GIN Mirage - Manual (Page 15)

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hands-off flight capability, the Mirage is good at letting you do this.
With a sound understanding of the current wind conditions at different altitudes and intelligent
use of any thermal activity, wave, convergence, ridge or frontal lift it is possible to conserve
your fuel and greatly extend your operating range. The engine of course makes it easy to put
you in the right place at the right time to exploit the conditions. Don’t be afraid to throw the
Mirage into a tight thermal to gain height and save fuel - you will find it is particularly good at
coring thermals. Using slower trim settings will allow you to climb faster in thermals.
Using the Trimmers and Speed Bar
The Mirage’s reflex wing section is unique in this way, it basically has a huge range of trims and
speed bar waiting for you to explore. We only ask that you explore the full flight envelop at a
safe height and with adequate training and experience.
Remarkably, the Mirage has a huge and relatively safe speed range compared with most air-
craft. With the trimmers fully off the wing’s speed and stability increases and hence its ability
to cut through turbulence and go places improves.
On faster trim or speed bar settings, brake pressures generally increase and weight-shift or a
wing tip stabilizer becomes more effective. On the slower settings, sink rate improves and
handling becomes lighter enabling you to make best use of thermal cores, whilst giving you an
improved climb rate and shorter slower take-offs and landings. For correct usage, first study
the diagrams on page 21, 22, showing trim and speed bar movement as well as speed bar hook-
ups. The diagrams also show you the effect on the wing shape relative to the different settings.
At all speed settings the differential application of both brakes while banking allows you to
make very effective turns by increasing the lift to assist the turn when the lift axis is canted
over in the bank. Likewise engine thrust and speed bar can be applied at certain times to
increase turn rate etc. These techniques come with more experience allowing you to get the
most from your wing you to achieve fully coordinated, smooth turns, much like those possible
on a three axis aircraft.
Point to Note:-
* Remember, the trimmers and speed bar controls are extra items for your pre-flight checks!
Landing
There generally seems to be two philosophies about landing a paramotor - either with or
without power.
Power-off Landings
Cut all power at about 50m and glide in like a paraglider.
This minimizes the risk of propeller damage but you only get one go at it - you have to get it
right!
With or without power the Mirage rides out turbulence much better on a fast trim setting, so if
it is rough come in fast, allow yourself plenty of room (like a hang glider) and bleed off speed
before you touch down. The Mirage stores energy quite well and it may be necessary to round
out and ‘float’ level with the ground, converting your excess speed into lift while you slow down,
before flaring to touchdown.
If you aim at a precision or tight landing, or in nil-wind conditions, it is advisable to use half or