Bruce Goldsmith Design Link pilot User manual

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Version 1.0 January 2021
PILOT + PASSENGER

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Contents
Contents
Welcome
LINK PILOT diagram
Specications
Protectors
Reserve
Use: adjustment and pre-ight checks
Maintenance / Inspection
Warranty
3
5
6
7
10
13
15
17

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
LINK PILOT Owner’s Manual
Tandem Pilot Harness | EN1651 and LTF 91/09
Welcome to Bruce Goldsmith Design
Thank you for choosing a BGD product. We love ying and our goal is to make paragliding equipment that others will
enjoy as much as we do. We build products with personality, exceptional equipment with the rened handling and
innovative qualities that Bruce Goldsmith Design are renowned for.
Introduction
The LINK PILOT is a lightweight and comfortable split-leg harness for tandem pilots. It provides an elevated seating
position behind the passenger. The inbuilt reserve container has a 210cm webbing bridle, and the reserve handle can be
positioned on either the right or left side. There are interchangeable and removable underseat protectors – an airbag
and a foam version – which attach to the base of the harness using Velcro straps. The protectors are very quick and
easy to attach and remove. The harness is only certied with one of the certied protectors in place.
The LINK PILOT is a tandem harness for non-motorised paragliding. It should not be used for skydiving, Base jumping
etc. It is suitable for towing if a certied tandem towing release is used. There are no separate attachment points to
mount a towing release. Before mounting a towing release, please check the towing release manual.
Please read this manual before using the harness. Paragliding is a potentially dangerous sport that can cause serious
injury and even death. The use of BGD equipment is undertaken with the full knowledge that paragliding involves
risks. Inappropriate use of your equipment will increase these risks. The pilot takes exclusive responsibility for all
risks associated with the use of this equipment. Any kind of physical modication to the harness will invalidate the
certication.
Welcome

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Emergency situations
Following a water or strong-wind landing, the pilot and passenger should disconnect as quickly as possible from their
harnesses. If necessary, leg straps can be loosened before landing. The chest and leg buckles should be opened on
landing. We recommend carrying a webbing cutter for fast extraction in emergency situations.
Following a tree landing, the pilot and passenger should secure themselves to the tree and wait for help.
There will be circumstances when these are not the most approproate prpocedures. The pilot should alwaus assess
the situation and decide on the most appropriate action to safeguard themselves and their passenger.
Welcome

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
LINK PILOT diagram
Diagram
Channel for reserve
bridle
Protector
Shoulder strap with adjustment buckle
Main suspension point
Reserve container
Chest strap
Zipped pocket
Lateral strap
Reserve release handle
Fixation for protector
Back storage pocket
Connection ring for
mousse protector
Connection ring for
airbag protector

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Specications
Size unique
Maximum clip-in weight (kg) 120
Pilot height (cm) 160-195
Harness weight without protector (kg) 1.8
Hangpoint height (cm) 37
Mousse Protector weight (g) 890
Airbag protector weight (g) 390
Maximum reserve volume (cm3)8600
Certication without protector EN1651
Certication with protector EN1651 & LTF91/09
Specications

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Protectors
Two types of protector are available for the LINK PILOT harness: a mousse protector and an airbag. The harness
complies with EN1651 and LTF 91/09 when used in combination with either of the dedicated protectors.
The protectors can be easily tted to the harness using the 6 Velcro connection points, marked with in the
pictures below, and mounting rings .There are two mounting rings. The lower pair should be used to mount the
mousse protector, and the upper rings are for the airbag protector.
There should be a small gap between the mousse protector and the harness to avoid restricting leg mobility, but the
airbag should be attached as closely as possible to the base of the harness.
Protectors
MOUSSE PROTECTOR AIRBAG PROTECTOR
Lower ring
Upper ring

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Fitting the protectors
Protector pre-ight checks
The foam protector is compressed when the protector is packed, and needs to be allowed to fully regain its volume
before launch. In cold temperatures, or if it has not been used for some time, it may ll more slowly.
The airbag, it is designed to partially inate before launch. The pilot should ensure the air intake is clear and the check
valve working.
The protectors attach via 6 Velcro straps. The airbag, pictured, clips onto the upper of the two mounting rings on each
side; the mousse protector uses the lower rings.
Protectors

