Air-Pol 092-06 User manual

AIR-POL Sp. z o.o. –05-120 Legionowo, ul. Olszankowa 52, www.air-pol.com.pl
tel.: [phone], fax [phone], @: [email protected]m.pl
User Manual
# 092-06
for the
SK-94
backpack rescue parachute
Revision III C
For parachutes produced after February 2011
PART #: 02.00.00.00
EU registered design #: 001843558-0001
Parachute #:
..............................
Legionowo 2013

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PART I
TECHNICAL DESCTRIPTION
1. Purpose of the SK-94 parachute. ............................. 4
2. Specifications. ............................................. 4
3. In-the-air performance. ..................................... 5
3.1. Procedure during the jump. ................................. 5
3.2. Procedure after the jump ................................... 6
4. Parachute description. ...................................... 6
4.1. Ripcord release handle (Cat. No. NA-05.00-1). ............. 6
4.2. Pilot chute (Cat. No. 02.30.00.00A). ....................... 6
4.3. Bridle (Cat. No. 02.40.00.00). ............................. 7
4.4. Canopy with suspension and steering lines
(Cat. No. 02.10.00.00). .................................... 8
4.5. Steering grips (Cat. No. NA-25). ........................... 8
4.6. Rubber ring (2” x 3/8”). ................................... 9
4.7. Container and harness (Cat. No. 02.20.00.00). .............. 9
4.8. Transport bag (Cat. No. 02.60.00.00). ..................... 11
4.9. Static line pocket (Cat. No. 02.70.00.00) .................11
4.10. Static line (Cat. No. 02.80.00.00).........................11
PART II
PACKING MANUAL
1. Inspecting the parachute before packing .................... 12
2. Tools and accessories for packing the parachute. ........... 12
3. Packing the parachute. ..................................... 13
PART III
ADJUSTING THE PARACHUTE (HARNESS)....................... 29
PART IV
STATIC LINE..............................................31
PART V
STORING, MAINTENANCE, AND SPECIAL ACTIVITIES............ 36

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All rights reserved. The Air-Pol SK-94 user manual may be copied for
distribution only in entirety without any change, amendment or alteration.
The current version of the user manual is not valid unless in entirety which
is to include all trademarks and references to the author and copyright owner,
Messrs Air-Pol Sp. Z o.o. Any change, amendment or alteration including
partial duplication or quotation (especially drawings and photographs) without
reference to the user manual, or copying, publishing, recording in part or
whole by means of electronic or mechanical devices or storage in part or in
whole on any database is expressly prohibited without the written agreement of
the copyright owner.
The Air-Pol SK-94 is a registered design in the European Union under number:
001843558-0001
Copyright © by AIR-POL Sp. z o. o., Legionowo, 2013
DISCLAIMER
The AIR-POL Company has committed to made the utmost
effort to achieve the highest possible quality and safety
standard of the parachute you just bought. The parachute's
components are made of the top quality materials meet all
the relevant requirements which apply to this kind of
equipment. The tests which we put our parachutes to help
us make sure that the technological solutions we chose
were indeed correct. Nevertheless, AIR-POL Sp. Z o. o.
cannot preclude a risk of equipment damage or malfunction
in case of coincidence of extremely adverse circumstances
which are outside the Company's control and liability.
In order to minimize such risk:
1. make sure that each and every part of the system was
assembled and packed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions;
2. always store and use the parachute in accordance with
the user manual, and
3. always follow the general national parachuting safety
precautions.
Remember that the parachute you bought is intended to be
used as an emergency rescue device. Therefore, any other
kinds of use may be dangerous. Your parachute has been
designed with 20-year long life cycle in mind.
The AIR-POL Sp. z o. o. guarantees the quality of all the
parachute's components for a period of one year after the
purchase date. Should you experience any anomalies or
subjective sense of functional hazard, the parachute
should be immediately sent to an authorized dealer for a
checkup by an expert.
We congratulate you on your purchase and wish a successful
use.

