Steering Without Brakes; Aerobatics; Landing With The Beetle; Tow Launch - Gin beetle Manual Del Propietário

Spiral dive
The spiral dive should be considered an extreme manoeuvre. Practice spiralling with caution and
lesser sink rates to get a feel from the Beetle' s behaviour. Weight shift and pull the brake on
one side gradually. Let it accelerate for two turns and you will enter the spiral dive. Once in the
spiral, you can control your descent rate and bank angle with weight shift and the outer brake.
WARNING! A pilot who is dehydrated and/or not accustomed to spiralling can lose consciousness
in a steep spiral dive! As with all types of aircraft, we advise you to assist the glider to exit
from the spiral dive in a controlled manner. Let the glider decelerate for one or two turns by
applying outer brake and/or weight shift. Take care of your passenger, only spiral gently and
never close to the ground!

Steering without brakes

If a brake is not operational for some reason, you can steer the Beetle with the D-risers. Add
steering input by weight-shifting in your harness. Be careful not to steer too much with the
riser to avoid any possibility of a spin.

Aerobatics

The Beetle is not designed for aerobatics. Besides the inherent risks, any kinds of extreme
manoeuvres place unnecessary stress on the glider and effectively shorten its lifespan.

Landing with the Beetle

Select a familiar landing area free of obstacles and carefully note the wind speed and direction
in the landing area. The low minimum flying speed of the Beetle and its easy flare will help you
to make soft landings in all conditions. Approach the landing with sufficient airspeed and don' t
leave your last turn too late or too steep.
Before landing, advise your passenger to adopt an upright position. Then slide your legs
forward in the harness so that you both adopt an upright position. NEVER land in the seated
position; it is very dangerous for your back even if you have back protection, which is only a
passive safety system. Standing up before landing is an active safety system, and is much more
effective. It is safer to land side by side. Push your passenger to one side before landing, so
that you both have the opportunity to run a few steps if needed.
Winch Towing
The Beetle is suitable for winch towing. The pilot needs to have the relevant towing license for
tandem paragliders. The Beetle has no tendencies towards deep stall/parachutal stall. Always
tow with the trimmers open. There is sufficient margin to counter steer the glider in a normal
towing situation. Make sure you use proper equipment, which is certified for tandem towing.
The personnel must be experienced and licensed for tandem paraglider towing. You must
observe the recommended techniques and all relevant safety precautions for tandem paraglider
towing.
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