Gin Griffin User manual

Grifn User manual v1.0.0, 10/18/2016

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WARNING:
Like any extreme sport, speedflying/paragliding involves unpredictable risks
which may lead to injury or death. By choosing to fly, you assume the sole
responsibility for those risks. You can minimize the risks by having the
appropriate attitude, training and experience and by properly understanding,
using and maintaining your equipment. Always seek to expand your knowledge
and to develop self-reliance. If there is anything you do not understand, consult
with your local dealer as a first point of contact, with the GIN importer in your
country or with Gin Gliders directly.
Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition that can
occur while speedflying/paragliding, this manual makes no representation about
the safe use of the wing under all conditions. Neither Gin Gliders nor the seller
of GIN equipment can guarantee, or be held responsible for, the safety of
yourself or anyone else.
Many countries have specific regulations or laws regarding
speedflying/paragliding activity. It’s your responsibility to know and observe the
regulations of the region where you fly.
This equipment should be launched from the ground by pre-inflating the canopy
before launch. It must never be used for parachuting, BASE jumping, D-bagging
or any other kind of jumping.
You must wear a helmet as well as all other standard safety equipment
required for paragliding and speedflying. It is strongly recommended to be an
experienced paraglider pilot and to do additional learning in a specialised speed
flying school. When speedflying, always choose a safe, open area enabling you
to keep a wide safety margin. Do not practice speed flying in the vicinity of
obstacles, cliffs, rocks or any other hazards.
© Gin Gliders Inc
The information in this manual is provided for guidance only and is subject to change without notice. This manual is not
intended as a comprehensive assembly, use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your dealer for all assembly,
service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or articles on paraglider use,
service, repair or maintenance.

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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 Griffin..
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 email updates via our website.
Happy flying and safe landings,
GIN Team

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CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 7!
About Gin Gliders ................................................................................................................... 7!
Manual ................................................................................................................................... 8!
Gin Gliders Homepage .......................................................................................................... 8!
Gin Gliders and the environment .......................................................................................... 9!
Respect for nature and the environment ......................................................................... 9!
Environmentally-friendly recycling .................................................................................... 9!
Safety ....................................................................................................................................... 10!
Safety advice ....................................................................................................................... 10!
Safety notices ...................................................................................................................... 10!
Liability, warranty exclusion and operating limitations ..................................................... 11!
Liability and warranty exclusion ..................................................................................... 11!
Operating limitations ....................................................................................................... 11!
Glider categories and guidelines ........................................................................................ 12!
EN/LTF certification ........................................................................................................ 12!
Description of flight characteristics ............................................................................... 12!
Target group and recommended flying experience ...................................................... 12!
Description of pilot skills required .................................................................................. 12!
Suitability for training ...................................................................................................... 12!
Before the first flight ........................................................................................................... 13!
Harness ............................................................................................................................ 13!
Reserve ............................................................................................................................. 14!
Weight range .................................................................................................................... 14!
First flight ......................................................................................................................... 14!
Flying the Griffin ...................................................................................................................... 15!
Preparation for launch ........................................................................................................ 15!
Pre-flight check ................................................................................................................ 15!
General warnings and advice ............................................................................................. 15!
Launching ............................................................................................................................ 16!
Forward launch (nil to light winds) ................................................................................. 16!
Reverse launch (light to strong winds) ........................................................................... 16!
Landing ................................................................................................................................ 16!
In-flight characteristics ....................................................................................................... 17!
Normal flight .................................................................................................................... 17!
Accelerated flight ............................................................................................................ 18!
Turning ............................................................................................................................. 18!
Active flying ...................................................................................................................... 18!
C-riser control .................................................................................................................. 19!
Rapid descent techniques .................................................................................................. 19!
Big ears ............................................................................................................................ 19!
Spiral dives ....................................................................................................................... 19!

