GIN Boomerang 10 User Manual
Boomerang 10
Owner’s Manual
Rev.:1.1
Date: 20/01/2015
Thank you for taking the time to read the
Boomerang 10 manual
© Gin Gliders Inc.
Gin Gliders reserves the right to alter or add to the contents of this M anual at any time. News
and the most up to date information will be posted on the Gin Gliders website:
www.gingliders.com
Express written consent from Gin Gliders is required for any duplication of this manual, in
whole or in part (with the exception of short quotations for specialist articles).
Publication of this manual does not imply that the common or trade-names, or other intellectual
property contained within it are made available.
Boomerang 10 2 / 62
Thank you...
Thank you for choosing the Boomerang 10. We are confident that this paraglider will provide
you with countless enjoyable experiences, long flights and exceptional competition results. A
thorough knowledge of your equipment will keep you safe and enable you to maximize your full
potential.
Please pass on this manual to the new owner if you do resell your glider. Happy Flights and Safe
Landings,
The GIN team are very proud of the Boomerang 10, if you have any questions about it that are
not answered in this manual, or if you have any hints or tips for getting the most out of the
Boomerang 10, please do not hesitate to contact us.
GIN Team
3 /62 Boomerang 10
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 7
About Gin Gliders .................................................................................................................... 7
Manual .................................................................................................................................... 8
Gin Gliders Homepage ............................................................................................................. 8
Gin Gliders and the environment ............................................................................................ 9
Respect for nature and the environment ............................................................................................ 9
Environmentally-friendly recycling ................................................................................................... 9
2. Safety .............................................................................................................................. 10
Safety advice ........................................................................................................................ 10
Safety notices ....................................................................................................................... 10
Liability, warranty exclusion and operating limitations ....................................................... 10
Liability and warranty exclusion ..................................................................................................... 11
Operating limitations ....................................................................................................................... 11
Glider categories and guidelines .......................................................................................... 11
CCC certification ............................................................................................................................... 12
Description of flight characteristics ................................................................................................ 12
Target group and recommended flying experience ........................................................................... 12
Description of pilot skills required .................................................................................................. 12
Suitability for training ..................................................................................................................... 12
Before the first flight ........................................................................................................... 12
Certified Harnesses .......................................................................................................................... 12
Reclined harnesses .......................................................................................................................... 13
Reserve ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Weight Range ................................................................................................................................... 13
First flight ........................................................................................................................................ 14
3. Flying the Boomerang 10 .................................................................................................. 15
Preparation for launch .......................................................................................................... 15
5-point check ........................................................................................................................ 15
Launch .................................................................................................................................. 16
Light or nil wind launch .................................................................................................................... 16
Strong wind launch .......................................................................................................................... 16
Line knots or tangles ....................................................................................................................... 16
Level flight and best glide .................................................................................................... 16
Accelerated flight ................................................................................................................. 17
B-Riser control ..................................................................................................................... 17
Turns .................................................................................................................................... 17
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Losing altitude ...................................................................................................................... 18
Big ears ............................................................................................................................................ 18
B3-Descent ....................................................................................................................................... 18
B-Stall .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Spiral dive ........................................................................................................................................ 18
Landing ................................................................................................................................. 19
Types of use .......................................................................................................................... 19
Tow launch ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Motorized flight ............................................................................................................................... 19
Tandem paragliding .......................................................................................................................... 20
Aerobatics ........................................................................................................................................ 20
4. Dangerous situations and extreme flying .......................................................................... 21
Dangerous situations ............................................................................................................ 21
Safety training ..................................................................................................................... 21
Material stress and damage ............................................................................................................. 21
Canopy collapses .................................................................................................................. 22
Asymmetric collapse ........................................................................................................................ 22
Cravat / glider wrapped around lines ............................................................................................... 22
Symmetric front collapse ................................................................................................................. 23
Types of stall ........................................................................................................................ 23
