GIN Bolero 4 - Manual (Page 18)

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is only a passive safety system. Standing up before landing is an active safety system, and is much
more effective.
Tow launch
The Bolero 4 is suitable for towing by pilots who have the relevant towing certification. The Bolero 4
has no tendencies towards deep stall/parachuting. There is sufficient margin to counter steer the
glider in a normal towing situation. Make sure you use proper equipment, experienced personnel, the
recommended techniques and all relevant safety precautions for towing.
Flying under Power
NOTE: Thorough pre-flight checks of the glider, harness and engine are essential prior to any launch.
For powered flight, many of the flying characteristics of the Bolero 4 are the same as in the previous
section; however, there is a certain amount of additional information, particularly where the addition
of the thrust of the power unit and correct matching of the wing to the motor unit is concerned. Gin
Gliders cannot be held responsible for ensuring full compatibility with the multitude of motor units
that could be used.
Forward Launching in Nil Wind
While there may appear to be no wind, this is rarely the case and it is essential for aircraft of this
type to take off and make the initial climb out to a safe height (depending on the surrounding terrain)
into wind. This makes maximum use of the wind and avoids the danger of losing airspeed when
climbing out steeply through wind gradient. Particular attention must be paid to trees, power lines
and other large obstacles and any rotor that they may generate.
Preparing the wing:
Lay the glider out, downwind of the motor, so that the lines are fully extended and as if attracted to
the central focal point of the motor. Then lay the risers down ready to clip in. Set the trimmers to the
take off position (Faster settings may be desirable in stronger conditions, see the diagrams on page
8). Make sure that when warming up the engine you do so upwind of the wing and then stop it whilst
clipping in.
Attach the glider and proceed with the launch (as in section Launching).
From now on you should try to control the glider whilst facing forwards. If the wing is low behind you
and you turn around, the lines will trail over the propeller. However, falling backwards onto the motor
is both dangerous and expensive and must be avoided at all costs, even if that means a few damaged
lines!
During the launch, if the pressures on each of your hands feels even, open the throttle to full take off
power, leaning backwards against the thrust so that the engine is pushing you along the ground
rather than into it.
It is best to try and leave the brakes alone and just let the canopy come up. If it starts to go off to one
side, increase the pressure on the riser on the lower side, whilst moving sideways towards it and the
centre of the wing. Where possible maintain the direction of your launch.