Whats your opinion on a Manta?

[LittleDJ 0]

As an AFF student i often have to change the rig im using, usually i use a balance 260but on my last jump i had to have a manta 280, on opening and releasing the half brakes i realised the brake lines had a lot less tension than the ones on the balance which kind of scared me, what is the general opinion on this canopy and which canopy would you recommend for a just qualified female?

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LittleDJ!!- There is no such thing as a perfectly good aircraft!!!

[stratostar 5]

Nothing wrong with a manta they are used all over the USA and the world for student canopies and been for a long time.
Most student canopies have the brakes de-tuned to make the canopy fly more forgiving to mistakes made by students.
I assume this is the case here. You need to talk to your instructors about this to understand what and why this is and how to change it for your needs if your going to keep jumping this canopy.This would apply to any canopy BTW.
Play safe.

~

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[kenneth21441 0]

I agree with what Starocloud has stated. And In addition I need to add that I started on the man of war back in the 90's and moved onto the manta and every since becoming certified I still jump the manta.

Ive had no issues or problems with this canopy other then packing this big beast and packing someone elses supper small canopy hahaha....


But if you want a safety record look at the manta being more forgiving then those smaller canopies.

Best to talk with your instructor and look at jumping something within your weight range this is a for ever pound your weight should equal at least one cubic foot of canopy material.... anything less and you could be asking for trouble until you get the experiences required for such a higher wing load factor.


At presnet Im jumping a MTI Military rig like I used to pack and use while in the Army. This big thing is 340 cu feet about the same size of the small end tandem canopies. With my exit weight of just under 260 this gives me a better handling in ref to safety then just using a 260 cu foot canopy etc.....Plus I still like the rememberance of jumping these big rigs....hahahahaha...


Just my two cents here. I hope that this assist you,

Ken.

Kenneth Potter
FAA Senior Parachute Rigger
Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA)
FFL Gunsmith

[riggerrob 643]

Your school probably tied the Manta steering lines too long. Most schools do this to prevent students from accidently stalling their parachutes at 20 feet (7 meters) above the ground.
Tying the steering lines too long makes parachutes sluggish to turn and they never "finish their flare" (stall).
This is erring on the side of caution for clumsy first-timers, but it sounds like you are already getting bored with docile student canopies.
Boredom may also be a function of loading the canopy too light, or your experience level.

Next jump - ask your instructor if you can use the 260. Then try to do a half-dozen jumps on the same canopy, practicing half-brake turns, front riser turns, rear riser turns, riser flares, etc. After you have practiced all the canopy exercises on Bill von's down-sizing chart, then - and only then - you can ask your local instructors if they think you are ready for a smaller and faster canopy.

[teason 0]

The new ZP mantas are also trimmed nose high compared to the F111. This makes them quite easy to flare as it reduces toggle pressure.

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

[mjosparky 4]

Quote

At presnet Im jumping a MTI Military rig like I used to pack and use while in the Army. This big thing is 340 cu feet about the same size of the small end tandem canopies.

Pssst...the MT1-X is 370 and the MT1-S is 270 sq. feet not cu. feet..
Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals