Thank you
Warning
About Gin Gliders
Introducing the Gingo Airlite
Specifications
Before you fly
Flying with the Gingo Airlite
Maintenance and repairs
Final words
Technical data
Materials
Harness diagram
...for choosing Gin Gliders. We are confident you’ll enjoy many rewarding experiences in the air
with your GIN harness.
This manual contains important safety, performance and maintenance information. Read it
before your first flight, keep it for reference, and please pass it on to the new owner if you ever
re-sell your rescue.
Any updates to this manual, or relevant safety information, will be published on our website:
www.gingliders.com. you can also register for e-mail updates via our website.
Happy flying and safe landings,
GIN team
5
Warning
Like any extreme sport, paragliding involves unpredictable risks which may lead to injury or
death. By choosing to fly, you assume the sole responsibility for those risks. You can minimize the
risks by having the appropriate attitude, training and experience and by properly understanding,
using and maintaining your equipment. Always seek to expand your knowledge and to develop selfreliance. If there is anything you do not understand, consult with your local dealer as a first point of
contact, with the GIN importer in your country or with Gin Gliders directly.
Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition that can occur while
paragliding, this manual makes no representation about the safe use of the paragliding equipment
under all conditions. Neither Gin Gliders nor the seller of GIN equipment can guarantee, or be held
responsible for, the safety of yourself or anyone else.
Many countries have specific regulations or laws regarding paragliding activity. It’s your
responsibility to know and observe the regulations of the region where you fly.
6
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 dedicated to fulfilling this dream.
Touch
We’re a “hands-on” company that puts continuous innovation and development at the center 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 pilots understand
their equipment 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
Introducing the Gingo Airlite
The GIN Gingo Airlite is an airbag harness that has been modeled after our top selling reversible
harness, the Verso. The Gingo Airlite offers comfort, safety and convenience in a lightweight
package. The Gingo Airlite is targeted for pilots looking for a safe and lightweight harness, it is a
perfect choice as a first harness.
Safety
The Gingo Airlite has been designed with a built in airbag for back protection. Airbags offer a
high level of safety, compactability and decreased harness weight. The airbag on the Gingo Airlite
has an new and improved airbag design that aids with pre-flight inflation. A replaceable foam insert
works like a spring inside the airbag compartment to partially pre-inflate the airbag for safer
launching.
The T-lock safety system is used in each of our “all-round” harnesses and adds an extra level
of safety to your preflight check. The safe T system incorporates the leg and chest straps to help
prevent a pilot from falling out of the harness if forgetting to fasten the leg buckles.
Comfort and durability
The Gingo Airlite is the first GIN harness to feature the new Triplex seat plate. Incorporating
a seat plate into a harness both adds extra back protection and improves the handling and control
of the wing in flight through weight shifting. At 50% the weight of a wooden seat plate and the
extended durability of plastic, the Triplex seat plate is the next generation of harness innovation.
New materials like the Honeycomb outer fabric add extra durability and extend the life of your
harness. And new structural designs like the ergonomic seat with its airmesh fabric increase the
breath-ability and pilot comfort.
The latest modifications to the Gingo Airlite will be a noticeable improvement to its predecessor
and we hope will bring you many hours of pleasure and comfort.
8
Specifications
The Gingo Airlite has EN and LTF certification (see p.35)
Size XSSMLXL
Weight (kg)3.03.33.53.73.9
Pilot height (cm)under 165160-175170-185180-190over 185
Delivery package
1 Harness
1 Triplex seat plate
2 GIN carabiners
1 Rescue deployment handle
1 Rescue Y-bridle (sewn in)
9
Optional items
Foot strap with release system
-Weight: 160g
Flight deck 5L
-Instrument holder and 5L ballast
-Volume: 5L
-Weight: 380g
Carbon seat plate
-XS- 180g
-S- 200g
-M- 240g
-L- 260g
-XL- 280g
Main rescue
-One G: #38 or 42
-Yeti rescue: #27,35,40
10
Components of the Gingo Airlite
Back Protection
The Gingo Airlite is a harness with a built-in airbag. The airbag helps to absorb the force of an
impact by allowing air to dissipate progressively. This protects the pilot as much as possible in the
event of an incident, but it cannot completely eliminate the risk of injury. The Gingo Airlite back
protection is EN / LTF certified.
