turns toward the collapsed side, apply weight shift to control it. If that is not sufficient, gently apply the outside brake to maintain your heading.
- If the wing turns away from the collapsed side, lean into the collapse to maintain your heading.
- Control the direction and roll of your wing while flying straight.
- Note that not all wings will immediately turn toward the collapsed side, so it is important to observe before reacting.
Exercise 2:
- Pull and hold the collapse inward, then observe and react.
- Turn 180 and 360 degrees away from the collapse while keeping the wing stable.
- The collapse should be held for an extended period to allow the pilot enough time to understand what is happening and build their situational awareness.
- Stabilize the roll and maintain your heading. Once this is achieved, start turning away from the collapsed side using primarily weight shift, and add brake input as needed to execute the turn.
Here’s a video of this exercise during the SIV course.