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B-Stall ............................................................................................................................... 20!
Incidents in flight ................................................................................................................. 21!
Asymmetric collapses ..................................................................................................... 21!
Symmetric collapses ....................................................................................................... 21!
Cravattes .......................................................................................................................... 21!
Rear riser steering ........................................................................................................... 22!
Flying with a wet paraglider ............................................................................................ 22!
Deep stall ......................................................................................................................... 22!
Other modes of flight .......................................................................................................... 23!
SIV / Safety training ......................................................................................................... 23!
Material stress ................................................................................................................. 23!
Aerobatics ........................................................................................................................ 23!
Towing .............................................................................................................................. 23!
Paramotoring ................................................................................................................... 25!
Tandem paragliding ......................................................................................................... 25!
Storing, care, maintenance and repairs ................................................................................. 26!
Storing the paraglider .......................................................................................................... 26!
Packing the paraglider .................................................................................................... 26!
Rucksack .......................................................................................................................... 27!
Storing and transporting the glider ................................................................................. 27!
Care ...................................................................................................................................... 28!
Ground handling .............................................................................................................. 28!
Fabric ................................................................................................................................ 28!
Lines ................................................................................................................................. 29!
Rigid construction ............................................................................................................ 29!
Cleaning ........................................................................................................................... 29!
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 30!
Type designation ............................................................................................................. 30!
Inspection periods ........................................................................................................... 30!
Validity of inspection ....................................................................................................... 30!
Repairs ................................................................................................................................. 31!
Gin Gliders workshops .................................................................................................... 31!
Small repairs to the glider ............................................................................................... 31!
GIN quality and service ................................................................................................... 31!
Dimensions, illustrations, technical and EN/LTF data .......................................................... 32!
Introducing the Griffin ......................................................................................................... 32!
Delivery ............................................................................................................................. 32!
Manufacturing ................................................................................................................. 32!
Overall illustration ................................................................................................................ 33!
Technical data ..................................................................................................................... 33!
Riser and speed system ...................................................................................................... 34!
Riser diagram ................................................................................................................... 34!
Riser lengths .................................................................................................................... 34!

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Speed System ...................................................................................................................... 35!
Line system, brakes and line plan ...................................................................................... 35!
Line system ...................................................................................................................... 35!
Brake line adjustment ...................................................................................................... 35!
Line layout ............................................................................................................................ 37!
Materials .............................................................................................................................. 38!
Final words… ........................................................................................................................ 39!
Appendix .................................................................................................................................. 40!
Glider details ........................................................................................................................ 40!
Pilot details / Proof of ownership ................................................................................... 40!
Inspections and repairs overview ................................................................................... 41!
Notes .................................................................................................................................... 42!
Addresses ............................................................................................................................ 43!

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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 aerodynamicists, world cup pilots,
engineers and paragliding school instructors, all with one goal: creating better
paragliders.
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. Our facilities are independently certified to
AS9100C (Aerospace standard) and also to ISO 9001:2008.
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 paraglider 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 paraglider in various situations, and explain how to get the
best out of your paraglider. Information in this Manual on design of the paraglider,
technical data and illustrations are subject to change. We reserve the right to make
changes without prior notification.
The Manual complies with the EN airworthiness 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 paraglider
2. Inspection Information:
General instructions and guidance on carrying out the regular inspection of
paragliders
3. Glider details:
Pilot details , proof of ownership and inspections and repairs overview
This Manual was current at the time of going to print. This Manual 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 Griffin, 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
On Gin Gliders website, you will find an extensive range of accessories for your paraglider,
useful products for pilots, as well as additional information and accessories for your
Griffin.
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.

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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. Consideration for nature is required
even at the launch site!
Paragliding is, of course, an outdoor sport – protect and preserve our planet’s
resources.
Environmentally-friendly recycling
Gin Gliders gives consideration to the entire lifecycle of its paragliders, the last stage of
which is recycling in an environmentally-friendly manner. The synthetic materials used in
a paraglider must be disposed of properly. If you are not able to arrange appropriate
disposal, Gin Gliders will be happy to recycle the paraglider for you. Send the glider with a
short note to this effect to the address given in the appendix.

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Safety
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.
Safety advice
Paragliding 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. Paragliders are not designed to be flown in turbulent
weather. Most serious accidents with paragliders are caused by pilots misjudging the
weather for flying.
In Germany, paragliders 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 paragliding school.
The Manual must be passed on to any new owner if the paraglider is sold. It is part of
the certification and belongs with the paraglider.
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 paraglider 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 paraglider 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 agencies and keep up-to-date with new safety notices which cover any
products relating to paragliding.

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Liability, warranty exclusion and operating limitations
Use of the paraglider 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 Gliders paragliders. The certification and warranty shall be
rendered invalid if there are changes of any kind (incl. paraglider 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 paraglider 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 paraglider 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 for winch-launching with a winch which has not been inspected
or by non-licensed pilots and/or winch operators
●the pilot has insufficient experience or training
Operating limitations
The paraglider 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
ot 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

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Glider categories and guidelines
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.
The complexity of the paraglider 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.
EN/LTF certification
The Griffin received EN-C classification in the final classification by the licensing body.
Description of flight characteristics
“Paraglider with a moderate level of passive safety and potentially dynamic reactions to
turbulence and pilot errors. Recovery to normal flight may require precise pilot input.”
Target group and recommended flying experience
“Pilots with extensive flying experience of at least approx. 75 hours airtime per year, who
are wanting to achieve peak performance, e.g. in cross-country flying, or who simply
appreciate direct handling and very good properties in thermal flying.”
Description of pilot skills required
“Designed for pilots well-practised 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.”
Suitability for training
The Griffin is generally not suitable for use as a training glider.

