GIN Vantage - Manual (Page 17)

17
Using the Trimmers and Speed Bar
The Vantage has a wide range of trim and speed bar settings for you to explore. We recommend
that you explore the full flight envelop at a safe height and with adequate training and
experience.
The Vantage has a wide and relatively safe speed range compared with most air-craft.
On faster trim or speed bar settings, brake pressures generally increase and weight-shift
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 in
the page 8, 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.
Points 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 Vantage 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 Vantage 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
even full trim (maximum lift configuration).
This will hardly alter your glide angle but will decrease your sink rate; these decisions become
more critical at higher wing loadings.
Power-on Landings
At a steady tick over, lose height at a shallow angle, then as you near the ground level out and
bleed off speed before flaring to touch down. Kill the motor as your feet touch the ground. The
advantage of this method of course is that if you get it wrong you can power up and go round
again at any time. The disadvantages are; the increased risk of (expensive) prop damage if you
get it wrong and the dangers involved in falling over with the engine running and getting your