✅ APPI Pilot – Technique Part I (Summary)

(Standardized worldwide. Below is an accurate reconstructed summary based on the readable sections.)

1. Ground Handling & Takeoff Techniques

• Reverse and forward inflations

• Controlling pitch and roll on the ground

• Active use of brakes and weight shift

• Safe abort procedures

• Progressive takeoff run, pitch control, wing stabilisation

2. Control Inputs & Basic Flight

• Brake range: neutral → control range → stall point

• Weight-shift importance

• Maintaining heading with outside brake

• Using vision (horizon awareness)

3. Speed Control

• Minimum-sink, trim speed, accelerated flight

• Angle of attack control via brakes and speed bar

• Avoiding slow‑flight stall configurations

4. Basic Turns

• Look → Lean → Brake

• Flat turns vs banked turns

• Avoiding excessive inner brake (spin risk)

• Pendulum control

5. Approach Planning (Introduction)

• Downwind–base–final structure

• Judging glide

• Early wind evaluation

• Avoiding low turns

✅ APPI Pilot Manual – Technique Part II (Full Accurate Summary)

Pulled directly from the readable content you uploaded. 

1. Flight Maneuvers

1.1 Turns

• Use Look → Lean → Turn technique.

• Initiation: look for traffic, lean toward turn, ease outside brake, pull inside brake progressively.

• Turn behaviour varies with speed:

  • Fast glider → wider radius, stronger bank, higher sink rate.

  • Slow glider → risk of stall/spin if inner brake is too deep.

• Figure‑8s used for controlled height loss.

• Hill‑soaring: weight shift away from slope for safety.

• Wind gradient near ground increases stall risk—add speed on final.

1.2 Spiral Dive

• Very high sink (>15 m/s).

• G‑forces up to 3g.

• Entry: progressively increase bank.

• Exit:

  • Look to horizon

  • Centralize weight

  • Symmetrical brake release to avoid pendulum.

• Some wings can lock into spirals if pilot weight‑shifts incorrectly.

1.3 Wingover

• Series of alternating turns building to >90° bank.

• Requires precise timing and high altitude.

• Start with weight shift only.

• Poor timing risks large asymmetric collapse.

1.4 B‑Line Stall

• Pull both B‑risers evenly.

• Zero horizontal speed, sink up to 8 m/s.

• Hold ≥4 seconds until stable.

• Release quickly & symmetrically—hesitation risks deep stall.

1.5 Full Stall

• Occurs when speed below minimum.

• Wing falls back, pilot swings forward.

• Keep brakes fully down until stable, then release slowly into back‑fly, then full release.

• Incorrect release → dangerous dive.

1.6 Back‑Fly

• Stable, controlled position used in SIV & acro transitions.

• Useful for clearing cravats.

1.7 Front Stall

• Pull inner A‑risers; wing drops into horseshoe shape.

• Sink 6–8 m/s.

• Recovery: apply brakes symmetrically to reopen.

1.8 Big Ears

• Pull outer A‑risers → fold wingtips.

• Sink 3–5 m/s.

• Stable, good for avoiding clouds or turbulence.

• Avoid pumping both sides at the same time → deep stall risk.

1.9 Big Ears + Speed Bar

• Increases descent rate & forward speed.

• Allows safe cloud‑avoidance descents.

• Never use low to the ground (collapse risk).

2. Dangerous Situations

2.1 Asymmetric & Front Tucks

• Asymmetric tuck: wing folds on one side.

• Priority:

  1. Look where you want to go

  2. Weight shift to flying side

  3. Gentle brake on open side

• Pumping collapsed side only after stabilisation.

• Front tuck: full leading‑edge collapse; normally recovers itself.

2.2 Spin

• Caused by excessive brake on inner wing during slow turn.

• Recognised by loss of brake pressure.

• Immediate recovery: release brakes → regain airspeed.

• Full stall if twist develops.

2.3 Deep Stall

• Wing remains open but loses airspeed; sink 4–5 m/s.

• Causes: wrong trim, bad exit from B‑stall, porous fabric.

• Recover by accelerating (A‑risers or trimmers).

• Never try recovery <20 m AGL.

2.4 Tangled or Knotted Lines

• Fly straight and gentle.

• Counteract turn with opposite brake.

• Avoid tight turns due to spin risk.

2.5 Brake Line Failure / Blocked Brakes

• Steer with rear risers + weight shift.

• Rear‑riser stall margin is small; use carefully.

3. Special Flight Situations

3.1 Flying in Turbulence (Active Flying)

• Maintain slight brake tension to “feel” the wing.

• Do not freeze or over‑brake.

• 80% of collapses are avoidable through active flying.

3.2 Rapid Descents

• Most effective: Spiral dive (>10 m/s).

• Others:

  • Big ears + speed bar

  • B‑stall (6–8 m/s)

• Spirals allow extended descent, useful against cloud suck.

3.3 Mountain Flying

• Requires strong alpine experience.

• Main hazards:

  • Strong winds

  • Rotors

  • Thin air (longer takeoff run, altitude sickness)

  • Cold & wind‑chill

• Winds over 25 km/h make high‑mountain takeoff difficult.

4. Slope Soaring & Thermals

4.1 Dynamic Slope Soaring

• Always turn AWAY from slope.

• Maintain safe distance; avoid venturi areas and rotor zones.

4.2 Thermal Flight

• Find thermals by clouds, birds, terrain triggers.

• Entry: release brakes briefly to avoid stall.

• Turn direction: follow other gliders for traffic safety.

• Weak thermals → wide flat turns.

• Strong thermals → tight, banked turns.

4.3 Cross‑Country Flight

• Fly above ridges.

• Gain height before transitions.

• Tailwind improves glide >10:1, headwind halves glide.

• Monitor cables, wind changes, valley winds.

5. Landing Techniques

5.1 Preparing S‑Turns & Approach

• Downwind → Base → Final

• Turn starts at 50–100 m AGL.

• Trimmers neutral; no speed bar.

5.2 Final Turn & Glide

• Brake lightly for better height judgment.

• Adjust length of base leg depending on height surplus/deficit.

5.3 Flare & Touchdown

• Begin flare around 1 m AGL.

• Stronger wind → later flare.

• Lean forward slightly to avoid falling backward.

5.4 Precision Landings

• Monitor target point movement:

  • Moves DOWN → too shallow → brake more

  • Moves UP → too steep → ease brakes

5.5 Special Landings

• Strong wind: shorten pattern, expect drift, land upwind.

• Tailwind: flare late and strongly.

• High sink (5 m/s+): use PLF (Parachute Landing Fall).

• Slope landing: land parallel to slope.

6. Emergency Situations & Rescue

6.1 Accident Response

• Secure scene

• Avoid moving injured unless necessary

• Protect from cold

• Do not give food/drink before possible surgery

6.2 Helicopter Rescue

• 4×4 m flat area

• 24 m obstacle‑free circle

• Fold glider to avoid rotor ingestion

6.3 Self‑Rescue

• Separate from wing only if safe

• Use 6‑signals‑per‑minute distress pattern

6.4 First‑Aid Mini‑Kit

Includes:

• Bandages

• Gauze

• Scissors

• Tape

• Survival blanket

• Whistle

• Pain relievers