GIN Mirage - Manual (Page 14)

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using the brakes and then easing off into the climb out.
The other reasons for not climbing out too steeply are the risks involved when having engine
failure, i.e. a stall and diving recovery.
Although the Mirage will not sit back behind you the way that some gliders may, a slow forward
speed and high angle of attack is still likely to put you into a near stalled attitude if your power
source suddenly goes on strike. In this situation you should always be able to set up a
reasonable approach, so don’t make things hard for yourself - fly with sufficient airspeed at all
times, and keep your angle of attack under control at low altitude.
Depending on the geometry of the set-up of your power unit, the propeller’s torque effect may
make itself felt as you leave the ground. Expect it to turn you and, if necessary, steer against it
in order to maintain your direction. However, when countering the torque effect during a steep
climb on slower trim settings under a lot of power, care must be taken to avoid the risk of
stalling.
Because of the large vertical distance between the thrust line of the prop and the wing common
to all paramotors, the extent of the power management required is critically dependent on your
set up and flying ability.
Power induced Oscillations
Certain combinations of weight, power, and propeller size can cause oscillation where the
torque and gyro effects lift the pilot to one side; you then drop back only to swing up again. To
counter this you can:
* Alter the throttle setting. And /or
* Adjust the torque strap if fitted. And/or
* Shift your weight in the harness. And/or
* Adjust the trimmers to dampen it out.
Weight shift is the best counter. Oscillation usually occurs on high power settings - more power
and a larger propeller cause more oscillation. It could be that your control inputs are amplifying
the oscillation. In this case, throttling back a little and flying hands-off should take care of the
problem.
Having said all this, it is quite common for inexperienced pilots to be too busy on the controls,
this is referred to as pilot induced oscillation, and the simple answer is stop moving your hands
Level Flight
On reaching a safe height after takeoff, and if you wish to go cruising, turn on to your chosen
heading, reach up and release the trimmers if on a slow setting and if you like, and you have
sufficient height, let go of the brakes completely. If conditions are very rough you may wish to
keep hold of them, however the Mirage is even more stable at higher speeds, so we suggest you
let go and enjoy the flight.
Note –All paramotors should have adequate netting to prevent toggles entering propellers
whilst in flight – check yours!
If you have one, keep an eye on your alti/vario. In level flight - it is easy to creep into a climb
without noticing. Use the information from your instruments to optimize your forward speed
and reduce drag and fuel consumption. This will all be specific to your own set up. With its