9 Pilot’s manual for Montana3
5.3.4. Full stall
Initiation: Wind the control lines once or twice around your hands and pull both of them down
smoothly. Hold them down until the canopy falls behind the pilot and deforms into a characteristic
crescent shape. Hold your hands firmly (press them underneath the seat) and be careful that you do
not release the brakes prematurely or asymmetrically.
Recovery: Montana3 recovers from a full stall automatically once the brakes are smoothly released.
During correct recovery from a full stall Montana3 shows no extreme tendencies such as diving in front
of the pilot. If the brakes are released prematurely or too quickly there is a possible tendency for the
glider to dive ahead of the pilot. This can be corrected by adequate simultaneous braking on both-sides.
CAUTION: When exiting a Full Stall, if the brakes are released asymmetrically the glider may suffer a
massive asymmetrical collapse followed by a tendency to enter a spin.
5.3.5. Spin
Initiation: Slow down by braking to nearly minimum speed. Then pull a brake on one side all the way
down while simultaneously releasing the brake on the other side. Because the stalled side falls back,
the canopy suffers airflow disruption over one half of the wing which results in a spin and a rapid loss
of altitude.
Recovery: Under normal circumstances Montana3 is capable of recovering from a spin automatically
when the brakes are released.
Caution: In general, when there is a very fast or a long-lasting rotation and when the brakes are released
too quickly, the canopy may shoot in front of the pilot followed by a massive asymmetrical collapse.
Warning: Whenever a paraglider is not in normal flight and airflow is disrupted there is always a rapid
increase in sink rate and therefore a substantial loss of altitude.
Remember: When practising SIV the wrong manoeuvre at the wrong time may change a fairly easy
situation into a dangerous problem. You are also exposing your glider to forces that may damage it.
Practise SIV manoeuvres only under the supervision of an instructor and with a reserve parachute.
6. MAINTAINING YOUR GLIDER
If you handle your glider with care and store it in a suitable place it can last you a very long time. On
the other hand, neglecting maintenance, bad storage and the use of unsuitable cleaning products can
reduce the lifespan of your glider significantly or may even make it dangerous.
You must keep to these rules:
Choose a suitable area for your launches. Lines caught on roots or rocks lead to unnecessary strain
on the attachment tabs during inflation. Snagging the lines may rip the canopy tissue or damage
lines.
When landing, never let the canopy fall on its leading edge in front of the pilot. The effect of these
forceful collisions and the sudden pressure increase can severely damage the air-resistant coating
of the canopy as well as weaken the ribs and seams.
Protect the canopy from unnecessary strain. Inconsiderate handling of your glider – pulling it over
grass, soil, sand or rocks – will significantly reduce its lifetime and increase porosity.
When preparing the paraglider for a launch or when ground handling, be sure not to step on any
of the lines or the canopy.
Don't tie any unnecessary knots in the lines. Packing methods where special knots are made in the
lines as used on parachutes and reserve parachutes are not suitable for packing the lines used on
paragliders.
Protect your canopy and lines from unnecessary exposure to sunlight. UV-rays can damage many
parts of a paraglider.
