15
4. Flying with the Gingo Airlite
Pre-flight checks
For maximum safety, use a complete and consistent system of pre-flight checks and repeat the
same mental sequence
every
flight.
Check that:
There is no visible damage to the harness or carabiners that could affect its airworthiness.
The rescue parachute container is closed correctly and the pins are in the right position.
The deployment handle is completely inserted into the elastic pockets.
All buckles, belts, zips are 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.
The paraglider is connected correctly to the harness and both carabiners are secured by
their locking mechanisms.
The speed bar is attached correctly to the glider.
All pockets are closed properly and any loose items are tied down safely.
Part of air chamber is closed with Velcro along the bottom, this allows you to check inside
the air chamber for damage, etc. It is important to check that this Velcro is fully
closed before each use; otherwise it could lead to malfunction of the airbag.
Check again that you have closed your leg and chest straps before you take off!
Rescue Deployment
It is vital to periodically feel the position of the rescue handle in normal flight, so that the
action of reaching for the rescue handle is instinctive in an emergency.
In the event of an emergency, the pilot must quickly evaluate his or her height and the
seriousness of the incident. Deploying the rescue when the glider is recoverable may increase
the danger of injury. If you have sufficient height and the glider is in a flat spin, it is preferable
to first try to stop the spin (e.g. full stall), due to the risk of entanglement. On the other hand, a
second’s hesitation in deploying the reserve could prove costly if there is insufficient height.