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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.

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Reserve
It is a mandatory requirement to carry an approved reserve for use in emergency
situations where the paraglider 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. The Griffin has an incredibly wide weight range (55 kg to 105 kg).
Depending on your body weight, you may be flying the Griffin at either moderate or
extremely high wing loadings.
The reactions are quite different at the upper- or lower weight range. If you fly at a high
wing- loading, the glider shows dynamic flight behaviour with fast reactions. This may be
an advantage in strong wind conditions, but considerable pilot skill is required.
The dynamics are reduced somewhat in the middle and lower part of the weight range.
But as the Griffin is a mini-wing, the wing is still dynamic compared to a standard
paraglider.
IMPORTANT: The higher the wing- loading at which you fly, the more dynamic and
demanding the reactions of the glider.
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 less
tendency towards lifting. A test flight is always recommended if in doubt.
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.
First flight
Carry out your first flights only during stable weather, and 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.

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Flying the Griffin
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?
●Is the airspace and visibility clear?
TIP: Always follow a consistent method of preparation and pre-flight checks each time
you fly.
General warnings and advice
Before flying, check the following:
●Are you in good physical and mental condition?
●Are you familiar and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations in your
area?
●Are you within the certified weight range?
●Do you have the necessary insurance cover?
●Are you briefed thoroughly about the site, airspace and expected weather
conditions of the day?
●Is your equipment and choice of site suitable for your level of experience?
●Do you have a suitable helmet, gloves, boots, eyewear and adequate clothing?

Griffin manual: 16
●Are you carrying some form of identification, in case of an accident? Take along a
radio and mobile phone if possible.
●Do you fully understand how to safely fly your new wing? If not, have your
instructor or dealer explain anything you are not sure about.
Launching
The Griffin has smooth and progressive inflation characteristics with no tendency to hang
back or shoot forwards. However, since the Griffin is a small glider, the takeoff speed will
be higher than that of a normal glider. It is therefore not recommended to launch in in
backwind situations or when the take-off area is not free of obstacles.
Forward launch (nil to light winds)
Lean forward positively and guide the ‘A’ risers smoothly upwards in an arc, keeping your
elbows bent and hands at the level of the shoulders. The Griffin will inflate easily—there is
no need to aggressively pull or push the risers. As the glider comes above your head,
make sure that the canopy is correctly inflated and that there are no knots or tangles in
the lines. Check that the airspace and visibility are clear. If everything is in order, move
forward decisively off the take-off.
Reverse launch (light to strong winds)
Take the brakes and turn around to face the wing. Pass one set of risers over your head
as you turn. Make sure the lines are free from knots or tangles. Check that the airspace
and visibility are clear. Gently pull up the glider in an arc with the ‘A’ risers. When the glider
is overhead, brake it gently if necessary, turn around and launch.
TIPS:
●If the glider comes up slightly off-centre, make small corrections by moving
towards the lower side.
●In stronger winds, be prepared to take a couple of steps towards the canopy as it
inflates and rises.
●Launch the wing by pulling upwards in an arc, not towards you.
●Practice ground-handling regularly to improve your take-off skills!
Landing
Remember the following general points to make a good landing:
Observe the wind direction and strength, and any hazards in, or near, the landing area.
Fly a proper landing circuit and plan your final approach well in advance.
Actively choose a spot on the ground in the landing field to aim for. Adopt an upright
position in your harness by sliding your legs forward, ready to make contact with the
ground.

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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.

