Gin FALCON User manual

FALCON
User manual and
servicing
v1.0, 26.02.2016

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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.
WARNING
Read manual before first flight!
Paramotoring is a potentially dangerous
sport that can cause serious injury including
bodily harm, paralysis and death.
Flying a GIN paramotor wing is undertaken
with the full knowledge that paramotoring
involves risks.

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Thank you…
...for choosing Gin Gliders. We are confident you’ll enjoy many rewarding experiences in the air
with your GIN Falcon.
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 paramotor glider.
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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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................ 10!
About Gin Gliders ..................................................................................................................10!
Manual...................................................................................................................................11!
Gin Gliders Homepage ...........................................................................................................11!
Gin Gliders and the environment ...........................................................................................12!
Respect for nature and the environment....................................................................................... 12 !
Environmentally-friendly recycling .............................................................................................. 12 !
2. Safety .................................................................................................................. 13!
Safety advice ........................................................................................................................13!
Safety notices .......................................................................................................................13!
Liability, warranty exclusion and operating limitations .......................................................14!
Liability and warranty exclusion .................................................................................................. 14 !
Operating limitations ................................................................................................................... 15 !
Glider categories and guidelines........................................................................................... 15!
DAGC certification......................................................................................................................... 15 !
Description of flight characteristics ............................................................................................. 15 !
Target group and recommended flying experience ........................................................................ 15 !
Description of pilot skills required ............................................................................................... 16 !
Suitability for training.................................................................................................................. 16 !
Before the first flight............................................................................................................ 16!
Certified Harnesses....................................................................................................................... 16 !
Reserve......................................................................................................................................... 17 !
Weight Range................................................................................................................................ 17 !
First flight .................................................................................................................................... 17 !
3. Flying the Falcon ................................................................................................. 18!
Preparation for launch ..........................................................................................................18!
Launch check ......................................................................................................................... 19!
Launch................................................................................................................................... 19!

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Light or nil wind launch................................................................................................................. 19 !
Strong wind launch ....................................................................................................................... 20 !
Line knots or tangles .................................................................................................................... 21 !
Climbing ................................................................................................................................21!
Counter-torque oscillation ....................................................................................................22!
Countering the torque effect......................................................................................................... 22 !
Level flight and best glide.....................................................................................................22!
Trim and accelerated flight (using the Trimmers and Speed Bar)...........................................23!
Trim Speed .................................................................................................................................... 23 !
Accelerated speed......................................................................................................................... 23 !
Standard brake system with wing tip brake.......................................................................... 24!
2D steering with different speed configurations...................................................................24!
Different speed configurations and steerings .......................................................................28!
Slow (trimmers closed) ................................................................................................................. 28 !
Accelerated (trimmers open)......................................................................................................... 28 !
Full speed (trimmers open and speed system activated)............................................................... 28 !
Flying with PA (Power Attack) system........................................................................................... 29 !
Various steering methodes with PA disabled and enabled.....................................................29!
Steering with main brake handles only (slow or accelerated) ....................................................... 29 !
Main brake handles and outer line (accelerated)........................................................................... 30 !
Steering with outer 2D steering line only (accelerated)................................................................ 30 !
Steering with wing tip brake (recommended accelerated mode, required for full speed) .............. 32 !
Influence of classic steering on the reflex profile .................................................................33!
Released trims without brakes ..................................................................................................... 33 !
Released trims with brakes applied .............................................................................................. 34 !
Closed trims.................................................................................................................................. 34 !
Losing altitude...................................................................................................................... 35!
Big ears......................................................................................................................................... 35 !
B-Stall .......................................................................................................................................... 35 !
Spiral dive..................................................................................................................................... 36 !
Landing .................................................................................................................................37!
Landing with stationary propeller ................................................................................................ 37 !
Landing with motor running.......................................................................................................... 38 !

