Griffin manual: 13
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.
Harness
The Griffin is certified for use with all harnesses with variable cross-bracing (GH type).
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.
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.
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 strongly 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.
GIN gliders are developed with GIN harnesses, which have an attachment point of
approximately 40-48cm (depending on size and model). EN/LTF certification test flights
are also carried out with this setting. 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.
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.
If you fly with a cocoon harness in a reclined position, be sure to quickly get into an
upright position in any turbulence or extreme situations. If you don’t, you may
experience a reduction in control travel or an increased risk of riser twists.
