GIN Bolero 4 - Manual (Page 17)

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Although the noise of the wind around your ears may indicate the airspeed improves, the airspeed
does not improve with big ears. You may use the speedbar in combination with big ears to maintain
your forward speed but increase the sink.
The glider can be steered while in big ears using weightshift alone.
When releasing the lines, the Bolero 4’s ears will come out on their own. Release the big ears at least
100m above the ground. If this is not possible, keep the big ears in until you flare for landing rather
than letting them out on the approach. This is a safer method because of a possible wind gradient
close to the ground and your low airspeed/high wing loading with big ears in.
Spiral dive
The spiral dive should be considered an extreme manoeuvre. Practice spiralling with caution and
lesser sink rates to get a feel for the Bolero 4’s behaviour. Weightshift 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.
B-stall
To quickly lose altitude without straining your body with G-force you can use the B-stall. Reach up to
the B-risers just below the maillons and twist your hands while gently pulling. It will be difficult at
first, but become lighter the more you break the aerofoil. Once pulled, do not release immediately.
The glider needs to settle into a stable B-stall before releasing. On exiting the B-stall the Bolero 4
has a very gentle dive without deep stall tendencies. We advise you to release the B-stall
symmetrically with both hands in a decided manner.
Steering without brakes
If a brake is not operational for some reason, you can steer the Bolero 4 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 Bolero 4 is not designed for aerobatics. Besides the inherent risks, extreme manoeuvres of any
kind place unnecessary stress on the glider and effectively shorten its lifespan.
Landing with the Bolero 4
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 Bolero4 will help you to make a soft landing in all
conditions. Approach the landing with sufficient airspeed and don’t leave your last turn too late or too
steep.
Before landing, slide your legs forward in the harness so that you adopt the standing position. NEVER
land in the seated position; it is very dangerous for your back even if you have back protection, which