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Further tips on paramotoring................................................................................................ 38!
Types of use ..........................................................................................................................39!
Free flying..................................................................................................................................... 39 !
Towing .......................................................................................................................................... 39 !
Aerobatics..................................................................................................................................... 39 !
4. Dangerous situations and extreme flying ........................................................... 40!
Dangerous situations ............................................................................................................40!
Safety training......................................................................................................................40!
Material stress and damage.......................................................................................................... 41 !
Canopy collapses...................................................................................................................41!
Asymmetric collapse..................................................................................................................... 41 !
Cravat / glider wrapped around lines ............................................................................................ 42 !
Symmetric front collapse .............................................................................................................. 42 !
Types of stall ........................................................................................................................43!
Deep stall (parachuting, stable stall)............................................................................................ 43 !
Full stall (dynamic stall) ............................................................................................................... 44 !
Spin............................................................................................................................................... 44 !
Other tips for dangerous situations......................................................................................44!
Cascade......................................................................................................................................... 44 !
Emergency steering ...................................................................................................................... 45 !
Flying in the rain........................................................................................................................... 45 !
Advertising and adhesives............................................................................................................ 45 !
Overloading .................................................................................................................................. 45 !
Sand and salt air........................................................................................................................... 46 !
Temperature range........................................................................................................................ 46 !
5. Storing, care, maintenance / repairs and guarantee........................................... 47!
Storing the paramotor glider ................................................................................................ 47!
Packing the paramotor glider........................................................................................................ 47 !
Rucksack ....................................................................................................................................... 48 !
Storing and transporting the glider .............................................................................................. 49 !
Care.......................................................................................................................................49!
Ground handling............................................................................................................................ 50 !

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Fabric............................................................................................................................................ 50 !
Lines ............................................................................................................................................. 51 !
Rigid construction......................................................................................................................... 51 !
Cleaning........................................................................................................................................ 52 !
Maintenance ..........................................................................................................................52!
Type designation .......................................................................................................................... 52 !
Inspection periods ........................................................................................................................ 52 !
Validity of inspection.................................................................................................................... 53 !
Material stress.............................................................................................................................. 53 !
Repairs..................................................................................................................................54!
Gin Gliders workshops .................................................................................................................. 54 !
Small repairs to the glider ............................................................................................................ 54 !
Gin Gliders lifetime guarantee ..............................................................................................54!
Register your Falcon..................................................................................................................... 54 !
6. Dimensions, illustrations, technical and DGAC data............................................................... 55!
Description............................................................................................................................55!
Manufacturing............................................................................................................................... 56 !
Overall illustration ...............................................................................................................57!
Technical data ....................................................................................................................... 57!
Riser...................................................................................................................................... 59!
Speed System................................................................................................................................ 62 !
Adjusting the speed system and trimmers .................................................................................... 62 !
Torque compensator...................................................................................................................... 66 !
Power Attack System .................................................................................................................... 67 !
Line system, brakes and line plan .........................................................................................67!
Line system................................................................................................................................... 67 !
Brake line adjustment................................................................................................................... 67 !
Variable brake pulley.................................................................................................................... 69 !
Wing tip brake adjustment............................................................................................................ 70 !
Line plan (standard brake)............................................................................................................ 72 !
Line plan (2D steering).................................................................................................................. 73 !
Material list ..........................................................................................................................74!

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DGAC Template ......................................................................................................................75!
Size 20 .......................................................................................................................................... 75 !
Size 22 .......................................................................................................................................... 75 !
Size 24 .......................................................................................................................................... 75 !
Size 26 .......................................................................................................................................... 75 !
Appendix .................................................................................................................................... 76!
Addresses..............................................................................................................................76!
Glider details ........................................................................................................................77!
Pilot details / Proof of ownership.................................................................................................. 77 !
Inspections and repairs overview ................................................................................................. 78 !
Notes ............................................................................................................................................ 79 !