Griffin manual: 18
Accelerated flight
The speed system causes the glider to accelerate by lowering the angle of attack. Apply
the speed system by pushing the speed bar progressively with your feet. Use your speed
bar when gliding in sinking air, headwinds and crosswinds. The stability of the Griffin
does not degrade significantly at speeds of up to half bar.
TIP: During your first few flights, familiarize yourself with your glider’s speed range and
corresponding brake positions and pressures.
CAUTION: Don’t use full bar near the ground or in turbulence. Although the wing is
stable at this speed, higher aerodynamic forces mean that any collapses that do occur
could be more significant and require more height for recovery.
CAUTION: Never apply brakes when using the speed bar.
Turning
Make your first turns gradual and progressive. Also remember that your harness and its
set-up has an influence of the turning behaviour of the wing.
Enter a turn with good airspeed, weightshift and then apply the brake. Once established
in the turn, regulate your speed and turn radius with weightshift and the outer brake.
CAUTION: Always check for clear airspace before initiating a turn.
Active flying
Practice active flying to eliminate collapses in all but the most turbulent conditions.
Keep tension on the brakes approximately equal to the weight of your arms. This allows
you to stay relaxed and sensitively feel the internal pressure in the wing through the
brakes. If you feel a loss of pressure in one or both sides of the wing, quickly apply the
appropriate brake(s) to regain pressure. Release the brake promptly as soon as normal
pressure is resumed.
If you miss the above timing and get a collapse, be sure to first raise your hands and
release the brakes before considering any other corrective actions.
The Griffin has excellent pitch stability. Nonetheless, in turbulence or during
manoeuvres, the glider may pitch. If the glider pitches in front of you, apply brake to slow
it down. If the glider drops behind you, ease off the brakes to allow it to speed up. The
objective is to reduce the pendulum effect by adjusting the speed of your glider so that
glider and pilot are travelling at the same speed.
The same general principles also apply when gliding on bar.
TIP: The further in front of you the glider pitches, the larger the brake input required, but
for a shorter duration.
CAUTION: Never release the brakes when the glider is behind you but accelerating
forwards.

Griffin manual: 19
C-riser control
Minor course and pitch corrections work well when using the C risers for steering.
However, we recommend that the pilot makes most of the corrections with the speed-bar
as this is safer.
CAUTION: C riser control should not be used in strong turbulence. In this case, release
the speed bar and fly the glide actively with the brakes.
Use small inputs during C-riser control to reduce the risk of stalling the wing
Rapid descent techniques
Learn and practice the techniques in this section under qualified supervision. Big ears and
spiral dives are generally the most common methods of descent. Big ears can achieve a
moderate rate of descent with the advantage of forward speed and manoeuvrability.
Spiral dives attain higher rates of descent, but the G-forces can be significant and the
manoeuvre is more technically demanding. ‘B-stalls’ have little or no advantages
compared to the other methods of descent and therefore are not recommended in normal
situations.
Big ears
To enter big ears, pull down firmly the outermost A lines on each side of the wing one-by-
one until the wingtips fold under. The glider can then be steered by weightshift. Do not
use the brakes unless you intend to exit big ears.
Once in big ears, you can increase your sink rate and forward speed by applying the
speed bar. Always apply the speed bar AFTER entering big ears, never before.
To exit big ears, release both A lines at the same time. Apply brake progressively one side
at a time to help re-inflation. Be careful not brake too deeply on both sides at the same
time as this could cause a stall.
WARNING: Uncontrolled re-openings after rapid descent techniques, collapses, extreme
manoeuvres or during ground-handling may place additional stress on your glider.
WARNING: Do not attempt to release big ears near the ground.
TIP: Always try to avoid the need to use these descent techniques. Thoroughly check
the conditions before launch, and pay close attention to how the day develops.
Spiral dives
Before entering a spiral, make sure you have adequate height for recovery. To enter the
spiral dive, weight shift and progressively apply the inside brake until the glider enters the
spiral. As the glider accelerates into the spiral, centre your weight and control your rate of
descent with weightshift and outer brake.

Griffin manual: 20
To exit the spiral, check your weight is centred (or slightly towards the outside) and
progressively release the inside brake. As the glider starts to exit the spiral, you may also
choose to reduce the pendulum moment by briefly re-applying the inside brake.
The Griffin fulfils the EN spiral dive requirements and has no tendency to remain in a
stable spiral dive under normal conditions. However, in certain cases, such as spirals with
excessive sink rates or wrong harness settings, pilot action may be required. In such
cases, exit the spiral by weightshifting to the outside and progressively applying the
outside brake.
WARNING: The high G-forces experienced in steep or prolonged spirals may result in
disorientation or even loss of consciousness. Spirals with descent rates above 10 m/s
are not recommended.
WARNING: Do not attempt to enter a spiral dive while in big ears. This places excessive
forces on the paraglider and may result in structural failure.
CAUTION: Frequent steep spirals may cause premature aging of your wing.
B-Stall
Although it is not recommended for normal situations, the B-stall does not present
particular difficulties.
To enter a B-stall, symmetrically pull down the B risers. This action may require
considerable effort. To exit the manoeuvre, release the B-risers smoothly and
symmetrically. Be sure to allow the glider to resume normal flight before making any
other actions.