Gin Gliders PEGASUS Owner's Manual
PEGASUS
Owner’s Manual
v1.1, 30.10.2016
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© Gin Gliders Inc.
Gin Gliders reserves the right to alter or add to the contents of this manual 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.
CAUTION
Be sure to read this manual before your first
flight
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Introduction
Thank you…
...for choosing Gin Gliders. We are confident you’ll enjoy many rewarding experiences in the air
with your GIN Pegasus.
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 paraglider.
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
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Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Thank you… ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Contents ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Notes on this manual and maintenance ................................................................................................ 9
Your security ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Gin Gliders and the environment ........................................................................................................ 10
Respect for nature and the environment ............................................................................................ 10
Environmentally-friendly recycling ................................................................................................... 10
Gin Gliders .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Introducing the Pegasus .................................................................................................................... 12
Before you fly .................................................................................................................................... 13
Delivery ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Brake lines ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Risers and line layout ........................................................................................................................ 14
Speed system ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Trims .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Harness .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Rucksack ............................................................................................................................................ 15
Weight range ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Overload ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Flying the Pegasus ............................................................................................................................. 17
Preparation for launch ....................................................................................................................... 17
Pre-flight check .................................................................................................................................. 17
Your first flight .................................................................................................................................. 18
Motorized flight ................................................................................................................................. 18
Launching (nil to light winds) ............................................................................................................. 18
Preparation of the wing ..................................................................................................................... 18
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Launching (stronger winds) ................................................................................................................ 20
The initial climb-out .......................................................................................................................... 20
Engine-induced oscillations ............................................................................................................... 21
Cruising flight .................................................................................................................................... 21
Landing the Pegasus .......................................................................................................................... 23
* Landing with motor ......................................................................................................................... 24
In-flight characteristics ..................................................................................................................... 24
Minimum sink / maximum glide ........................................................................................................... 24
Accelerated flight .............................................................................................................................. 24
Active flying ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Extreme manoeuvres .......................................................................................................................... 25
Asymmetric (side) collapse ................................................................................................................ 26
Symmetric (front) collapse ................................................................................................................. 26
Cravattes ........................................................................................................................................... 26
Cascade of events .............................................................................................................................. 27
Deep stall (parachuting, stable stall) ................................................................................................. 27
Full stall (dynamic stall) .................................................................................................................... 28
Rapid descent techniques .................................................................................................................. 29
Big ears ............................................................................................................................................. 29
Spiral dives ........................................................................................................................................ 29
B-stall ................................................................................................................................................ 30
Piloting without brakes ...................................................................................................................... 30
Golden rules ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Security .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Security notice ................................................................................................................................... 32
Your responsibilities .......................................................................................................................... 32
For your security ............................................................................................................................... 33
Usage ................................................................................................................................................. 34
Winching ............................................................................................................................................ 34
Acrobatics .......................................................................................................................................... 34
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Care and maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 35
Storing your wing .............................................................................................................................. 35
Packing your wing .............................................................................................................................. 35
Storage and transportation ................................................................................................................ 39
Care ................................................................................................................................................... 39
Fabric ................................................................................................................................................. 39
Lines .................................................................................................................................................. 41
Cleaning ............................................................................................................................................. 41
Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 42
Type designation ................................................................................................................................ 42
Inspection periods ............................................................................................................................. 42
Validity of inspection ......................................................................................................................... 43
Material stress ................................................................................................................................... 43
Repairs .............................................................................................................................................. 43
Gin Gliders workshops ....................................................................................................................... 43
Small repairs to the glider ................................................................................................................. 43
Gin Gliders lifetime guarantee ........................................................................................................... 44
Register your Pegasus ....................................................................................................................... 44
Maintenance record ............................................................................................................................ 45
Glider details ..................................................................................................................................... 45
Pilot details ....................................................................................................................................... 46
Pegasus – Inspections and maintenance summary ............................................................................. 47
Appendix ............................................................................................................................................ 48
Technical specifications ..................................................................................................................... 48
Risers ................................................................................................................................................ 49
Hangpoints ........................................................................................................................................ 50
Speed system ..................................................................................................................................... 50
Trimmer .............................................................................................................................................. 52
Line plan ............................................................................................................................................ 53
Diagram of parts ................................................................................................................................ 54
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Materials ............................................................................................................................................ 55
Brake line adjustment ........................................................................................................................ 56
Factory setting .................................................................................................................................. 56
Bowline knot ..................................................................................................................................... 56
Incorrect adjustment ......................................................................................................................... 57
Certification ....................................................................................................................................... 59
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Notes on this manual and
maintenance
This manual has been written to provide comprehensive information to pilots and instructors
for safer use of the Pegasus paramotor wing. Besides legal matters, this manual contains
important operational information.
