Nova MENTOR 5 LIGHT Handbuch Seite 33

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of attack on that side to decrease to the extent that lift is no longer
generated, the lines de-pressure and the wing collapses.
Such a collapse normally only affects a small part of the whole span
and the wing will not react significantly. During larger collapses which
affect 50 percent or more of the span, the wing will clearly react: due
to the increased drag of the collapsed side, the glider will begin to turn
towards that side. Simultaneously the wing will pitch forward because
of the reduced area carrying the wing loading, i.e. because this causes
that side of the wing to accelerate.
The pilot can prevent this turn and forward pitch by braking the un-
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collapsed side of the wing. Braking the uncollapsed side is essential,
especially near the ground. This manoeuvre should be practised with
If the open side is
braked too much the
induced collapsed at height, preferably during an SIV/pilotage course.
glider may spin – see
the section on spins.
Frontal collapse
A frontal collapse is also a consequence of turbulence. Unlike an
asymmetric collapse, during a frontal collapse the whole leading edge
folds downwards.
All our paragliders open automatically after frontal, as well as asym-
metric collapses (as stipulated in the certification standards). To speed
up the re-inflation of the leading edge after a frontal collapse, we
recommend a very short stab of both brakes. It is important to then
release both brakes completely. During an induced frontal collapse
using the A-risers it is difficult to also collapse the wing tips because
the outermost A-attachment points are fitted to the stabilo line or the
B-riser (see line plan, page 79). Only the centre of the wing collapses
and the wing tips continue flying. In an extreme case this could lead
to a cravat. If this behaviour is observed (i.e. that the wing tips do not
collapse and fly forwards), this can be resolved easily with a quick
symmetrical pull on the brakes. As mentioned above, it is very import-
ant to immediately release the brake again.
This wing behaviour only affects frontal collapses induced by pulling
the A-risers. To avoid this, pull the A-risers towards the body, as well
as downwards.
Stalls
Spin
If the pilot brakes one side of the glider too much, a spin will result.
In a conventional turn, the axis of rotation is remote from the wing.
When a wing spins, the axis of rotation moves within the wing span.
The over-braked side of the wing slides back.
The correct pilot reaction is to immediately release both brakes. Occa-
sionally it is necessary to stop the canopy pitching forward.
Full stall
If both brakes are symmetrically pulled too far, a full stall will result. This
means that the wing loses its forward momentum, whilst the pilot con-
tinues to travel forwards. From the pilot's perspective it feels like the
wing falls backwards. At this moment it is essential that the brakes are
not fully released as there is a risk that the wing will dive – potentially
underneath the pilot.
The available brake travel up to the stall point depends on the size of
the wing:
• 57 cm for the MENTOR 5 LIGHT XXS
• 61 cm for the MENTOR 5 LIGHT XS
• 63 cm for the MENTOR 5 LIGHT S
• 67 cm for the MENTOR 5 LIGHT M
These figures give a rough indication. Their inclusion in this manual is
required by EN 926. In turbulent air, a stall may occur markedly sooner
or later than these figures indicate. Therefore these figures only have
limited significance.
Parachutal/deep stall
A parachutal or deep stall is defined as flight without forward
momentum and with a large sink rate. All our paragliders automatically
recover from a parachutal stall so long as the brakes are released, the
wing is in an airworthy condition and the pilot flies within the operating
limits of the glider.
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A full stall is a com-
plex manoeuvre and
an explanation of its
correct execution is
beyond the scope of
this manual. Anyone
wishing to learn this
manoeuvre should
undertake an SIV/
pilotage course.