GIN Mirage - Manual (Page 17)

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to active piloting is keeping the glider above your head at all times. If it falls back behind you,
let up the brakes. If it surges in front of you, counter brake until the surge is controlled. If you
sense a loss of pressure on one side of the canopy, smoothly apply brake and/or weight shift on
the appropriate side until you feel pressure return. In all cases, maintain adequate airspeed and
avoid overreaction.
In turbulence
Deflations of the canopy can occur in strong turbulence. The Mirage will recover without pilot
input in almost all situations, so whenever in doubt, let up the brakes and let the glider fly.
However, it is recommended that you follow the advice below in order to help the wing recover
more rapidly.
Asymmetric deflation
In the event of encountering strong turbulence and suffering an asymmetric deflation (collapse
on one side), the Mirage will promptly and easily re-inflate without interference from the pilot,
but the course might alter slightly. This might be unwanted close to the ground or other gliders.
Maintain your course by weight shifting away from the collapsed side. This action can be aided
by applying a little force on the brake opposite to the deflation. This will normally be sufficient.
However, if the deflation fails to come out, pump the deflated side with a firm and smooth
pumping motion. Let the glider regain its flying speed after it has re-inflated.
Symmetric deflation
A symmetric (frontal) deflation will come out promptly without pilot input. The glider will regain
airspeed with a small surge. If counter braking, be careful not to over-correct.
Cravat / glider wrapped around lines
A cravat occurs after a severe deflation when the wingtip becomes trapped in the glider lines. It
is extremely unlikely to occur on the Mirage. Nevertheless, the pilot should be familiar with the
procedure for correcting it. Counter brake and/or weight shift and pump the brake on the
tangled side. On all Gin gliders, there is a separate stabilizer/winglet main line that goes down
to the B riser. This line usually comes slack in the event of a cravat. Pull it down completely
until it comes tight and the cravat normally comes out.