Before your first flight, you must be thoroughly familiar with all the features and operating
instructions of your Pegasus wing. It is imperative to study this manual thoroughly.
The manual is in compliance with airworthiness requirements and is part of the certification.
Please ensure that the user manual is always available to all people who use the Pegasus wing,
i.e. all people who might hire you, borrow or buy your paramotor wing.
The illustrations in this manual are intended to show general principles, and may differ in
some details from your paramotor equipment.
At the beginning of this manual you will find a table of contents showing all the elements
described in this book chronologically.
All directional references such as "left", "right", "forward" or "backward" are given in the
direction of travel.
Your security
By buying our equipment, you must be a certified paramotor pilot and you accept all risks
inherent with paragliding or paramotor activity, including injury or death. Misuse of GIN
equipment may increase the risks inherent in these activities. Under no circumstances may GIN
Gliders Inc or the seller of the equipment be held liable for the consequences of an accident. You,
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the user remain in all circumstances be responsible for your use of the equipment.
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.
In particular, avoid flying at low altitude under motor over residential areas and nature
reserves.
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 paramotor gliders, the last stage
of which is recycling in an environmentally-friendly manner. The synthetic materials used in a
paramotor glider must be disposed of properly. If you are not able to arrange appropriate
disposal, Gin Gliders will be happy to recycle the paramotor glider for you. Send the glider with a
short note to this effect to the address given in the Appendix.
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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 paramotor gliders.
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!
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Introducing the Pegasus
The Pegasus is a wing for beginner and intermediate paramotor pilots. It is suitable for pilots
from the earliest stages until their first flights and well beyond into Cross Country. The Pegasus
allows pilots to comprehend the sensations of the paramotor flight and gradually develop
gradually their instincts in a progressive manner.
A defining feature of the Pegasus is its EPT technology (Equalized Pressure Technology). This is
our new method of precisely calculating the ideal aerodynamic parameters for any given type of
profile. The result is that small deformations of the flying wing are reduced and the pressure of
the air inside the wing is more constant. Although some pilots associate EPT with performance
gains, this technology has several other key advantages. The wing inflates more easily, behaves
better while searching for thermals, and is more stable and comfortable in active air. In
addition,the wing has a wider brake range and the stall point is higher. The low stall speed brings
a good safety margin for landings. The flare is positive and easy to feel.
Overall, we believe we have fulfilled the demanding characteristics expected of an entry-level
paramotor wing.
WARNING
The Pegasus is suitable for paramotor
students under the strict supervision of a
qualified and competent instructor.
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Before you fly
Delivery
Make sure your dealer has checked and test-flown the glider. Your glider will be delivered to
you with the original trim settings which correspond to the tested configuration. Do not make any
modifications, such as changing the risers or altering the line lengths. This would invalidate the
certification and is potentially dangerous.
Brake lines
GIN test pilots have carefully tuned the brake line lengths during testing, and there should be
no need to change them. We generally suggest flying with wraps (a turn of brake line around the
hand).