Deep stall (parachuting, stable stall) ............................................................................................... 24
Full stall (dynamic stall) .................................................................................................................. 24
Spin .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Other tips for dangerous situations ..................................................................................... 25
Cascade ............................................................................................................................................ 25
Emergency steering ......................................................................................................................... 25
Flying in the rain .............................................................................................................................. 25
Advertising and adhesives ............................................................................................................... 25
Overloading ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Sand and salt air .............................................................................................................................. 25
Temperature range ........................................................................................................................... 26
5. Storing, care, maintenance and repairs .............................................................................. 27
Storing the paraglider .......................................................................................................... 27
Packing the paraglider ..................................................................................................................... 27
Rucksack........................................................................................................................................... 28
Storing and transporting the glider ................................................................................................. 28
Care ...................................................................................................................................... 29
Ground handling ............................................................................................................................... 29
Fabric ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Lines ................................................................................................................................................ 30
Rigid construction ............................................................................................................................ 30
Cleaning ........................................................................................................................................... 30
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Maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 31
Type designation .............................................................................................................................. 31
Inspection periods ........................................................................................................................... 31
Validity of inspection ....................................................................................................................... 31
Line trimming ................................................................................................................................... 32
Material stress ................................................................................................................................. 32
Repairs ................................................................................................................................. 33
Gin Gliders workshops ..................................................................................................................... 33
Small repairs to the glider ............................................................................................................... 33
6. Dimensions, illustrations, technical and CCC data ............................................................... 34
Description ........................................................................................................................... 34
Cutting-edge Design ......................................................................................................................... 34
Manufacturing .................................................................................................................................. 34
Overall illustration ............................................................................................................... 35
Technical data ....................................................................................................................... 35
Riser and speed system ........................................................................................................ 36
Risers ............................................................................................................................................... 36
Speed System ................................................................................................................................... 36
Line system, brakes and line plan ......................................................................................... 37
Line system ...................................................................................................................................... 37
Folding lines .................................................................................................................................... 37
Brake line adjustment ...................................................................................................................... 37
Line plan .......................................................................................................................................... 39
Material list .......................................................................................................................... 40
CCC Test-Lab-Template ......................................................................................................... 41
Size S ............................................................................................................................................... 42
Size M ............................................................................................................................................... 47
Size L ................................................................................................................................................ 52
Appendix ............................................................................................................................. 57
Addresses ............................................................................................................................. 57
Glider details ........................................................................................................................ 58
Pilot details / Proof of ownership .................................................................................................... 58
Inspections and repairs overview .................................................................................................... 59
Notes .................................................................................................................................... 60
Boomerang 10 6 / 62
1. Introduction
About Gin Gliders
Dream
In forming Gin Gliders, designer and competition pilot Gin Seok Song had one simple dream:
to make the best possible paragliding equipment that pilots all over the world would love to
fly— whatever their ambitions.
At Gin Gliders, we bring together consultant aerodynamists, world cup pilots, engineers and
paragliding school instructors, all with one goal: creating better paragliders.
Touch
We’re a “hands-on” company that puts continuous innovation and development at the centre of
everything we do.
At our purpose-built R&D workshop at head office in Korea, we are able to design, manufacture,
test-fly and modify prototypes all in a matter of hours. Our international R&D team is on hand
both in Korea and at locations worldwide. This guarantees that your equipment has been
thoroughly tested to cope with the toughest flying conditions.
Our own production facilities in East Asia ensure the quality of the finished product and also the
well-being of our production staff.
Believe
We believe that the product should speak for itself. Only by flying can the pilot understand the
wing and develop trust and confidence in it. From this feeling comes safety, comfort,
performance and fun. The grin when you land should say it all!
