GIN Bolero 4 - Manual (Page 14)

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turn and launch. In stronger winds, be prepared to take a couple of steps towards the glider as it
inflates and rises.
Line knots or tangles
If you do take off with a line knot or tangle, try to get clear of the ground and any traffic before taking
corrective action. Weight shift and/or counter brake to the opposite side and pump the knotted side
with your brake. Be careful not to fly too slowly to avoid a stall or spin. If the knot or tangle is too
tight to pump out, immediately fly to the landing zone and land safely.
Min Sink / best glide
The minimum sink speed is achieved by pulling approximately 30 cm of brake. The theoretical best
glide speed in calm air is realized at the hands-off position.
Accelerated flight
Once you have become accustomed to flying the Bolero 4, you can practice using the speed system,
which allows improved glide in headwinds and greater penetration in strong winds.
Apply the speed system by pushing the speed bar progressively with your feet. Be prepared to control
roll by using weightshift and pitch by varying the amount of bar. Keep a very light pressure on the
brakes in order to feel the canopy.
Avoid flying accelerated near the ground, and don’t use more than half the maximum travel in
turbulence.
If you do encounter a collapse while using the accelerator, step off the bar first before taking any
other corrective actions.
Active Flying
The Bolero 4 has a high internal pressure, resistance to tucking and a very high degree of passive
safety. However, it is recommended that at this stage you already start practising 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, counter brake 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 pressure return. In all cases, maintain adequate airspeed and avoid overreaction.
In turbulence
Deflations of the canopy can occur in strong turbulence. The Bolero 4 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 Bolero 4 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 weightshifting 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