The Gingo Airlite is designed with a foam structure that helps pre-inflate the harness before
take-off. After launch the airbag will fully inflate via the air vents located on either side. Be sure
not to pack anything into the “rear compartment” during flight or this may block the air intake and
prevent the back protector from fully inflating. (see p. 25)
Triplex seat plate
Included with the Gingo Airlite is the new Triplex seat plate. 50% lighter than a wooden seat
plate with extended durability, the Triplex seat plate is the perfect fit for the new lightweight
harness. Pilots can also choose to upgrade to the carbon seat plate for additional weight reduction.
GIN carabiners
Included with your harness is a pair of GIN 30mm green carabiners. Other carabiners may also
be used with this harness but it is up to the pilot to check with a professional and ensure they are
compatible with this harness.
11
Before you fly
Make sure your dealer has checked the harness for completeness and basic settings. Your
harness must be assembled by a suitably qualified paragliding professional, for example, your
instructor.
Gin Gliders recommends that assembly be carried out in the following order. If you are in any
doubt whatsoever about this procedure, please seek professional advice from your instructor, GIN
dealer or importer.
Installing the speed system
Assemble the speed system from top to bottom. Pass the cord along the inside of the harness
and route it through both pulleys (1). From the second pulley, route the cord through the metal ring
at the bottom edge of the seat (2). Connect the cord to the speedbar using a secure knot (3). Finish
by attaching the speedbars elastic cord (located next to the metal ring) to the speedbar. This allows
easy access to the speed bar and prevents tangling in case of a rescue deployment.
CAUTION: Make sure that the speed system
is not too short. The front risers of your
paraglider must not be pulled down in normal
(unaccelerated) flight.
3
1
2
21
3
*See page 27 for speed system
adjustment
12
Installing the footstrap with quick release system
The optional footbar with quick release system consists of a footbar with a specially designed
rescue handle. In the event of a reserve deployment, the footbar is automatically released. This is
to eliminate the possibility of the footbar interfering with the reserve.
Footstrap to harness
1) First pass the quick release webbing through the “Harness loop”
2) Then connect the webbing to the plastic buckle on the harness
- Adjust so the “D-ring” is tight against the “Harness loop”
3) Route the plastic line through the neoprene tunnel and harness loop.
NOTE: We recommend that you do not use
other types of footbar with the Gingo Airlite.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the “D-ring” is
adjusted to fit tight against the Harness
loop.
2
SMALL harness
LARGE harness
1
Harness loop
D-ring
3
13
Rescue handle to foot strap
Pass the plastic pin through the quick release connection (A,B,C,D) (p.15). Finally, tuck the
plastic line into the neoprene cover of the footstrap.
If the plastic line is too long, trim it to fit your harness size.
AB
CD
XS
S
M
L
XL
Depending on the size of your harness trim the plastic
wire to fit with your harness.
14
Adjusting the optional footstrap
There are RED adjustment markings sewn onto the footstrap. To ensure that the footstrap is
adjusted symmetrically, position the appropriate RED strip over the bar of the plastic buckle, and
then on the opposite side of the harness, adjust the length of the footstrap to the same red strip.
LEFTRIGHT
Large Harness
Small Harness
-20
-15
-10
Adjust to LEG size
Adjust to LEG size
-5
0
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
15
Connecting the carabiner
Connecting the harness straps to the main carabiners needs to be done in a specific order. Follow
the sequence from the image below.
Main seat strap
1
Lateral strap
2
FRONTBACK
2
1
16
Installing the seat plate
The seat plate is removable and can be accessed by a panel at the rear of the seat. Simply
remove by separating the leg straps and pulling it out the back. When installing the seat plate be
sure to loop the leg straps over the back edge of the seat (covered in Velcro). The seat plate should
be installed with the Velcro edge to the back and the front curve facing down.