7 /62 Boomerang 10
Manual
We recommend that you familiarise yourself with your new paraglider by reading this Manual
before your first flight. This will allow you to acquaint yourself its new functions, to learn the
best way to fly the paraglider in various situations, and explain how to get the best out of your
paraglider. Information in this Manual on design of the paraglider, technical data and
illustrations are subject to change. We reserve the right to make changes without prior
notification.
The Manual complies with the airworthiness CCC Requirements_3.5-V8 and forms part of the
certification.
There are a total of four important parts to the Manual, which give the following information:
1. Manual (this document):
Instructions on getting started and using the paraglider
2. Inspection Information:
General instructions and guidance on carrying out the regular inspection of
paragliders
3. CCC Test-Lab-Template:
CIVL measurement file for CCC gliders (October 2014)
4. Glider details
Pilot details , proof of ownership and inspections and repairs overview
This Manual was current at the time of going to print. This Manual can be downloaded from GIN’s
website prior to print.
Gin Gliders Homepage
Gin Gliders has a comprehensive website, which provides additional information about the
Boomerang 10, any updates to the Manual and many other issues related to paragliding. GIN’s
website is the first port of call for GIN’s worldwide following:
www.gingliders.com
On Gin Gliders website, you will find an extensive range of accessories for your paraglider,
useful products for pilots, as well as additional information and accessories for your
Boomerang 10
You will also find links there to other services and websites:
Gin Gliders Shops
Facebook, Twitter & youtube
These websites and their content are provided for your use. The content of Gin Gliders websites
has been made available for your use on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Gin Gliders
reserves the right to alter the websites at any time or to block access to them.
Boomerang 10 8 / 62
Gin Gliders and the environment
Protection of the environment, safety and quality are the three basic values of Gin Gliders and
these have implications on everything we do. We also believe that our customers share our
environmental awareness.
Respect for nature and the environment
You can easily play a part in protection of the environment by practising our sport in such a way
that there is no damage to nature and the areas in which we fly. Keep to marked trails, take
your rubbish away with you, refrain from making unnecessary noise and respect the sensitive
biological equilibrium of nature. Consideration for nature is required even at the launch site!
Paragliding is, of course, an outdoor sport – protect and preserve our planet’s resources.
Environmentally-friendly recycling
Gin Gliders gives consideration to the entire life cycle of its paragliders, the last stage of which
is recycling in an environmentally-friendly manner. The synthetic materials used in a para glid er
must be disposed of properly. If you are not able to arrange appropriate disposal, Gin Gliders
will be happy to recycle the paraglider for you. Send the glider with a short note to this effect
to the address given in the Appendix.
9 /62 Boomerang 10
2. Safety
WARNING The safety advices and instructions contained in this Manual must be followed in all
circumstances. Failure to do so shall render invalid the certification and/or result in
loss of insurance cover, and could lead to serious injuries or even death.
Safety advice
Paragliding demand a high level of individual responsibility. Prudence and risk-awareness are
basic requirements for the safe practice of the sport, for the very reason that it is so easy to
learn and practically anyone can do so. Carelessness and overestimating one’s own abilities can
quickly lead to critical situations. A reliable assessment of conditions for flying is particularly
important. Paragliders are not designed to be flown in turbulent weather. Most serious
accidents with paragliders are caused by pilots misjudging the weather for flying.
In Germany, paragliders are subject to the guidelines for air sports equipment and must not
under any circumstances be flown without a valid certification. Independent experimentation is
strictly prohibited. This Manual does not replace the need to attend training at a paragliding
school.
The Manual must be passed on to any new owner if the paraglider is sold. It is part of the
certification and belongs with the paraglider.
Observe the other specific safety advice in the various sections of this Manual.
Safety notices
Safety notices are issued when defects arise during use of a paraglider which could possib ly
also affect other gliders of the same model. The notices contain instructions on how the
affected gliders can be inspected for possible faults and the steps required to rectify them.
Gin Gliders publishes on its website any technical safety notices and airworthiness instructions
which are issued in respect of GIN products. The paraglider owner is responsible for carrying
out the action required by the safety notice.