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PART I
TECHNICAL DESCTRIPTION
1. Purpose of the SK-94 parachute.
The SK-94 backpack rescue parachute is designed for evacuation jumps
from gliders, airplanes, powered paragliders, balloons, helicopters,
and other aircraft. The SK-94 parachute can be equipped with an
additional, dedicated static line and pocket system (static line
pocket part no. 02.70.00.00, static line part no. 02.80.00.00). The
system enables the parachute to open automatically after the
separation from the aircraft.
Caution: before putting the parachute on and taking a seat in an
aircraft, please read the SK-94 parachute user manual and
adjust the harness, especially the length of the tight
straps, breast strap, and container straps.
If you have an additional, dedicated to the SK-94 parachute
static line system, refer to its manual and inspect the
installation and snap-hook connection to the aircraft (part
IV in this manual).
2. Specifications.
The parachute complies with the following tactical and technical
data:
Spread canopy area
51 m2
Total system weight (pilot+equipment)
100 kg / 220 lbs
Maximum deployment speed
270 km/h / 145 kts
Maximum deployment speed (with min. 3 sec.
delay)
350 km/h / 189 kts
Minimum jump height during level flight
(Vmin=130 km/h - 70 kts)
70 m / 230 ft
Min. jump altitude from a hovering helicopter
150 m / 490 ft
Descent speed (70 kg load)
3,6 m/s / 12 ft/s
Descent speed (100 kg load)
4,4 m/s / 14,5 ft/s
Forward speed
2m/s
Max. 360oturn rate
12 s
Dimensions when packed
(length x breadth x height)
550 x 400 x 85 mm
Weight
7,5 kg / 16,5 lbs
Repacking interval
1year (365 days)
The service life of the parachute is 20 years from the date of
manufacturing. That includes storage, transport, repairs, and the
general technical condition.
After that period, the parachute must be decommissioned.

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After deployment, the parachute should be carefully inspected in
order to determine its fitness for further service by a qualified
SK-94 parachute packer.
As long as the above is considered, the parachute may be used many
times without limitations.
3. In-the-air performance.
The SK-94 parachute opens when the release handle is pulled. When
that happens, the ripcord pins slide out of their respective loops
in the pilot chute container. Forced by a spring, the pilot chute is
ejected out of the container and filled in the airstream. That
generates a drag which in turn pulls the canopy and the suspension
lines out from the container. When the canopy has filled completely,
the pilot chute deflates and stays connected with the canopy.
The SK-94 rescue parachute provides excellent in-flight stability
and easy steerage during the fall by pulling at the steering grips
attached to the risers.
As the airflow is guided through a net-covered slot at the canopy
rim, the parachute gains forward speed which helps the user choose a
suitable landing spot.
3.1. Procedure during the jump.
Evacuation from an aircraft by means of a parachute is the ultimate
rescue procedure for the crew if there is no way of bringing that
aircraft back to the ground in a controlled manner.
When performing an emergency evacuation from an aircraft the
following actions should be performed depending on the actual
circumstances and the aircraft type:
disconnect oneself from any headsets, oxygen installations etc.,
open/eject the canopy or emergency exit doors,
unfasten the seat straps,
jump out of the cabin staying clear of any aircraft parts,
having successfully separated from the aircraft at a safe
distance, pull the ripcord release handle,
when canopy opens, check if the parachute is steerable:
a) to unlock the steering handles which are attached to the
risers, grip them and pull down,
b) when the left steering line is pulled, the parachute should
turn left,
c) when the right steering line is pulled, the parachute should
turn right,
check the wind direction (by observing smoke from smokestacks,
fires etc.),
taking advantage of the forward speed and steerage, choose the
glide direction (downwind if possible) and the landing spot,
immediately before the touch-down, pull the legs together and bend
your knees,
after landing, deflate the canopy and release the harness locks.