WARNING: Forgetting to loop the leg straps
behind the seat plate will place the pilot in
great risk of falling out of the harness.
*shown with optional carbon seat plate
17
Rescue Installation and compatibility check
Gin Gliders recommend that rescue installation is performed properly by a competent person.
The rescue parachute is a pilots last resort and failure to pack or connect the reserve parachute
in the correct way may cause death or severe injury. The pilot is responsible for ensuring proper
installation.
The Gingo Airlite is compatible with One G and Yeti rescue parachutes (#27,35,40). Other
manufacturers’ rescues may also be used but we cannot guarantee their function. The pilot is
responsible for checking compatibility.
Every first installation of a rescue system into the harness (that means every new combination
of harness and rescue system) must be checked by a qualified paragliding professional for
compatibility. To verify the installation, you must perform a test deployment by sitting in a
simulator.
Rescue parachutes should be repacked at least every 150 days; so installing your rescue in a
new harness may also provide a good opportunity for a repack. After every repack of the rescue
parachute you should also do a compatibility check. Make sure that the rescue parachute can
be released from the rescue container—it must be done by you, the pilot, sitting in the harness
hanging from a simulator.
WARNING: If you are in any doubt about
any aspect of rescue installation, seek
professional advice!
IMPORTANT: You must perform a test
deployment from a simulator to verify the
installation.
18
Attaching the rescue deployment bag to the harness deployment handle
2413
Handle attachmentPass the handle through the center
loop
The rescue container for this harness comes with its own deployment handle. This handle and
its strap must be connected to the deployment bag of the parachute. In particular, check the length
of the strap connecting the rescue deployment handle to the rescue inner container. It should
be long enough that the reserve can be extracted without the danger of the pins not being pulled
before the strap tightens on the reserve, but not so long that there is excessive slack that extends
the movement required for deployment.
The deployment bag of other manufacturers’ rescue systems (i.e. non-GIN rescue systems)
may have different loop positions which may cause a deployment failure. Be sure to contact
your parachute dealer or a qualified professional to check the connection, position and secure
deployment, and refer to the rescue manual for details.
Pass the handle through itselfPull to make a clean, tight knot
19
Connecting the rescue bridle
To connect a rescue to your harness we recommend using a GIN Rescue Carabiner. If you choose
to use different type of connector, it should be rated at least 9 times the maximum weight. For
example, our recommended 8mm Stainless Steel screwgate maillon (square) connector has a
minimum breaking load of 28kN (2855 Kgf). It is the pilot’s responsibility to check the compatibility
of the rescue system and ensure that it is installed properly.
Be sure to inspect your connector during normal maintenance and safety checks. Replace it
whenever there any signs of wear and check your rescue system with a professional after any
deployment. We recommend that you cover the connection using the Maillon rapid cover to prevent
excess friction. Tape and/or rubber-bands should also be used to secure the attachment and prevent
excess friction.
Recommended by GIN: 8mm stainless steel screwgate maillon
8mm square maillon
Breaking load: 28kN
Maillon connection (Recommended by Gin Gliders)
e
u
c
s
e
R
Y
-
b
r
i
d
l
e
WARNING: When connecting the rescue bridle
be sure to secure the connection using tape,
rubber bands or heat shrink wrap. If the lines
are not secure they may burn or cut from
excess friction.
Bridle attachmentAttach the Y-bridle to the
maillon and secure it with a
rubber band
Attach the rescue to the
maillon and secure with a
rubber band
Check your connection and
close the maillon firmly
20
Rescue installation guide
It is very important to properly install the rescue parachute. If the parachute is not folded
correctly or the lines are not placed properly then a serious if not fatal accident could result. If you
have any doubts speak with your instructor or GIN dealer.
Adjustment of rescue container volume
The Gingo Airlite has a Velcro system to adjust the volume of the container according to the size
and shape of your rescue. This is to ensure that your rescue is held firmly in place in the rescue
container.
