GIN Mirage - Manual (Page 11)

11
In Flight
In flight the greater speed range of the Mirage may require some management. But once you
have mastered how to use the speed to your advantage it becomes pure fun. Its tight handling
allows you to make the best use of thermal cores, and its glide at speed means less time is
spent in sinking air masses before reaching the next thermal. Limits have been provided to the
range of the trim settings to avoid the danger of stalling when flying with the trim pulled right
down and with maximum brake. With the trim fully released, the wing takes on more solid
characteristics, carving through the air with even more pitch stability. The brake pressures
increase and so does the range of movement prior to the stall point. Turns and rate of roll are
linked in a linear fashion to the progressive feel of the brakes.
Use of the speed bar
The bar increases the speed by approximately 30%. Unlike most wings there is little or no loss
of stability; in fact the wing seems to cut through turbulence even better than before
application. However, if any instability is encountered due to excessive conditions it is
recommended to release the bar for recovery and to return to normal flying mode. The brake
pressures also increase when the bar is used, so it is more for use during straight and level
flight.
As you become more experienced, careful release of the bar whilst entering turns gives an
effect, similar to pulling the stick back in a conventional aircraft.
Although the speed bar can be used with confidence throughout the whole range of the trim
settings, it is obviously most effective when used with the trims off I.e. on the fast setting.
Landing
The Mirage has a reasonable glide so good planning is required on approaches. The brakes, light
at first, become progressively heavier over a healthy amount of travel, giving plenty of warning
of a stall. With trims on slow the wing lands like any normal paraglider, plenty of air speed on
approach, progressive flare, converting speed into lift, until the moment of touchdown. When
landing with the fast trim on, the process of bleeding off the extra speed to land can take longer
and require more space. In this mode there is a lot of stored energy, so you may find yourself
climbing out again if you aren’t careful with the controls. Having said that, the brakes are very
powerful. The last bit of brake travel really shuts the wing down and slows you up. It does not
take long to develop the confidence to fly in stronger winds than normal, but great care must be
taken when flying fast near the ground. The Mirage stores energy well, so whilst it is possible
to bleed off your speed without losing height before touchdown, respect must be shown for the
higher speeds possible, especially in slope landings. On landing in high winds the glider may be
collapsed with confidence using a strong pull on the rear or B risers.
Flying under Power
NOTE: Thorough pre-flight checks of the glider, harness and engine are essential prior to any
launch. For powered flight, many of the flying characteristics are the same as in the previous
section; however, there is a certain amount of additional information, particularly where the
addition of the thrust of the power unit and correct matching of the wing to the motor unit is