Explorer pilot manual v1.2 Apr 2017

Photo: Jerome Maupoint

Thank you... Warning About Gin Gliders Introducing the Explorer Before you fly Flying the Explorer Care and maintenance Final words... Technical specification Line plan Riser diagram Materials Brake line knot diagram Diagram of parts

Thank you... ...for choosing Gin Gliders. We are confident you’ll enjoy many rewarding experiences in the air with your GIN Explorer. 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 e-mail updates via our website. Happy flying and safe landings, GIN team

Warning Like any extreme sport, 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...

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 paragliders. 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,...

Introducing the Explorer The Explorer is a lightweight sports performance wing aimed at seasoned XC pilots who want to fly a wing that’s comfortable, responsive and performant. IMPORTANT: to fly the Explorer, you should be familiar with active flying and recovery techniques. The handling of the Explorer has an alluring balance of smoothness and lightness. The wing is supremely well co-ordinated. It’s damped and forgiving in pitch, yet the precision in the turn makes it a first class climber in thermals. Take-off and landing couldn’t be simpler and the wing has an uncanny ability to seek out the...

range for more experienced pilots who may sometimes want to fly with a higher wing loading. For general flying, the Explorer is best flown within the normal weight range according to your preference. Certified with Cocoon The Explorer has been through additional testing and certification with the Genie Lite 2 cocoon harness (EN B). You can fly with peace of mind!

Before you fly Delivery Make sure your dealer has checked and test-flown the glider. Your glider will be delivered to you with the original trim settings which correspond to the tested configuration. Do not make any modifications, such as changing the risers or altering the line lengths. This would invalidate the certification and is potentially dangerous. WARNING: If you fly with wraps, be sure to release them in any extreme situation. Failure to do so could prevent normal recovery of the wing. Brake lines CAUTION: If you do shorten the brake lines, make sure there is enough free brake travel...

to the risers using the Brummel hooks. Perform any adjustments symmetrically while on the ground. Adjust the speed system so that the maximum speed is attained (“pulley-to-pulley” on the riser) when your legs are fully extended. Ask a friend to hold the risers in the flying position while you are seated in your harness on the ground. 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...

Weight range Be sure to fly your glider within the certified weight range given in the Technical Specification section. Due to EPT technology, the Explorer flies well at any wing loading within this weight range. 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 wingloading, i.e. choose the smaller model. This may be an advantage in strong, tight thermals. The dynamics are reduced in the middle and lower part of the weight...

General warnings and advice Before flying with your paraglider, 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 of your paraglider? Do you have the necessary valid insurance cover (e.g. liability, medical, life)? 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...

Flying the Explorer 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...