Safety notices are issued by the certification agencies and also published on the relevant
websites. You should therefore visit on a regular basis the safety pages of the certification
agencies and keep up-to-date with new safety notices which cover any products relating to
paragliding.
Liability, warranty exclusion and operating limitations
Use of the paraglider is at the pilot’s own risk!
The manufacturer cannot be held liable for any personal injury or material damage which arises
in connection with Gin Gliders paragliders. The certification and warranty shall be rendered
invalid if there are changes of any kind (incl. paraglider design or changes to the brake lines
beyond the permissible tolerance levels) or incorrect repairs to the glider, or if any inspections
are missed (annual and 2-yearly check).
Boomerang 10 10 / 62
Pilots are responsible for their own safety and must ensure that the airworthiness of the glider
is checked prior to every flight. The pilot should launch only if the paraglider is airworthy. In
addition, when flying outside of Germany, pilots must observe the relevant regulations in each
country.
The glider may only be used if the pilot has a licence which is valid for the area or is flying
under the supervision of an approved flying instructor. There shall be no liability on the part of
third parties, in particular the manufacturer and the dealer.
Liability and warranty exclusion
In terms of the warranty and guarantee conditions, the paraglider may not be flown if any of the
following situations exists:
the inspection period has expired, or the inspection has been carried out by the pilot
him/herself or by an unauthorised inspector
the pilot has incorrect or inadequate equipment (reserve, protection, helmet etc)
the glider is used for winch-launching with a winch which has not been inspected or
by non-licensed pilots and/or winch operators
the pilot has insufficient experience or training
Operating limitations
The paraglider must be operated only within the operating limits. These are exceeded, if one or
more of the following points are complied:
the take-off weight is not within the permissible weight range
the glider is flown in rain or drizzle, cloud, fog and / or snow
the canopy is wet
there are turbulent weather conditions or wind speeds on launch higher than 2/3 of
the maximum flyable airspeed of the glider (varies according to the total take-off
weight)
air temperature below -10°C and above 50°C
the glider is used for aerobatics/extreme flying or flight manoeuvres at an angle
greater than 90°
there have been modifications to the canopy, lines or risers which have not been
approve
Glider categories and guidelines
WARNING The descriptions of flight characteristics contained in this Manual are all based on
experiences from the test flights, which were carried out under standardised
conditions. The classification is merely a description of the reactions to these
standard tests.
The complexity of the paraglider system means that it is not possible to give any more than a
partial description of the glider’s flight behaviour and reactions to disturbances. Even a small
alteration in individual parameters can result in flight behaviour which is markedly modified
and different from the description given.
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CCC certification
The Boomerang 10 received CCC classification in the final classification by the licensing body.
Description of flight characteristics
„Paragliders with demanding flying characteristics and potentially violent reactions to
turbulence and pilot errors. Recovery to normal flight requires precise pilot input.“
Target group and recommended flying experience
„Performance pilots with extensive flying experience of at least approx. 75 hours airtime per
year, who wish to fly at a top performance level in, e.g. cross-country flying.“
The Boomerang 10 is designed from the outset as a CCC competition glider, and has the highest
performance of any GIN glider. It is suitable for the very experienced pilo t who flies frequent ly
and wants the highest possible performance, and is aware of the risks associated with high
performance gliders and has the skills to handle such wings and extreme flight m anoeuvres for
this class.
Description of pilot skills required
„
Designed for pilots well-practised in recovery techniques, who fly very actively, have
significant experience of flying in turbulent conditions, and who accept the implications of
flying such a wing.“
Suitability for training
The Boomerang 10 is generally not suitable for use as a training glider.
Before the first flight
WARNING Your instructor, dealer or a specialist must test-fly and inspect the paraglider
before your first flight. The test-flight must be recorded on the paraglider
information label. Any changes or improper repairs to this paraglider shall render
invalid the certification and warranty.
