In paragliding, the Speed Bar (Accelerator) and Big Ears are the two primary tools for changing your flight regime. Correctly using them is critical for both flight efficiency and safety in extreme situations.
1. Speed Bar (Accelerator)
The speed bar is a foot-operated system that allows the pilot to pull down the front rows (A-risers) of the wing, thereby decreasing the wing's Angle of Attack.
Importance: It increases the paraglider's horizontal speed. This is life-saving when the wind increases and there is a risk of "Blowback" (being pushed backward behind the ridge).
When to Use:
Strong Headwind: When your forward ground speed decreases significantly.
Sinking Air (Sink): To exit a "sink hole" as quickly as possible.
Transitions: To save time and maintain a better glide ratio when moving from one thermal to another.
Safety Rule: Never use the speed bar close to the ground or in severe turbulence. Decreasing the angle of attack increases the risk of a Frontal Collapse.
2. Big Ears
"Big Ears" is one of the most stable methods for fast descent. The pilot pulls the outer A-lines, causing the wingtips (ears) to fold inward.
Importance: This reduces the effective surface area of the wing, leading to a higher Sink Rate (vertical descent speed) while maintaining horizontal speed and steerability.
When to Use:
Cloud Suck: When the lift is so strong that you cannot lose altitude through normal flight.
Landing Approach: When you need to lose altitude quickly to land in a restricted or tight space.
Turbulence: Folded "ears" make the wing more pressurized and resistant to collapses.
3. Combined Use (Big Ears + Speed Bar)
This is the most effective way to escape a dangerous zone (for example, under a rapidly developing storm cloud).
First, engage Big Ears.
Then, apply the Speed Bar.
Why? Big Ears increase the wing's drag and angle of attack, which can put the wing at risk of a Parachutal Stall. Applying the speed bar reduces this angle, increases forward speed, and makes the entire process much safer and more stable.
4. International Terminology
Speed Bar / Accelerator: The foot-operated speed system.
Big Ears: The maneuver of folding the wingtips.
Angle of Attack: The angle between the chord of the wing and the oncoming airflow.
Glide Ratio: The ratio of distance traveled to altitude lost (which drops significantly during these maneuvers).
Sink Rate: The speed at which the paraglider descends vertically.