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1. Introduction
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 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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Manual
We recommend that you familiarise yourself with your new paramotor glider by reading this
Manual before your first flight. This will allow you to acquaint yourself its new functions, to learn
the best way to fly the paramotor glider in various situations, and explain how to get the best
out of your paramotor glider. Information in this Manual on design of the paramotor glider,
technical data and illustrations are subject to change. We reserve the right to make changes
without prior notification.
The Manual complies with the airworthiness DGAC requirements and forms part of the
certification. There are a total of four important parts to the Manual, which give the following
information:
1. Manual (this document):
Instructions on getting started and using the paramotor glider
2. Inspection Information:
General instructions and guidance on carrying out the regular inspection of paramotor
gliders
3. DGAC documents:
‘Fiche d’identification’ and ‘Test en vol’
4. Glider details
Pilot details, proof of ownership and inspections and repairs overview
This Manual was current at the time of going to print and can be downloaded from GIN’s
website prior to print.
Gin Gliders Homepage
Gin Gliders has a comprehensive website, which provides additional information about the
Falcon, any updates to the Manual and many other issues related to paragliding. GIN’s website is
the first port of call for GIN’s worldwide following:
www.gingliders.com
WARNING
Sections of text headed ‘Warning’ indicate
that there is a risk of injury.
IMPORTANT
Sections of text headed ‘Important’ indicate
that there is a risk of material damage.
Tip
Sections of text headed ‘Tip’ give advice or
tips which will make it easier to use your
paramotor glider.

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On Gin Gliders website, you will find an extensive range of accessories for your paramotor
glider, useful products for pilots, as well as additional information and accessories for your
Falcon
You will also find links there to other services and websites:
• Gin Gliders Shops
• Facebook, Twitter & YouTube
These websites and their content are provided for your use. The content of Gin Gliders
websites has been made available for your use on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Gin Gliders
reserves the right to alter the websites at any time or to block access to them.
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.
Tip
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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2. Safety
Safety advice
Flying a paramotor demand a high level of individual responsibility. Prudence and risk-
awareness are basic requirements for the safe practice of the sport, for the very reason that it is
so easy to learn and practically anyone can do so. Carelessness and overestimating one’s own
abilities can quickly lead to critical situations. A reliable assessment of conditions for flying is
particularly important. Paramotor gliders are not designed to be flown in turbulent weather. Most
serious accidents with paramotor gliders are caused by pilots misjudging the weather for flying.
In Germany, paramotor gliders are subject to the guidelines for air sports equipment and must
not under any circumstances be flown without a valid certification. Independent experimentation
is strictly prohibited. This Manual does not replace the need to attend training at a paramotor
school.
The Manual must be passed on to any new owner if the paramotor glider is sold. It is part of
the certification and belongs with the paramotor glider.
Observe the other specific safety advice in the various sections of this Manual.
Safety notices
Safety notices are issued when defects arise during use of a paramotor glider which could
possibly also affect other gliders of the same model. The notices contain instructions on how the
affected gliders can be inspected for possible faults and the steps required to rectify them.
Gin Gliders publishes on its website any technical safety notices and airworthiness
instructions which are issued in respect of GIN products. The paramotor glider owner is
responsible for carrying out the action required by the safety notice.
Safety notices are issued by the certification agencies and also published on the relevant
websites. You should therefore visit on a regular basis the safety pages of the certification
WARNING
The safety advices and instructions contained
in this Manual must be followed in all
circumstances. Failure to do so shall render
invalid the certification and/or result in loss
of insurance cover, and could lead to serious
injuries or even death.

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agencies and keep up-to-date with new safety notices which cover any products relating to
paragliding.
Liability, warranty exclusion and operating limitations
Use of the paramotor glider is at the pilot’s own risk!
The manufacturer cannot be held liable for any personal injury or material damage which
arises in connection with GIN paramotor gliders. The certification and warranty shall be rendered
invalid if there are changes of any kind (incl. paramotor glider design or changes to the brake
lines beyond the permissible tolerance levels) or incorrect repairs to the glider, or if any
inspections are missed (annual and 2-yearly check).
Pilots are responsible for their own safety and must ensure that the airworthiness of the
glider is checked prior to every flight. The pilot should launch only if the paramotor glider is
airworthy. In addition, when flying outside of Germany, pilots must observe the relevant
regulations in each country.
The glider may only be used if the pilot has a licence which is valid for the area or is flying
under the supervision of an approved flying instructor. There shall be no liability on the part of
third parties, in particular the manufacturer and the dealer.
Liability and warranty exclusion
In terms of the warranty and guarantee conditions, the paramotor glider may not be flown if
any of the following situations exists:
•the inspection period has expired, or the inspection has been carried out by the pilot
him/herself or by an unauthorised inspector
•the pilot has incorrect or inadequate equipment (reserve, protection, helmet etc)
•the glider is used in combination with a motor which has not been tested for
compatibility
•the pilot has insufficient experience or training