Certified Harnesses
The Boomerang 10 is certified for use with all harnesses with variable cross-bracing (GH type),
such as the Gin Genie Race 3. Practically all modern harnesses are GH type harnesses. Older
harnesses with fixed cross- bracing (GX type) are not certified and should not be used. Check
with the manufacturer of the harness or your paragliding instructor if in doubt whether your
harness is a GH or GX type harness.
The adjustment of the harness chest strap controls the distance between karabiners and affects
the handling and stability of the glider. Excessive tightening the chest strap increases stability
but also the risk of twists following glider collapse, and it also increases the frequency of
getting collapses due to poor feedback from the glider. The risk of twisting is also stro ngly
affected by the seating position of pilot. Flying in a laid back (reclined) position makes it much
more difficult to react in time to prevent riser twisting. With the chest strap in a more closed
position the glider also has more tendency to maintain a stable spiral, lengthening of the chest
strap gives more feedback from the glider but decreases stability.
Boomerang 10 12 / 62
Gin Gliders calculates and draws the plan of the glider with a distance between the carabiners
of 44cm. CCC certification test flights are also carried out with this setting. We recommend
setting a distance of 42cm to 50cm between the carabiners, depending on the size and design of
the harness.
Reclined harnesses
Reclined harnesses are generally completely enclosed and often have a very low main
attachment point. Active flying is very different with them than with an upright harness. To
achieve the same level of efficiency and safety in flight with a reclined harness which you are
accustomed to with an upright harness, you must systematically learn the appropriate
techniques and gain a good deal of experience.
If any problems or disturbances are encountered when flying with a reclined harness, the pilot
must immediately assume an upright seating position. Extreme flight manoeuvres flown in a
reclined position drastically increase the risk of twist. In addition, pilots often underestimate
the reduction in control travel caused by flying an extreme flight manoeuvre.
There is an increased risk of twist when using a reclined harness if a large section of the canopy
collapses. If there is an asymmetric collapse and the pilot tips sideways, the resulting twist
around the vertical axis with a poorly positioned harness leads to a reduction in control travel.
This quickly causes an unintended stall on the open side.
Reserve
It is a mandatory requirement to carry an approved reserve for use in emergency situations
where the paraglider fails and recovery is not possible, for example af ter collidin g with anot her
aerial sports craft. In choosing a reserve, you should be careful that you remain within the
specified take-off weight. The reserve is fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Weight Range
Be sure to fly your glider within the certified weight range given in the Technical Specification
section. Due to EPT technology, the Boomerang 10 flies well at any wing loading within this
weight range. If you are choosing between 2 sizes, choose your optimum wing loading according
to your personal preferences and the conditions you fly in.
If you prefer dynamic flight behaviour with fast reactions, you should fly at a high wing-loading ,
i.e. choose the smaller model. This may be an advantage in strong, tight thermals.
The dynamics are reduced in the middle and lower part of the weight range. Flight behaviour
becomes more straightforward and many pilots fly with this wing loading because they find it
easier to centre in thermals, especially weaker and wider thermals. If these features appeal to
you, you should fly with a lower wing-loading and choose the larger model.
The Boomerang 10 reacts to weight changes only by slightly increasing or reducing trim speed,
with little noticeable effect on glide performance. You can therefore choose the size completely
according to your own flying style.
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Overload
The CCC describes the weight measurement with: “All weights are subject to an acceptable
tolerance of ± 2kg”. Therefore a slight overload of the wing would be within CCC tolerances.
However, flying over the maximum weight further increases the dynamic flight behaviour. High
performance wings in particular start to lose their floating ability: in small bubbles, the wing
has more horizontal momentum and less tendency towards lifting. A test flight is always
recommended if in doubt.
TIP: Check your total flying weight by standing on weighing scales with all your equipment
packed into your rucksack. Remember that ballast can also be used to adjust wing loading to th e
conditions.
