GIN Vantage - Manual (Page 15)

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* The faster the trim setting, the more brake the glider will need to get off the ground.
Reverse Launching in Stronger Winds
Because the Vantage launches so easily it is possible to perform a reverse launch with both
front risers and one brake in one hand and the throttle and opposite brake in the other. If the
wind is appreciable this is the easiest method of launching, but if the wind is light the difficulty
of running backwards safely with a motor on makes a forward launch preferable.
Having started and warmed up your motor upwind of the canopy, attach yourself to the power
unit, face the canopy, approach the risers and clip them on to the appropriate mallions. Build a
wall first using front and rear risers simultaneously. We recommend that you momentarily raise
the glider off the ground to check for tangles and line snags.
Holding risers, brakes and throttle control as outlined above, pull the front risers up to lift the
glider over your head.
When the glider is steady above you turn round, apply power and take off.
As with forward launching, the trim/power/brake relationship must be established for the best
rate of climb and forward speed.
Points to Note:
*This is a cross-hands reverse launch. You must master this technique before attempting it
under power.
Your local Paragliding School will assist you here.
* All control inputs should be smooth and progressive.
* Don’t attempt to take off if the canopy isn’t roughly level overhead.
Dangerous oscillations may result if you apply full power with the canopy off to one side.
* Keep your undercarriage down until you are definitely flying!
* The faster the trim setting, the more brake the glider will need to get off the ground.
Speed systems may cause problems when clipping in. Don’t get your lines crossed!
The Climb Out
Once off the ground and flying safely, continue into wind using the brakes to achieve the
desired climb rate. Don’t attempt to climb at too steep an angle. Attempting to use too much
brake to force a higher climb rate will only degrade the climb by creating extra drag and with
the addition of lots of thrust could result in a stall or a spin.
Under power the Vantage behaves more like a powered fixed wing airplane than a paraglider,
and it helps to think of it as such.
Provided there are no obstacles in your path, it is often safer to fly level with the ground after
take-off gaining more speed before converting it into height using the brakes and then easing
off into the climb out.
The other reasons for not climbing out too steeply are the risks involved when having engine
failure, i.e. a stall and diving recovery.
Although the Vantage will not sit back behind you a slow forward speed and high angle of attack
is still likely to put you into a near stalled attitude if your power source suddenly fails. In this
situation you should always be able to set up a reasonable approach, so maintain sufficient