Hugo recently learnt how to use big ears and speed bar when flying with Reuben. His questions was: Last flight day I learned Big Ears and Speed bar, this means that I can used these now when I want to or I should do only when the instructor tell me to do ?
Like, Will be ok get close to the ridge get some high and do Big Ears or use the speed bar to training or I should wait the instructor call or I should use it only when I really need ?
Is better be High or is better be Low ?
1. Big ears + speed bar are the most useful descent technique to get out of increasing ridge lift and wind, because you maintain good forward speed and can steer well. That is not the case with most other descent techniques.
2. When the conditions are perfect and lightish, we usually try to be as high as possible. When the conditions are very strong and marginal, we should stay lower and in front of the ridge, in order to have have the options to use big ears + speed bar in case the wind increases and we need to get down. If we are high and far back, it becomes very hard to get down, because we still have to fly through the strongest lift and the compression on our way to the beach. 3. When you fly in the initial training area, only do manoeuvres as instructed.
4. Once you do some more independent flying away from the front of the launch, you should self manage your height. Discuss with your instructor prior to to the flight, if it is suitable for you to practice such manoeuvres by yourself.