First flight
Carry out your first flights only during stable weather, and in a familiar area or on a trai ning
slope. You should steer gently and carefully to begin with so that you can become accustomed
to the reactions of the glider without stress.
Boomerang 10 14 / 62
3. Flying the Boomerang 10
The Boomerang 10 was developed for performance and competition pilots with extensive flying
experience. The basic types of flying described below should be second nature for such pilots,
but have been included in this Manual for the sake of completeness.
Preparation for launch
A careful pre-flight check is required for any type of aircraft. Make sure that you exercise the
same level of care each time carry out the check. Following a consistent method of preparation
and pre-flight checks is vital for safe flying. We recommend the following:
On arrival at the flying site, assess the suitability of the conditions: wind speed and
direction, airspace, turbulence and thermal cycles.
Inspect your glider, harness, reserve handle and pin, helmet and any other equipment.
Choose a sufficiently large take-off area with even ground and no obstacles.
Lay the glider out according to the plan form, and get the lines and risers sorted out.
Put your helmet on. Secure yourself in your harness and don't forget the leg loops!
Connect the risers to your harness carabiners, ensuring there are no twists or loops
around the lines.
Connect the speed system to the risers with the Brummel hooks.
Do a final line check by pulling gently on the risers or lines to ensure there are no new
knots, tangles or interfering branches or rocks. Take extra care in nil or light winds.
WARNING If there are obvious folds in the glider because it has been tightly packed or stored
away for a long time, then the pilot should carry out some practice inflations before
first launch and smooth out the trailing edge a little. This ensures that the flow
profile is correct during launch. It is particularly important in low temperatures that
the trailing edge is smoothed out.
5-point check
The 5-point check is carried out immediately before launch to check once again the most
important safety points. It should always be carried out in the same sequence so that nothing is
overlooked. The 5 points are:
1. Is personal equipment correct (harness, carabiners, reserve, helmet) and are all
straps done up?
2. Is the canopy arranged in a half-moon shape and are all the air-entrances open?
3. Are all the lines untangled and are any lines under the canopy?
4. Does the weather, in particular wind direction and strength, allow a safe flight?
5. Are the airspace and launch area clear?
15 /62 Boomerang 10
Launch
The key to a successful launch technique is to practice ground handling on flat ground whenever
you can. The Boomerang 10 has good launch characteristics for its class, and no special launch
techniques are required.
Light or nil wind launch
The Boomerang 10 inflates steadily in nil-wind conditions. Simply guide the glider by taking the
A1 and A2 main lines just above the A1 riser, keeping your arms bent and hands at the level of
the shoulders. Allow your arms to rise in an arc and wait for the glider to inflate and come
above your head - do not push the risers. There is no need to pull the risers hard. Run positively
as the glider comes above your head. Be sure to look up and check that the glider is fully
inflated before you take off, and that there are no tangles in the lines. If any irregularity should
occur and you are not yet airborne, abort the launch immediately by stalling the glider. On
steep launches, stall one side of the glider and ru n parallel to the hill. If the glider should come
up sideways, and the situation is recoverable, run towards the lower side rather than trying to
struggle against the force. An impulse launch where you start running with slack lines close to
the glider is not needed.
Strong wind launch
The Boomerang 10 has good launch characteristics and no special techniques are required. The
reverse launch technique is recommended. Holding the brakes, turn around to face the wing
passing one set of risers over your head as you turn. We suggest building a "wall" by partially
inflating your glider on the ground, thus sorting out the lines thoroughly. Check the air space is
clear and gently pull the glider up with the A1 and A2 riser. When the glider is overhead, check
it gently with the brakes, turn and launch. In stronger winds, be prepared to take a couple of
steps towards the glider as it inflates and rises.