To adjust the rescue container volume for a smaller rescue, first detach the edge of the Velcro
flap inside the container. Pull on the Velcro flap and re-attach to decrease the height of the
container. Then, check that the rescue fits in the remaining space. The rescue should fit comfortably
in the container. The rescue should be held so that it can’t move around, but not too tightly that
extraction becomes difficult. If necessary, place a piece of foam behind the rescue to reduce the
depth of the container.
Main rescue installation guide
Begin by first connecting the Y bridle and the rescue handle to the rescue parachute (p. 19,20).
Install the rescue into the harness with the handle connection facing up and the extra para line
neatly folded on the bottom of the container (2).
Using the paracord included with your harness pull the built in loops through the metal rings in
the order shown below. First close flap “A”, next “B”, then “C”, and finally “D.” (3-6). After closing
the container in the proper order, use the metal hook pins to secure the container flaps (7). Finish
by inserting each side of the rescue handle into its neoprene sleeve and secure using the Velcro.
*Follow the instructions on the next page.
WARNING: When installing the reserve make
sure the reserve handle is up and the reserve
lines are facing down.
D
A
B
C
21
214
3
D
A
A
B
C
5
68
7
D
B
C
22
Storage
Rear compartment
The Gingo Airlite has a “rear compartment” that inflates along with the underseat back protector
to offer a larger safety margin. This compartment must be kept free of obstruction. Do not store
your rucksack or any other items in this compartment or it may block the air intake at the base.
For storage use the “back pocket”, a large black, zippered pocket that is located inside of the “rear
compartment.”
Back pocket
Located inside the “rear compartment” you will find a black zipper pocket that can be used to
store the rucksack and other gear during your flight.
Hydration pocket / personal belongings
Located inside the back pocket is a smaller zippered pocket that can hold a camelback or other
small belonging. At the top of the “back pocket” you will find a small loop of black webbing, this can
be used to hang a camelback with a hook feature.
Radio Pocket
Located inside of the “back pocket” is a radio pocket. this can be used to safely house a radio
and at the top of the “back pocket” there are two holes, one can be used for a radio wire and the
other can be used for your hydration hose.
Hydration / Radio hole
The two holes located at the top of the back pocket are covered by a small piece of neoprene.
This helps prevent air from escaping the rear compartment. To use these holes simply stretch the
fabric to one side to allow access to the opening.
Side pocket
Located on both sides of the harness, just under the carabiners, are two zippered pockets that
can be used to store small items such as a snack or small digital camera during your flight.
WARNING: Do not store any belongings inside
the “rear compartment!” Items must be
stored inside the “back pocket” or they may
block the air intake.
23
Adjustments
After choosing a harness that is close to your body size, adjust your harness to suit your
physique and flying style. It is important to adjust it correctly to ensure you can easily slide
into the sitting position after take off. A poorly adjusted harness can adversely affect the flying
characteristics of your paraglider.
Perform adjustments before your first flight by hanging in a simulator and fine-tune the settings
if necessary during your first few flights.
Shoulder straps (1)
The optimum setting for the shoulder straps depends on the height of the pilot. Step into the
harness and stand upright with the breast strap closed, symmetrically adjust the shoulder straps
until they are a snug fit, but not tight.
To tighten: pull the RED shoulder webbing forward and down.
To loosen: pull up on the BLACK loop on the top of the shoulder strap.
Breast strap (2)
After adjusting the shoulder straps, place the breast strap in a comfortable position and tighten
so there is slight pressure on the shoulder straps.
NOTE: Make sure that the rescue system has
been installed before making adjustments.
1
2
24
Lateral Straps (1)
The lateral straps adjust the angle between the thighs and the back. Lengthening the straps
increases the angle and vice-versa. The easiest way to adjust them correctly is during a flight in
calm air. Remember that flying in the supine position (i.e. leaning back), reduces the stability of the
harness and increases the risk of riser twists after a deflation.
To tighten, pull forward on the red loop. To loosen, bull back on the black/green loop.
