Introducing the G-chute

November 14, 2018

Introducing GIN GLIDERS’ G-chute and the G-chute pocket – What is it, how’s it installed and how do you use it?

The GIN GLIDERS G-chute is an easily deployed drag parachute that reduces the g-force that occurs when making a spiral dive to reduce height.

The G-chute enables the pilot to achieve a higher rate of descent with fewer turns and less G-force.

GIN GLIDERS G-chute

GIN GLIDERS G-chute ready to install.

The G-chute is installed in a pocket in the harness, the riser is attached to one of the main hang point carabiners or to a dedicated connection point on the harness and only deployed to use during a spiral dive.

After the spiral, the G-chute can be killed by pulling on the middle line and stored for re-use.

Depending on glider and sink rate, a G-chute can reduce the G-force up to 30%.

The G-chute is particularly effective with high aspect ratio wings and is recommended for pilots who fly with the Genie Race series harness or similar and a competition glider.

The G-chute can be used on any harness and with any glider. Having said that, high aspect ratio gliders profit the most from the G-chute use due to their longer lines and higher resulting forces.

Installing the G-chute

Many competition and XC harnesses like the Genie Race will have a special G-chute pocket, inside which you will normally find a small dedicated maillon to connect your G-chute riser to.

Gin Gliders G-chute in Genie Race 4

If your harness doesn’t provide a similar dedicated pocket, you can store your G-chute in any suitable pocket of your harness and connect the G-chute to one of the main carabiners of your harness or you can use the optional GIN G-chute pocket shown below. Again, connect the riser of the G-chute to either the left or the right main carabiner.

Gin Gliders G-chute, in pocket, mounted to the front with bridle connected to the left hand side.

Flying with the G-chute – Preparation for us

Check the condition of your G-chute and other flying equipment before every flight. Prepare for launch by checking the following:

Is the G-chute fabric free from tears or other damage?
Are the lines and net free from knots, tangles or other damage?
Are the maillons connecting the lines and risers closed and secured?
Is your G-chute correctly installed in your harness or in the G-chute pocket?
Will you be able to reach the G-chute handle in flight to kill the chute?
Make sure the G-chute does not interfere with your rescue at any time

WARNING: Double check that your G-chute can’t under any circumstances interfere with your rescue parachute or your reserve handle.

Pre-deployment, Inflight check:

Check the following before you deploy your G-chute in flight:

Are you high enough to safely use the G-chute?
Are there any other aircraft near you that might get too close to you while you descend?
Only use the G-chute if you are in good physical and mental condition.

Deploying and using the G-chute

Make sure you are flying straight and level at trim speed.
Take the G-chute out of the G-chute pocket and release it on the side of the harness that it is connected to.
Release the G-chute handle so that the chute opens and causes drag.
Start your spiral dive on the same side to which the G-chute riser is attached. If your G-chute is connected to the left main carabiner, make sure you make the spiral dive to the left and vice-versa.
Get yourself used to the G-chute. Start with a moderate spiral and adjust it to your needs with the outside brake.
To exit the spiral, check your weight is centred (or slightly towards the outside) and progressively release the inside brake.
As the glider starts to exit the spiral, make sure you control any pendulum moment.
Once you are back in normal flight, kill the G-chute by pulling on the G-chute handle that is connected to the centre line.

Gin Gliders G-chute deployed Gin Gliders G-chute in action, deployed from Genie race harness

You can now put the G-chute back into the pocket for re-use, taking care not to allow the G-chute to re-inflate when stowing.

Be aware

Don’t deploy the G-chute if your glider is wet or if there is any other risk that your glider might go into deep stall.
Don’t make the spiral dive to the opposite side of the G-chute riser attachment.
Don’t deploy your G-chute in any other flight state other than trim speed in straight and level flight.
Don’t use the G-chute on the final approach or landing.

Material stress: Even though the G-chute is designed to reduce the G-force, strong spiral dives can cause a lot of stress to your gear.

Final tip: Bent legs and a loose, spread open cocoon enhance the drag effect, reducing speed and the resulting g-force 🙂