Launch, Level flight and best glide, Light or nil wind launch – GIN Boomerang 10 User Manual
Page 16: Strong wind launch, Line knots or tangles
Boomerang 10
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Launch
The key to a successful launch technique is to practice ground handling on flat ground whenever
you can. The Boomerang 10 has good launch characteristics for its class, and no special launch
techniques are required.
Light or nil wind launch
The Boomerang 10 inflates steadily in nil-wind conditions. Simply guide the glider by taking the
A1 and A2 main lines just above the A1 riser, keeping your arms bent and hands at the level of
the shoulders. Allow your arms to rise in an arc and wait for the glider to inflate and come
above your head - do not push the risers. There is no need to pull the risers hard. Run positively
as the glider comes above your head. Be sure to look up and check that the glider is fully
inflated before you take off, and that there are no tangles in the lines. If any irregularity should
occur and you are not yet airborne, abort the launch immediately by stalling the glider. On
steep launches, stall one side of the glider and run parallel to the hill.
If the glider should come
up sideways, and the situation is recoverable, run towards the lower side rather than trying to
struggle against the force. An impulse launch where you start running with slack lines close to
the glider is not needed.
Strong wind launch
The Boomerang 10 has good launch characteristics and no special techniques are required. The
reverse launch technique is recommended. Holding the brakes, turn around to face the wing
passing one set of risers over your head as you turn. We suggest building a "wall" by partially
inflating your glider on the ground, thus sorting out the lines thoroughly. Check the airspace is
clear and gently pull the glider up with the A1 and A2 riser. When the glider is overhead, check
it gently with the brakes, turn and launch. In stronger winds, be prepared to take a couple of
steps towards the glider as it inflates and rises.
Line knots or tangles
If you do take off with a line knot or tangle, try to get clear of the ground and any traffic before
taking corrective action. Weight shift and/or counter brake to the opposite side and pump the
knotted side with your brake. Be careful not to fly too slowly to avoid a stall or spin. If the knot
or tangle is too tight to pump out, immediately fly to the landing zone and land safely.
Level flight and best glide
When the brakes are open, the Boomerang 10’s flight is stable and level. The brake lines can be
used to adjust the speed according to the flight situation, to ensure the optimum level of
performance and safety. Flying too slowly close to stall speed increases the risk of an
unintentional asymmetric or full stall. This speed range should therefore be avoided and used
only on landing.
The theoretical best glide speed in calm air is realized at the hands-off position. Minimum sink
is reached by pulling approx. 10 cm of brake. If the brakes are pulled more, the sink does not
reduce any further, the control pressures increase noticeably and the pilot reaches minimum
speed.