If you do decide to make adjustments to suit your harness, body or flying style, make any
adjustments in steps of 2cm. Be sure to test fly the glider after each adjustment. See the
reference section of this manual for the recommended knot to use to re-attach the brake handles.
TIP
Your glider may have been delivered with
some lines looped on the maillons, this is to
allow the glider to be re-trimmed during a
professional check at the recommended
service interval.
WARNING
Any modifications or non-conforming repairs
may invalidate the certification and warranty.
CAUTION
If you do shorten the brake lines, make sure
there is enough free brake travel that the
trailing edge is not braked (deformed) when
the glider is fully accelerated. There should be
at least 10cm of free brake travel when the
glider is flown “hands-off”.
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Risers and line layout
A line plan and a diagram of the risers can be found in the reference section at the end of this
manual. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the risers and the position of the “stabilo (STB)”
line.
Speed system
The speed system accelerates thw wing by progressively shortening the risers towards the
front. Make sure that the speed system lines are routed properly through your harness and
attached with the supplied fastening system.
The length of the accelerator bar should be pre-adjusted on the ground by sitting in your
harness. Adjust the speed system so that the maximum speed is attained (“pulley-to-pulley” on
the riser) when your legs are fully extended. Ask a friend to hold the risers in the flying position
while you are seated in your harness on the ground. If in doubt about this procedure, please
consult your instructor or dealer .
Trims
In addition to the speed system, the Pegasus is equipped with trim risers. The trims must not
be used if the wing is flown without an engine. In such a case, disable the trimmers via the
carabiners.
Harness
It’s important for your comfort and safety to fly with a suitable harness that is properly
adjusted. When choosing a harness, remember that the height of the attachment points (i.e.
distance from the carabiners to the seat plate) affects the sensitivity of the glider and the relative
brake travel. The lower (shorter) the attachment points, the more sensitive the glider is to
weightshift. GIN gliders are developed with GIN harnesses, which have an attachment point of
CAUTION
Make sure that the speed system is not too
short. The front risers must not be pulled
down in normal (unaccelerated) flight.
WARNING
The speed system and/or the trims should not
be used close to the ground and/or in
turbulent conditions due to the reduction of
the angle of attack which increases the
potential for aggressive behaviour of the
wing.
CAUTION
Don’t adjust your leg and shoulder straps too
tightly. If you do, you may have difficulty
sitting back into your harness after take-off.
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approximately 40-48cm (depending on size and model).
Adjust your chest strap so that the distance between the carabiners is approximately 46cm.
Lighter pilots may fly with a slightly narrower setting. A rule of thumb is to set the width of your
chest strap to that of your shoulders.
Your dealer will be able to offer individual advice regarding harnesses.
Rucksack
GIN gliders are delivered with a rucksack, designed to carry all your equipment in comfort. If
you have any particular requirements, a wide range of optional rucksacks and reversible
harnesses are also available. Please see our website or ask your dealer for details.
Weight range
Be sure to fly your glider within the certified weight range given in the Technical Specification
section. Due to EPT technology, the Pegasus 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 Pegasus 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.
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 the conditions.
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Overload
The EN 926-2:2013 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 EN
tolerances. However, flying over the maximum weight further increases the dynamic flight
behaviour. In small bubbles, the wing has more horizontal momentum and a reduced tendency
towards lifting. A test flight is always recommended if in doubt.
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Flying the Pegasus
Preparation for launch
Check the condition of your paraglider and other flying equipment before every flight.
Lay out your wing on its top surface in an arc. Make sure that the centre of the wing is higher
than the tips.
Prepare for launch by checking the following:
Is the glider fabric free from tears or other damage?
Are the lines free from knots, tangles or other damage?
Are the maillons connecting the lines and risers closed and secured?
Are your carabiners in good condition?
Are the risers in good condition?
Is your harness in good condition?
Is your speed system correctly connected?
Is your rescue correctly installed in your harness?
Is your rescue handle secure and rescue pin in?
