GIN Vantage - Manual (Page 16)

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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 Vantage 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
hands-off flight capability, the Vantage is good at letting you do this.
With a sound understanding of the current wind conditions at different altitudes and intelligent
use of any thermal activity, wave, convergence, ridge or frontal lift it is possible to conserve
your fuel and greatly extend your operating range. The engine of course makes it easy to put
you in the right place at the right time to exploit the conditions. Don’t be afraid to throw the
Vantage into a tight thermal to gain height and save fuel - you will find it is particularly good at
coring thermals. Using slower trim settings will allow you to climb faster in thermals.