Seat Straps (2)
The seat straps change the depth of the seat. Adjust to find a comfortable position. In the sitting
position, lengthen the straps to their maximum at first and then use the plastic buckles to shorten
the straps to find a comfortable position with good back support. Lengthening the straps also helps
you to slide easily into the harness at take off, while shortening the straps helps you to be in the
standing position for landing.
To tighten, pull up on the red loop. To loosen, lift the plastic buckle.
Speed Bar (3)
Hanging in the simulator, adjust the length of the speed bar cord so that the bar hangs at least
15cm below the front of the harness. Making the cord too short could result in the speed system
being constantly or unintentionally engaged during flight. It is safer to start with the speed bar a
little long and shorten it following your first flights. Test the speed bar in flight only after you are
comfortable with your new harness, and always do so in calm conditions with enough clearance
above the ground.
1
1
2
3
2
Lateral strap
Seat strap
Speed bar
3
25
Flying with the Gingo Airlite
General warnings and advice
Before every flight, check the following:
Are you in good physical and mental condition?
Are you familiar and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations in your area?
Are you within the certified weight range of your paraglider?
Do you have the necessary valid insurance cover (e.g. liability, medical, life)?
Are you briefed thoroughly about the site, airspace and expected weather conditions of the
day?
Is your equipment and choice of site suitable for your level of experience?
Do you have a suitable helmet, gloves, boots, eye-wear and adequate clothing?
Are you carrying some form of identification, so that people know who you are in case of an
accident? Take along a radio and mobile phone if possible.
Do you fully understand how to safely use your new equipment? If not, have your instructor or
dealer explain anything you are not sure about.
When you go for your first flight on your new harness, be sure to pick a day and site that does
not present you with any unfamiliar challenges. During your first flight, familiarize yourself with
the in-flight characteristics of your new harness.
Pre-flight checks
As part of your normal pre-flight check routine, check:
Is there any damage to the harness or carabiners that could affect its airworthiness?
Is the rescue parachute container closed correctly with the pins in the right position?
Is the deployment handle correctly inserted or attached?
IMPORTANT: Use a complete and
consistent system of pre-flight checks and repeat the same sequence every flight.
26
Are all buckles, belts, zips securely fastened? Buckles should click into place as you close them,
and a gentle pull on the fastened buckle verifies this. Secure any zips after fastening the buckles.
Take extra care in snowy or sandy environments.
Is the paraglider connected correctly to the harness with both carabiners secured by their
locking mechanisms?
Is the speed bar attached correctly to the glider?
Are all pockets closed properly and any loose items tied down safely?
Is the air chamber intake open and clear?
Have you closed your leg and chest straps? Double check before you take off!
Rescue Deployment
In the event of an emergency, you must quickly evaluate your height and the seriousness of
the incident. A seconds hesitation in deploying the reserve could prove fatal if there is insufficient
height. On the other hand, deploying the rescue when the glider is recoverable may result in
needless injury.
If you decide to deploy the rescue:
Look for the rescue handle and grasp it firmly with one hand
Pull forwards and upwards on the handle to release the deployment bag from the rescue
container.
Look for a clear area, and in a continuous motion, throw (and RELEASE!) the rescue away from
yourself and the glider, preferably into the air stream or against the direction of spin. After
deployment, avoid entanglement and pendulum motions by promptly pulling in the glider as
symmetrically as possible with the B, C, D or brake lines.
On landing take an upright body position and be prepared to do a PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) to
minimize the risk of injury.
IMPORTANT: In normal flight, periodically feel
the position of the rescue handle so that the
action of reaching for the rescue handle is
instinctive in an emergency.
WARNING: During any incident in flight,
always monitor your altitude. If you have
any doubt that you have sufficient height
for recovery, deploy your reserve without
hesitation. “If low, then
throw”.
27
Landing with the Gingo Airlite
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 even if you have back protection. Standing
up before landing is an active safety precaution.
Miscellaneous
Towing
The Gingo Airlite can be used for towing with the proper equipment. Check with your dealer for
more information.
Tandem Flying
The Gingo Airlite is not designed for tandem flying. See www.gingliders.com for details of our
harnesses specifically designed for tandem flying.