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Operating limitations
The paramotor glider must be operated only within the operating limits. These are exceeded, if
one or more of the following points are complied:
•the take-off weight is not within the permissible weight range
•the glider is flown in rain or drizzle, cloud, fog and / or snow
•the canopy is wet
•there are turbulent weather conditions or wind speeds on launch higher than 2/3 of the
maximum flyable airspeed of the glider (varies according to the total take-off weight)
•air temperature below -10°C and above 50°C
•the glider is used for aerobatics/extreme flying or flight manoeuvres at an angle greater
than 90°
•there have been modifications to the canopy, lines or risers which have not been approve
Glider categories and guidelines
The complexity of the paramotor glider system means that it is not possible to give any more
than a partial description of the glider’s flight behaviour and reactions to disturbances. Even a
small alteration in individual parameters can result in flight behaviour which is markedly
modified and different from the description given.
DAGC certification
The Falcon is registered with the DGAC as ULM Class 1.
Description of flight characteristics
Paramotor glider with a moderate level of passive safety and potentially dynamic reactions to
turbulence, canopy problems and pilot error. Recovery may require precise pilot input.
Target group and recommended flying experience
Gin Gliders recommend that paramotor wing pilots meet the following minimum requirements
before flying the Falcon:
WARNING
The descriptions of flight characteristics
contained in this Manual are all based on
experiences from the test flights, which were
carried out under standardised conditions.
The classification is merely a description of
the reactions to these standard tests.

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•extensive flying experience of at least 75 hours airtime per year
•extensive knowledge of the special features of paragliders with reflex profiles
The Falcon is not suitable as a wing for beginner paramotor pilots. On the contrary, pilots
should already have experience with paramotor wings and be familiar with the performance and
safety of gliders with reflex profiles.
The Falcon covers many aspects of powered paragliding and offers various adjustment options
according to the pilot’s wishes. The adjustments require appropriate experience on the part of the
pilot, in order to use the Falcon’s full range of performance and handling.
Description of pilot skills required
Designed for pilots well versed in techniques to recover from abnormal flying conditions, who
fly regularly, “actively”, and who understand the possible implications of flying a paraglider with
reduced passive safety.
Reflex profiles require a correct assessment of operating limits in order to avoid canopy
disturbances safely.
Suitability for training
The Falcon is generally not suitable for use as a training paramotor glider.
Before the first flight
Certified Harnesses
The harness and reserve used must receive a declaration of conformity and be registered by a
type-testing body.
To achieve a satisfactory level of performance with the Falcon, it is essential to give
conscientious thought and consideration to the appropriate harness, motor and propeller. We are
able to give no more than advice on this. The pilot is responsible for the final decision.
Please contact your Gin Gliders dealer or Gin Gliders directly if you have any questions about
using your harness and motor with the Falcon.
WARNING
Your instructor, dealer or a specialist must
test-fly and inspect the paramotor glider
before your first flight. The test-flight must
be recorded on the paramotor glider
information label. Any changes or improper
repairs to this paramotor glider shall render
invalid the certification and warranty.

