Griffin manual: 17
Make your final approach as straight as possible. Fly at around trim speed (keep just
enough tension on the brakes to keep contact with the wing, a little more tension in
turbulent air). Once you come within a metre of the ground, brake progressively to
maintain a level flight path.
In nil or light winds, flare positively to reduce your ground speed to a minimum. Again:
high wing- loading leads to higher ground speed. Make sure you always land into the
wind. In nil wind situations, be prepared to run fast. In stronger winds, use only the
minimum amount of flare necessary to sufficiently minimize your vertical and horizontal
speed. If you flare too hard in strong winds, the glider will climb rapidly upwards and
backwards, and you may get injured.
In strong winds, turn to face your wing as soon as your feet touch the ground.
Immediately stall the glider as rapidly as possible with the brakes or rear risers. Be
prepared to run towards your wing.
TIP: The Griffin has good basic speed, good glide and excellent energy retention. Give
yourself enough space and bleed off speed gradually before flaring.
CAUTION: Although the Griffin is remarkably maneuverable even in the lower half of the
brake range, do not be tempted to make an excessively slow landing approach. Strong
gusts and/or a steep wind gradient may cause any glider to suddenly lose altitude, or
even stall.
CAUTION: Never let the leading edge crash to the ground, you risk damaging the seams
and/or internal structure.
Ground handling (especially on rough surfaces) will accelerate the ageing process of
your wing.
WARNING: Never perform steep turns near the ground. This may cause the pilot to
pendulum dangerously.
In-flight characteristics
Normal flight
“Trim speed” (brakes fully released) is the best glide speed in still air.
Minimum sink speed on the Griffin is achieved by light braking. In a normal flying
position (knees parallel to the ground and your body slightly reclined), your hands should
be holding the brakes at a level between your eyes and your shoulders. Use this speed for
thermalling and ridge soaring.
Stall speed is approached by bringing your hands towards your hips. Notice the
decreased wind noise and a significant increase in brake pressure. Be sure not to allow
your glider to enter a stall.
