GIN Vantage - Manual (Page 13)

13
In Flight
The tight handling of the Vantage 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 Vantage 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 Vantage 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 C or D (rear) 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
concerned. Gin Gliders cannot be held responsible for the multitude of combinations that may
be used, however if you wish to contact us we can offer some advice.