Line knots or tangles
If you do take off with a line knot or tangle, try to get clear of the ground and any traffic before
taking corrective action. Weight shift and/or counter brake to the opposite side and pump the
knotted side with your brake. Be careful not to fly too slowly to avoid a stall or spin. If the kno t
or tangle is too tight to pump out, immediately fly to the landing zone and land safely.
Level flight and best glide
When the brakes are open, the Boomerang 10’s flight is stable and level. The brake lines can be
used to adjust the speed according to the flight situation, to ensure the optimum level of
performance and safety. Flying too slowly close to stall speed increases the risk of an
unintentional asymmetric or full stall. This speed range should therefore be avoided and used
only on landing.
The theoretical best glide speed in calm air is realized at the hands-off position. Minimum sink
is reached by pulling approx. 10 cm of brake. If the brakes are pulled more, the sink does not
reduce any further, the control pressures increase noticeably and the pilot reaches minimum
speed.
Boomerang 10 16 / 62
Accelerated flight
Once you have become accustomed to flying the Boomerang 10, you can practice using the speed
system, which allows improved glide in headwinds and greater penetration in strong winds.
When flying accelerated the glider reacts much faster to a collapse. Also the glider reacts more
radically when a collapse happens during accelerated flight compared to flying at trim speed.
Apply the speed system by pushing the speed bar progressively with your feet. Avoid flying
accelerated near the ground, and be careful using the accelerator in turbulence.
If you do encounter a collapse while using the accelerator, immediately step off the bar
completely before taking any other corrective actions.
B-Riser control
The Boomerang 10 responds very nicely to B-riser control. With the speedsystem applied the B
risers can be pulled backwards towards the pilot to directly control the angle of attack of the
glider. Pulling backwards pitches the wing nose-up, increasing the angle of attack, and reduces
the chordwise compression in the sail from the lines, making the wing more tuck-resistant. The
control movement is subtle and fluid, and only small movements are required. It is important to
recognize how much B-riser movement is needed to return the glider to trim speed. The riserlimiters provide a good indicator of when trim speed is approached, making it clear when the
maillons are getting close to level (which is a sensible limit to the amoun t of B-riser control
that should be applied). B-riser control can be used to fluidly pilot the wing throu gh turbulence
by controlling pitch. The aim should be to control pitch so that the wing stays directly above
you. B-riser control can also be used for steering. It is good practice to always glide with gentle
tension applied to the B-risers (pulling them backwards about 5cm) so that you can feel the
inputs from the wing. Those inputs warn you when turbulence is coming, but also allow you to
feel the lifty side of the wing – when the tension on the B-riser on one side increases, pull back
on that side to turn slightly towards the lifting air. Following lifting lines using the B-risers
this way can make a huge difference to flight performance and gives the Boomerang 10 pilot a
very satisfying feeling of being connected to the air movements. A pilot fully in tune with the
Boomerang 10 can use these B-riser inputs to follow the lifty lines that lead to the cores of
thermals.
Turns
With the Boomerang 10, Gin Gliders has developed a glider which reacts immediately to
steering input and is extremely responsive. The Boomerang 10 performs best in turns when it is
flown with sufficient speed and weight-shifting. Too much braking increases the sink rate.
The Boomerang 10 has minimal negative tendency, but nevertheless the glider’s high aspect
ratio and dynamics on tight turns and centering near slopes take some time to get used to. You
should therefore maintain enough distance from slopes and observe safety margins during your
first flights until you are familiar with the Boomerang 10’s steering.
17 /62 Boomerang 10
If more brake is applied, the bank attitude increases and the glider will fly a fast turn increasing
in steepness, which will eventually become a spiral dive (further information on this is in the
section “Spiral Dive”).
Losing altitude
Extremely strong and widespread lift is found, for example, in storm conditions. The best place
to be in this situation is on the ground. Nevertheless, if you have been caught out by the
weather and find yourself needing to descend rapidly, there are several ways to do so. The best
way is, of course, to find sink. Failing that, try one of the techniques below. Most of these
techniques place undue stress on your glider, and should be avoided if you want to extend its
lifetime. We recommend you initially practice these manoeuvres under qualified supervision
during a safety training course.
Big ears
It is possible to do big ears on the Boomerang 10, but it takes great arm strength to hold in the
ears and the glider loses structure when the ears are in. Therefore the maneuver is not
recommended.
B3-Descent
To increase your sink rate, first apply a little speed bar (about 25%) and then pull in the (outer)
B3 lines simultaneously, firmly and progressively. To exit the manoeuvre, release the tips
simultaneously and progressively and then release the speedbar.
B-Stall
This manoeuvre is not possible with the Boomerang 10. For fast descent use a steep spiral or
B3-Descent as described above.
Spiral dive
The spiral dive is an extreme manoeuvre. Practice spiralling with caution and lower sink rates to
get a feeling for the Boomerang 10’s behaviour. Weight shift a nd pull the brake on one side
gradually. Let it accelerate for two turns and you will ent er the spiral dive. Once in the spiral,
you can control your descent rate and bank angle with weight shift and the outer brake. Spiral
dives induce large G forces, and these can disorient the pilot and stretch the glider lines and
sail.
The outer wing tip may collapse during the spiral dive although this is no cause for concern. It
can be avoided by lightly braking on the outside. Release the brakes carefully.
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.
To allow the glider to exit from a spiral dive, your position in the harness must either be neutral,
or even better, on the opposite site of the turn while spiralling. If you release the inner brake
the wing will normally exit the spiral dive by itself. The Boomera ng 10 has no tendency to stay
in a stable spiral, but nevertheless, you should know how to exit from a stable spiral:
Boomerang 10 18 / 62
weightshift actively to the outside of the turn and pull the outer brake until you feel the
deceleration of the wing and your body moving towards a more upright position. Then, release
the outer brake and let the glider decelerate for one or two more turns. Apply a short brake
action on the inside brake just before the glider e xits the spiral dive completely. T his will burn
off the remaining energy and avoid a big pendulum moment after exiting the spiral.
We advise you to limit the sink rate of the spiral to a maximum of 14 m/s and always maintain
ground clearance of 150 – 200m. It is possible to reach a much higher sink rate but the following
risks of increases with higher sink rates:
cause a loss of consciousness
lose control over the flight manoeuvre and sink rate, the glider will go in to a stable
spiral. If this happens, immediately deploy your reserve!
stress loading and/or loss of consciousness can occur during the spiral which make
subsequent recovery impossible
Landing
The Boomerang 10 has good handling and completely normal landing characteristics, so no
special techniques are required. Select a familiar landing area free of obstacles and carefully
note the wind speed and direction in the landing area. The minimum flying speed and big flaring
reserve of the Boomerang 10 will help you to make a soft landing in all conditions. Approach the
landing with sufficient airspeed and don't leave your last turn too late or too steep.
Do not pump the brakes to degrade the glide angle, you risk entering a deep stall. Always fly
with sufficient speed when you are near the ground (well above stall speed) to avoid an
unintentional stall.
Before landing, slide your legs forward in the harness so that you adopt the standing position.
Never land in the seated position; it is very dangerous for your back even if you have back
protection, which is only a passive safety system. Standing up before landing is an active
safety system, and is much more effective.
Types of use
The Boomerang 10 was developed and tested for use solely as a paraglider for foot launch. Any
use other than as intended is prohibited.
Tow launch
The Boomerang 10 is suitable for towing by suitably qualified pilots. The Boomerang 10 has no
tendencies towards deep stall/parachuting. There is sufficient margin to counter steer the
glider in a normal towing situation. Make sure you use proper equipment, experienced personnel,
the recommended techniques and all relevant safety precautions for towing.
Motorized flight
The Boomerang 10 has not been developed for motorized flight.
19 /62 Boomerang 10
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