Specifications

SONIC OWNERS MANUAL
Version 1.01 19
If you have been flying lower-performing beginner type gliders, then the extra glide and
ground effect of the Sonic must be allowed for in the planning of the approach.
Secondly, always fly your approach with moderate speed, even through turbulence so
that no excessive yawing can develop. Nothing spoils a landing approach like a glider
that keeps pointing off course. Once you have turned onto final (into the wind) make
sure you are out of prone and your hands have transferred to the control bar uprights at
about shoulder height. The glider should by now be levelled out a few feet above the
ground with your legs trailing together beneath and slightly behind you. Your body
should be leaning just slightly forward from an upright position. From here you will be
gradually reducing airspeed to maintain this ground clearance, while “feeling” for the bar
pressures that indicate that you are approaching a “mush” condition. While there is still
enough airspeed left to affect a positive flare, slowly increase your rate of push out
bringing it to a full UP and OUT arm extension. If the glider is gusted up or you have too
much airspeed, stop pushing (but do not pull in) until that energy has been used, then
aggressively complete the flare. Always commit yourself to holding the glider up and be
ready to run a few steps to ensure the keel drops to the ground behind you. Never
swing your legs forward in anticipation of landing as this will only guarantee a nose-in. If
you push up and out in the flare, then your feet will automatically be underneath you as
you settle in to land. You will find the Sonic easy to land as it maintains good flare
authority right through to full stall giving a broader margin for pulling off consistently
perfect landings.