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Reserve
It is a mandatory requirement to carry an approved reserve for use in emergency situations
where the paramotor glider fails and recovery is not possible, for example after colliding with
another aerial sports craft. In choosing a reserve, you should be careful that you remain within
the specified take-off weight. The reserve is fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Weight Range
Be sure to fly your glider within the certified weight range given in the Technical Specification
section. 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.
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. If these features
appeal to you, you should fly with a lower wing-loading and choose the larger model.
The Falcon 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.
First flight
Carry out your first flights only during stable weather, in a familiar area or on a training slope.
You should steer gently and carefully to begin with so that you can become accustomed to the
reactions of the glider without stress.
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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3. Flying the Falcon
Gin Gliders cannot guarantee that the behaviour described below always applies one hundred
per cent to all conceivable combinations of motor and glider. Compatibility of a new combination
must therefore be confirmed by a test flight by an accredited compatibility test pilot.
An application for a compatibility test can be made to a type-testing body either by the
manufacturer of the motor or by a pilot (as an individual type-test certification).
Preparation for launch
A careful pre-flight check is required for any type of aircraft. Make sure that you exercise the
same level of care each time carry out the check. Following a consistent method of preparation
and pre-flight checks is vital for safe flying. We recommend the following:
•On arrival at the flying site, assess the suitability of the conditions: wind speed and
direction, airspace, turbulence and thermal cycles.
•Inspect your motor (pre-flight inspection), glider, harness, reserve handle and pin,
helmet and any other equipment.
•Choose a sufficiently large take-off area with even ground and no obstacles.
•Lay the glider out according to the plan form, and get the lines and risers sorted out.
•Connect the risers to your harness carabiners, ensuring there are no twists or loops
around the lines. Check if the brake lines are adjusted to the correct length of your
harness/motor unit!
•Connect the speed system to the risers with the Brummel hooks.
•Put your helmet on. Secure yourself in your harness and don't forget the leg loops!
•Do a final line check by pulling gently on the risers or lines to ensure there are no new
knots, tangles or interfering branches or rocks. Take extra care in nil or light winds.
WARNING
If there are obvious folds in the glider
because it has been tightly packed or stored
away for a long time, then the pilot should
carry out some practice inflations before
first launch and smooth out the trailing edge
a little. This ensures that the flow profile is
correct during launch. It is particularly
important in low temperatures that the
trailing edge is smoothed out.

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Launch check
The launch check is carried out immediately before launch to check once again the most
important safety points. It should always be carried out in the same sequence so that nothing is
overlooked. The points are:
1. Is personal equipment correct (motor, harness, carabiners, reserve, helmet) and are all straps
done up?
2. Is the canopy arranged in a half-moon shape and are all the air-entrances open?
3. Are all the lines untangled and are any lines under the canopy?
4. Has the trimmer position been correctly chosen?
5. Is the propeller clear and the motor running properly?
6. Does the weather, in particular wind direction and strength, allow a safe flight?
7. Are the airspace and launch area clear
Launch
The key to a successful launch technique is to practice ground handling on flat ground
whenever you can. The Falcon has good launch characteristics for its class, and no special launch
techniques are required.
Light or nil wind launch
The Falcon inflates steadily in nil-wind conditions. Simply guide the glider by taking the A1
and A2 main lines just above the A1 riser, keeping your arms bent and hands at the level of the
shoulders. Allow your arms to rise in an arc and wait for the glider to inflate and come above your
head - do not push the risers. There is no need to pull the risers hard.
Avoid moving your upper body sideways when the glider is rising, as this could cause lines to
get caught in the propeller. If the glider is not centered when it rises, correct it using the risers
rather than the brakes. This will stop one side of the glider tipping away. It is important during
the take-off phase to remain under the glider and to hold your launch direction. When there is
equal tension on both risers and the glider is above the pilot, check that the canopy is fully

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inflated and that no lines are twisted or caught up. Do not stand still, but keep your upper body
still when doing this.
If the glider goes too far to the side or falls down again, then stop the motor and begin the
launch procedure again.
After carrying out the visual inspection, use full throttle. Leaning back slightly helps launch,
as the full engine power is used. Release the risers and accelerate until the Falcon takes off. Take
note of the following points during a forwards launch:
•If the cage for the motor is not firmly in place, the risers can shift it during takeoff and
press it against the propeller - make sure this has not happened before you fly at
maximum power.
•During launch, use of the brakes should be smooth and moderate.
•The profile is inherently stable which means that the canopy continues to fly forwards
after reaching its apex, so the glider must be braked no later than here.
•Do not launch until the glider is above, accelerating too quickly can cause dangerous
pendulum motions.
•Do not get into your harness until you are a couple of meters in the air.
•Lower hang points with back motors generally allow an easier launch.
Strong wind launch
The Falcon is very suitable for reverse launching. The pilot turns around to face the glider with
the updraft coming from behind. This method of launch makes it easier for the pilot to control the
rising of the canopy and to carry out fine-tuning, so is therefore recommended in strong winds.
If you wish, you can first clip in to the glider as in a forwards launch and then turn around
while the motor is switched off. Guide the lines over the cage and check that none of the lines is
caught up. In very strong winds, we recommend that you attach yourself to the glider when facing
backwards. The risers must be set out and attached in such a way that you are in the correct
position after you turn around and are not twisted.