Active Flying; In Turbulence - Gin beetle Manual Del Propietário

Active flying

The Beetle has high internal pressure, a strong resistance to tucking and a very high degree of
passive safety. However, it is recommended that you always practise an active flying style. This
will help you avoid deflations in all but the most turbulent conditions. The key to active piloting
is keeping the glider above your head at all times. If it falls back behind you, let up the brakes.
If it surges in front of you, counterbrake until the surge is controlled. If you sense a loss of
pressure on one side of the canopy, smoothly apply brake and/or weightshift on the appropriate
side until you feel the pressure return. In all cases, maintain adequate airspeed and avoid
overreaction. The Beetle has progressive brake pressure and you should never stall the wing
unintentionally. Nevertheless, when you reach the stall point and feel decreasing brake
pressure, you should immediately let the brakes up.

In turbulence

Deflations of the canopy can occur in strong turbulence. The Beetle will recover without pilot
input in almost all situations, so whenever in doubt, let up the brakes and let the glider fly.
However, it is recommended that you follow the advice below in order to help the wing recover
more rapidly.
Asymmetric deflation
In the event of encountering strong turbulence and suffering an asymmetric deflation (collapse
on one side), the Beetle will promptly and easily re-inflate without interference from the pilot,
but the course might alter slightly. This might be unwanted close to the ground or other gliders.
Maintain your course by weight shift away from the collapsed side. This action can be aided by
applying a little force on the brake opposite to the deflation. This will normally be sufficient.
However, if the deflation fails to come out, pump the deflated side with a firm and smooth
pumping motion. Let the glider regain its flying speed after it has re-inflated.
Symmetric deflation
A symmetric (frontal) deflation will come out promptly without pilot' s input. The glider will
regain airspeed with a small surge. If counter-braking, be careful not to over-correct.
Cravat / glider wrapped around lines
A cravat can occur after a severe deflation when the wingtip becomes trapped in the glider' s
lines. It is extremely unlikely to occur on the Beetle. Nevertheless, the pilot should be familiar
with the procedure for correcting it. Counter-brake and/or weight shift and pump the brake on
the tangled side. On all Gin gliders, there is a separate stabilizer/winglet main line that goes
down to the B riser. This line usually comes slack in the event of a cravat. Pull it down
completely until it comes tight and the cravat normally comes out.
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