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3.2. Procedure after the jump
deflate the canopy, clean it of objects (twigs, etc.), stretch it
if possible, tuck it into the container and tie it up with lines;
for transport, wrap the parachute in a cloth, foil, or a large
piece of garment.
4. Parachute description.
Basic parts
Catalog number
Qty.
4.1.
Ripcord handle
NA-05.00-1
1
4.2.
Pilot chute
02.30.00.00A
1
4.3.
Bridle
02.40.00.00
1
4.4.
Canopy with suspension lines
02.10.00.00
1
4.5.
Steering grip
NA-25
2
4.7.
Container and harness
02.20.00.00
1
4.8.
Transport bag
02.60.00.00
1
Additional parts (optional)
4.9.
Static line pocket
02.70.00.00
1
4.10.
Static line
02.80.00.00
1
Spare parts
4.2.
String with loops
02.30.30.00A
4.6.
Rubber band
2”x3/8”
4.1. Ripcord release handle (Cat. No. NA-05.00-1).
The ripcord release handle consists of a metal handle and a steel
ripcord with two pins and a stopper.
4.2. Pilot chute (Cat. No. 02.30.00.00A).
The purpose of the pilot chute is to pull the canopy and the
suspension lines out of the container in order to inflate the
canopy. During the packing the parachute, it is the pilot chute that
effectively closes the container.
The pilot chute consists of the following:
canopy of approx. 0.5 sq m made of low permeable fabric with an
integrated spring with a diameter of approx. .5 sq m, a net which
serves as suspension lines, and an apex cap,
The apex cap consists of two parts: upper and lower.
The lower parts contains a conical spring and a section of a
Velcro webbing to secure the rubber bands and a webbing loop which
secures the canopy and net under the packed parachute,
The upper part covers the webbing and serves as a décor part,
both parts are partly sewn together and partly secured by Velcros.

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Adjustable length loops (Cat. No. 02.30.30.00A)
They close the container and allow to adjust the spring force
after closing the container. They are also equipped with Velcros
to attach them to the pilot chute.
4.3. Bridle (Cat. No. 02.40.00.00).
The pilot chute is connected with the main canopy with a bridle. A
bridle sleeve is sewn over the bridle and when pulled over the
canopy apex it closes the vent opening thereby accelerating the
inflating of the canopy. When the canopy is inflating, the sleeve
moves down the apex lines and over the knot that connects the bridle
with the apex lines and opens the venting hole in order to stabilize
the airflow around the canopy.

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4.4. Canopy with suspension and steering lines
(Cat. No. 02.10.00.00).
It consists of a 24 gores of fabric with webbing. The canopy rim and
the lower parts of three rear gores that form the propelling slots
are made of nets. On top of the canopy there is a vent opening with
a diameter of .5 m. 24 suspension lines are attached to the canopy
rim webbing. The bottom ends of the suspension lines are connected
with detachable connectors to two risers (12 suspension lines to
each riser). There are two additional line pairs which serve as
steering lines and are connected with no. 4 and 5 suspension lines
on the right hand side and with no. 20 and 21 suspension lines on
the left hand side. Both are terminated with steering grips.
4.5. Steering grips (Cat. No. NA-25).
Attached to the risers and connected with the steering lines, they
allow to easily control the parachute. They are made of webbing of a
contrasting color.
propelling
slot
canopy
net rim

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4.6. Rubber bands (2” x 3/8”).
The rings help secure folded suspension lines inside the container.
4.7. Container and harness (Cat. No. 02.20.00.00).
The container and the harness
form an entity. The container
is made of permeable fabric and
consists of a back plate with
four flaps which form an
envelope. On the back plate of
the container there are two
rows of rubber rings with which
the bundles of the suspension
lines are wrapped. After the
suspension lines are bundled up
and wrapped with rubber bands
and the canopy is stowed in the
bottom part of the container,
the container flaps are closed
and secured with a spring-
loaded chute whose closing
loops pass through the grommets
in the flaps and the back plate
of the container where they are
secured with the ripcord pins.
Those parts of the parachute
container which come in contact
with the user's body are padded
with a permeable fabric to
increase the level of comfort
for the user when performing
in-flight duties.
The harness consists of the
main webbing which is connected
with the lower part of the
harness with adjustable rings
of the hip connectors to which
side and leg straps are
attached. The adjustable
buckles (which become visible
after the cover was removed)
allows to adjust the length of
the harness to the user's
posture and for the hip
connector to rest against the
user's body without causing
discomfort. In the breast part
of the harness there is a
breast strap. Depending on the harness version, the breast and leg
straps can be adjusted in either of the following ways:
risers
D-ring connection
steering grips
position
breast
strap
ripcord
handle
pocket
positioning
straps
main
straps
leg
straps
adjustable
buckles
container