Flying over water
Water landings should be avoided at all costs, as the back protection increases the risk of the
pilot floating in a head-down position. For safety training over water, we recommend wearing a
proper flotation vest with a head support holding the wearer’s head above the surface even when
unconscious.
28
Maintenance and repairs
The materials used in this harness have been carefully selected for maximum durability.
Nevertheless, keep your harness clean and airworthy to ensure the longest possible period of safe
operation.
Care and maintenance
Don’t drag your harness over rough or rocky ground. Avoid unnecessary exposure to UV rays,
heat and humidity. Keep the folded harness in your rucksack when not in use.
Store all your equipment in a cool, dry place, and never put it away while damp or wet. Regularly
clean off dirt with a plastic bristled brush and/or a damp cloth. If the harness gets exceptionally
dirty, wash it with water and a mild soap. Make sure you first remove the entire sub-components
for example, rescue parachute etc. Allow the harness to dry naturally in a well ventilated area
away from direct sunlight. If your rescue parachute ever gets wet (e.g. in a water landing) you
must separate it from the harness, dry it and repack it before putting it back in its separate outer
container. Occasionally lubricate the zips and buckles with silicone spray, no more than once a year.
After a hard landing you must check your harness for damage, pay close attention to the rescue
container and verify all of the attachments are secure.
IMPORTANT: Any repairs should only be
carried out by the manufacturer or by an
approved agent. This will ensure that the
correct materials and repair techniques are
used.
29
Inspection checklist
In addition to regular pre-flight checks, your harness should be inspected thoroughly on every
rescue repack of 150 days. Additional inspections should be performed after any crash, bad landing
or take off, or if there are any signs of damage or undue wear. Always seek professional advice
whenever in doubt.
The following checks should be carried out
Check all webbing, straps and buckles for wear and damage, especially the areas that are not
easily seen, such as the inside of the carabiner hook-in points.
All sewing must be intact and any anomalies attended to immediately to avoid exacerbation of
the problem.
Special attention should be paid to the rescue installation, particularly the elastic and Velcro
parts.
The main carabiners must be replaced at least every 5 years or after 500 hours, whatever
comes first. Impacts may create undetectable cracks that could result in structural failure under
continuous load.
Repairs
The manufacturer or an approved specialist should carry out any repair that involves critical
parts of the harness. This will ensure that the correct materials and repair techniques are used.
30
GIN quality and service
We take pride in the quality of our products and are committed to putting right any problems
affecting the safety or function of your equipment and which are attributable to manufacturing
faults. Your GIN dealer is your first point of contact if you have any problems with your equipment.
If you are unable to contact your dealer or GIN importer, contact Gin Gliders directly via our
website.
Care of the environment
We are privileged to fly in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Respect and preserve nature by
minimizing your impact on the environment. When visiting an area, contact the local club for details
of environmentally sensitive areas and local restrictions.
When your paraglider eventually reaches the end of its useful life, dispose of it with
consideration and follow any local regulations.
31
Final words...
Most of us today live in a dependent society where we are regulated and protected. There are
few opportunities for individuals to develop the self-responsibility that is the foundation of safety
in extreme sports such as paragliding.
Most accidents are caused by getting into situations that are too demanding for your level of
experience. This happens if you lack fundamental understanding, are incapable of assessing the risk
or simply do not pay sufficient attention to your surroundings or your own state of mind.
To stay safe, the best you can do is to increase your understanding, skill and experience at a
rate you can manage safely. There is no substitute for self-responsibility and good judgment.
In the end, paragliding offers a unique opportunity to learn to take control of your own destiny.
Memento mori, carpe diem!
Fly safely, and...E N J O Y!
GIN team
32
Technical data
Size XS SMLXL
Weight (kg)3.03.33.53.73.9
Pilot height (cm)under 165160-175170-185180-190over 185
Height of attachment points (cm)4244464850
Carabiner distance (cm)35-5035-5036-5237-5437-54
Certification
The Gingo Airlite has EN and LTF certification, max load 120kg