GIN Mirage - Manual (Page 19)

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Although the noise of the wind around your ears may indicate the airspeed improves, the
airspeed does not improve with big ears. You may use the speed bar in combination with big
ears to maintain your forward speed but increase the sink.
The glider can be steered while in big ears using weight shift alone.
When releasing the lines, the Mirage’s ears will come out on their own. Release the big ears at
least 100m above the ground. If this is not possible, keep the big ears in until you flare for
landing rather than letting them out on the approach. This is a safer method because of a
possible wind gradient close to the ground and your low airspeed/high wing loading with big
ears in.
Spiral dive
The spiral dive should be considered an extreme manoeuvre. Practice spiralling with caution and
lesser sink rates to get a feel for the Mirage’s behaviour. Weight shift and pull the brake on one
side gradually. Let it accelerate for two turns and you will enter the spiral dive. Once in the
spiral, you can control your descent rate and bank angle with weight shift and the outer brake.
WARNING! A pilot who is dehydrated and/or not accustomed to spiralling can lose consciousness
in a steep spiral dive! As with all types of aircraft, we advise you to assist the glider to exit
from the spiral dive in a controlled manner. Let the glider decelerate for one or two turns by
applying outer brake and/or weight shift.
B-stall
To quickly lose altitude without straining your body with G-force you can use the B-stall. Reach
up to the B-risers just below the maillons and twist your hands while gently pulling. It will be
difficult at first, but become lighter the more you break the aerofoil. Once pulled, do not release
immediately. The glider needs to settle into a stable B-stall before releasing. On exiting the B-
stall the Mirage has a very gentle dive without deep stall tendencies. We advise you to release
the B-stall symmetrically with both hands in a decided manner.
Steering without brakes
If a brake is not operational for some reason, you can steer the Mirage with the D-risers. Add
steering input by weight-shifting in your harness. Be careful not to steer too much with the
riser to avoid any possibility of a spin.
Aerobatics
The Mirage is not designed for aerobatics. Besides the inherent risks, extreme manoeuvres of
any kind place unnecessary stress on the glider and effectively shorten its lifespan.
All of the previously mentioned manoeuvres, and recoveries from them, are taught on SIV
courses.
Contact a local instructor or paragliding club for more Information about SIV.
Tow launch
The Mirage is suitable for towing by pilots who have the relevant towing qualification. The
Mirage has no tendencies towards deep stall/parachuting. There is sufficient margin to counter