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with hook buckles (B-12)
with quick ejector buckles:
with AB locks:
with thread-thru buckles:
On the harness there are also two risers with connectors for the
suspension lines and steering lines with steering grips.
On the calf and hip straps, there is a container positioning system
which consists of tightening straps and buckles with are integrated
with the back part of the container.
positioning
straps

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4.8. Transport bag (Cat. No. 02.60.00.00)
The parachute bag is manufactured from impermeable, waterproof
material and is designed and intended for the storage and
transportation of the parachute before use. The parachute bag is
equipped with back-pack webbing straps and a document pocket.
4.9. Static line pocket (Cat. No. 02.70.00.00)
Pocket is designed to be mounted with the SK-94 backpack
rescue parachute to set static line inside.
4.10. Static line (Cat. No. 02.80.00.00)
Static line used to pull the ripcord after the separation from the
aircraft.

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PART II
PACKING MANUAL
The parachute must be inspected and serviced by a certified rigger who
has been trained by the parachute’s manufacturer (in accordance with
FAR part 65.11).
A detailed technical inspection of the entire parachute is mandatory
before each packing.
1. Inspecting the parachute before packing
Before the parachute is packed before a jump, it is necessary to
inspect all its components.
1.1. Pilot chute:
canopy fabric, nets and seems must be undamaged,
spring must not be damaged, corroded or deformed; the bottom
clamp must be tight,
closing loops must not be damaged/frayed,
Velcros should securely connect the closing loops with the pilot
chute.
1.2. Bridle:
knot connecting the bridle with the parachute must be made in
accordance with this manual (sec. 3.1),
no damage to the webbing, seams and cotton sleeve must be
visible,
rubber rim string must remain sufficiently elastic.
1.3. Canopy:
the knot connecting the bridle with the canopy must be made in
keeping with this manual (sec.3.1.),
the canopy fabric, nets, apex lines, and seams must not damaged.
1.4. Suspension lines and steering lines:
The lines must not be damaged.
1.5. Harness, container:
fabric, webbing, metal parts and seams must not be damaged,
hooks with which suspension lines are attached to the harness
should be screwed tight,
steering lines should be free of twists and entanglements, from
suspension lines, through grommets on the risers, up to the
steering grips as in sec. 3.6.
Rubber rings should be sufficiently elastic,
all rubber rings should be of the same type,
all harness buckles must connect securely and prevent
inadvertent disconnection.
1.6. Ripcord handle:
ripcord must neither be damaged, corroded nor deformed,
pins and stopper must be securely tight,
grip must neither be damaged, corroded nor deformed (especially
in the points of contact with the ripcord).
2. Tools and accessories for packing the parachute.

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Packing should be performed in a clean and dry place on a special
table of at least 11 m in length or on a field table.
The following accessories are required for packing:
pilot chute packing strap (Cat. no. NA-03)
two 'T' pegs with holes (Cat. no. NA-18-2)
5 clamps or weights made of fabric and filled with shot or coarse
sand two weight down the folded canopy,
wooden ruler to help close the container flaps,
2 cords (of 70 cm each)
the 'NSN 8310-10-493-6030” sealing thread or cotton thread of
strength not greater than 2.15 daN.
3. Packing the parachute.
3.1. Connect the smaller bridle loop with the pilot chute webbing
loops and pull the knot tight.
Thread the bundle of the main canopy sleeve lines through the
loop at the opposite end of the bridle. This forms another
loop through which you should now thread the pilot chute and
its bridle. Pull knot tight. The apex lines of the canopy
should be sorted so as the funnel rim gores are next to each
other.
3.1.