Pre-flight check
Check the following before every take-off:
Is your personal equipment in order? (harness and helmet straps done up, reserve handle
secure and pin in, carabiners done up)
Are you holding the ‘A’ risers and brake handles?
Is the wing arranged in an arc with the leading edge open and into wind?
Is the wind strength and direction suitable?
TIP
Always follow a consistent method of
preparation and pre-flight checks each time
you fly.
CAUTION
If there are obvious folds in the wing due to
prolonged storage, be sure to inflate the wing
and flatten out the trailing edge prior to takeoff. This ensures that the airflow over the
profile is correct during take-off and this is
particularly important when temperatures are
low.
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Is the airspace and visibility clear?
Your first flight
Make your first flight in stable conditions in a familiar environment. Acclimatize yourself to
the characteristic handling of your wing in a progressive manner by first groundhandling.
Make your first flight with the trims in the neutral position. In this configuration, the Pegasus
acts as a classic paraglider. Apply normal brake pressure and try to find the point at which the
pressure starts to increase. The point is about 25% of the total length of the brakes.
When you are used to your Pegasus, try to fly with faster or slower trim settings, use weight-
shift during turns and experiment with the accelerator (at safe altitude!). Enjoy the speed and
security of the Pegasus.
Motorized flight
Be sure to always perform a pre-flight inspection of your wing, harness and engine. For
powered flight, you need to know the thrust and torque of your engine. Gin Gliders cannot be held
responsible for a bad wing-engine combination. If in doubt, please contact us for further
information.
Launching (nil to light winds)
Even when there appears to be nil wind, this is rarely the case. Assess conditions carefully,
because in PPG flying, it is essential that the takeoff and the climb-out are conducted with a
headwind. Pay special attention to trees, power lines and other obstacles, including other aircraft.
Preparation of the wing
Spread the glider behind the engine, making sure all suspension lines are taut and aligned
towards the center of the paramotor. The risers must be spread on the floor. Set your trims for
takeoff. In strong conditions, a faster trim setting may be advisable. Be sure to warm up the
CAUTION
Mitigate the risk of an accident! Never
overestimate your level of piloting.
IMPORTANT
Make sure the trim loop is properly adjusted
and stays locked in position when you pull the
strap in the opposite direction.
As mentioned previously, re-check the length
of the brake lines, if necessary with the help
of an instructor or experienced pilot. Choose a
day with a steady wind of 15-20km/h and
check the length of the brake line to the motor
at the rear.
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engine while standing in the wind. Stop the engine before clipping in the risers. Connect the risers
and perform take-off (see Takeoff section). From now on, you must inflate the glider while facing
into the wind and without looking behind you. If you turn too soon as the wing is rising overhead,
lines may be caught in the propeller – this must be avoided at all costs! During take off, when you
feel that resistance is the same on both risers, step on the gas and lean back against the forward
thrust of the engine, so that you are pushed forward rather than towards the ground. The best
option is to not use the brakes and let the wing go up as it was laid out. If it deviates from its
course, simply pull the opposite riser and run under the center of the wing maintaining good
starting direction. If the wing tends to fall behind, increase the pressure on the front risers. If the
wing is too far behind or too much to the side, stop the engine and abort your takeoff. Gradually,
as the wing stabilizes itself above your head the drag resistance is reduced. Perform a visual
check to make sure the wing is inflated. When you feel the resistance reduce, you can accelerate
your run. If you gently pulling the brakes until you start to feel the brake pressure, you can take
off faster by generating a little more lift.
TIP
* If the structure of the cage your propeller is
too rigid, the pressure of the lines during
launch can deform it until the point of
collision with the propeller.
* Before you apply full throttle, check that the
cage does not catch the lines. Any operation
with the brakes (to brake or to steer) must be
flexible.
* Do not try to take off before your wing has
reached a stable position above your head. If
you do, it could cause dangerous oscillations.
* Do not sit in the harness until you are sure
you are flying!
* The faster you set your trims, the more
speed you will need to take off.
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