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3.2. Open the pilot chute cap cover.
Place the closing string centrally on the Velcro strap and
thread the string loops through the cap eyelets.
If the parachute is equipped with a string with adjustable
closing loops, thread them through the cap eyelets so that
both a closing loop and the loose end that helps to draw the
opposite loop are in the same eyelet. Adjust the length of the
closing loops as needed.
Close the cap cover.
NOTE: Check the condition of the loop. The loop must not be
worn or frayed. Replace a damaged loop.
3.3. Thread the ripcord through the sleeve, insert the ripcord
handle into the pocket on the harness.
3.3.
3.2.

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3.4. Fold the canopy.
Folding the canopy includes
gathering the suspension
lines one after the other,
placing them over one
another and pulling the
canopy fabric out and away
from between them.
Attach the apex of the
canopy to the apex tie down
and apply tension to the
canopy using a tension
device.
Find the suspension line
no. 12 and start folding
the left part of the canopy
from there up to line no.
24.
Throw the unfolded right
part of the canopy over the
left part and continue
folding from line no. 12 to
line no. 1.
After both parts were
folded, the line no. 12
should be at the bottom of
the canopy and line no. 24
should be at the top.
All suspension lines must
be placed side by side and
the canopy fabric must be
pulled out sideways and
stretched. The canopy rim
should be even with each
fold on top of the other.
Here is how a correctly
folded canopy should look:
3.4.
propelling
slot
canopy net rim
top of
the canopy

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3.5. Make sure that the suspension lines are not twisted or
tangled.
When checking the lines, the container should lie with the
harness side facing down.
Lines no. 1 and 24 should be clear of twists and tangles with
other lines and run directly from the canopy to the inside
sides of the “D” connectors which connect suspension lines
with risers.
3.6. Put the steering grips into the pockets.
The steering lines must not be twisted.
Place both parts of the grips in the pocket on the riser.
3.7. For the canopies manufactured before February 2011, connect
the steering lines as shown on fig. 3.7. A,B,C:
3.6.
3.7.A
3.7.B

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3.8. Fold the corners of the left and right halves of the lower
canopy rim.
3.8.
3.7.C

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3.9. Fold the right hand group of the gores at about 1/3 of the
canopy width and put them over the central part of the canopy.
3.10. Fold the left hand group of the gores rightwards and put them
on top of the previously folded gores.
3.11. Fold the canopy that is now folded in three again in half and
secure with weights or clamps.
3.9.
3.10.
3.11.

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3.12. Pull the cotton sleeve, which is sewn to the pilot chute
bridle, over the canopy apex and pull the bridle taut.
3.13. Now turn up the container flaps under the container in so that
the inside of the container back plate shows up. All the locks
and clamps should now rest under the container to prevent
damage to the canopy.
Now carefully tuck in the risers into the container placing
the D-connectors in front of the respective rubber band
pockets.
Now group the suspension lines on the D-connectors by 6. Using
a 5 daN strong thread, tie each D-connector to the loop at the
bottom of the container.
Cut away the extra thread length.
Inspect the rubber bands and replace the damaged bands with
new ones of the same type and size.
3.13.
3.12.

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3.14. Rotate the container on the table 90 degrees clockwise.
Thread the line bundle through the right hand upper rubber
band all the way to align in with the side flap webbing.
Do the same with the line bundle through the left hand upper
rubber band.
3.15. Tuck the combined bundle of all lines in a zigzag pattern
across the container back plate from the left to the right
rubber band. As the ropes become shorter, move the container
towards the canopy.
Leave the remaining 50 cm of the lines free.
Remove all unused rubber bands.
3.15.
3.14.