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Protector maintenance and service life
After a hard landing, or if any damage is visible to the protector, it should be checked by a qualied person and
repaired or exchanged if necessary.
In principle, both the airbag and mousse protectors work in the same way: during a seatboard landing, the air in the
protector is compressed and deated via the seams to the outside. The resulting deceleration distributes the impact
energy over a longer period, thus reducig the forces on the spine.
The certication test results were very good, but no back protector can guarantee to prevent back injuries. For this
reason, the protector should not be used for unnecessary seatboard landings. Every time the protector is used for a
seatboard landing the protector will become less efcient, even if no damage is visible. If there is any visible damage,
the protector should be checked by an expert before being used again, and repaired or replaced if necessary.
Protectors

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Reserve
Fitting the Reserve
Before using any harness and reserve together for the rst time, it is essential that a compatibility check is carried out
by a qualied person. The compatibility must be conrmed in the parachute repack log book.
The reserve handle can be tted on either the right or the left side of the LINK PILOT harness. The photo sequence on
the following pages shows how to install the reserve in the harness.
It is important to perform a test throw after every installation of a rescue system in a harness. It should be easy to
extract the reserve from the container with an opening force of between 2daN and 7daN.
Throwing the reserve
The rescue sytem is activated by pulling the release handle outwards. It will be more difcult to extract the parachute
if pulling from other directions. The pull will snap the light thread (see image 11), extract the yellow cable from
the loop, and release the deployment bag of the rescue system attached to the handle. Throw the handle and
deployment bag powerfully into open air. Depending on the emergency situation, the best throwing direction may
vary for a quick opening of the rescue system.
Reserve

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
1. Connect the rescue bridles to the
spreader bar with a karabiner, quick
link or soft link (>2400 daN). Secure to
prevent slipping (eg. with a neoprene
sleeve).
4. Place the excess bridle in S-loops
in the container. The loop-in point on
the deployment bag should be facing
outwards (white arrow).
2. Run the rescue bridles through the
channels in the harness, one on each
side.
3. Loop in the release handle on the
deployment bag and centre it.
5. Place the deployment bag in the
compartment. Pass the loop through
the hole in the rst ap, using a piece of
cord as a packing aid to hold it in place.
6. Close the second ap, and hold in
place with the packing cord.
Reserve
1
2
3
4
5
6

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Reserve
7. Ensure the handle is free and laid to the desired side before closing the next
aps in the sequence shown in image 5.
10. Tuck the end of the handle in the
neoprene pocket. The handle should be
secured using a light thread with 2daN
strength, eg ordinary sewing thread.
This thread should break easily when
the handle is pulled intentionally.
11. Blank patches are provided to cover
the unused Velcro on the opposite side
to the handle.
8. Locate the yellow cable of the release
handle in the cable guides (arrows),
then remove the packing-aid cord.
9. Close the top ap and tuck it into
the pocket on the ap below (arrow).
The correct location of the yellow cable
through the reserve loop can be checked
through the clear plastic window. Position
the handle on the Velcro patches.

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Use
Harness Adjustments
To put the harness on, open the leg and chest straps. Place the shoulder straps over the shoulders and close the two
leg loops. Close the chest strap last. This will secure the integrated Safe-T-System.
The shoulder, chest, lateral and leg straps are all adjustable. We recommend using a static swing to ensure the
harness is optimally adjusted for comfort before ight. The clasps of the leg straps have a security system to prevent
unintentional opening. To open them, the button must be pressed and the counterpart tilted and threaded out.
Chest strap
The chest strap has a Safe-T-System. The length can be adjusted by the adjustment buckle.
Shoulder straps
Adjust the shoulder straps so you are comfortable in both ying and standing positions. The straps may seem loose
while in the seated position but some slack is required to avoid excessive strap pressure in the standing position.
Ensure the two sides are adjusted evenly.
Lateral straps
The lateral straps adjust the tilt of the seating position. Ensure that the two sides are adjusted evenly.
Leg straps
The leg straps should be fastened tightly, but should not restric movement of the legs during take-off and landing.
Use

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Attaching the harness to the spreaders
The harness sould be connected via karabiners to the tandem spreader bar; the passenger harness, paraglider and
rescue system are also attached to the spreader bar.
Pre-ight checks
It is the pilot’s responsibility to assure the safety of themselves and their passenger. This means checking the glider,
spreader bars and both pilot and passenger harnesses are in good condition and correctly connected before ight.
Before ight the following points should be checked:
• All straps are undamaged
• The protectors are undamaged and in the correct position
• The foam protector is fully inated, or the air intakes and check valve are functional on the airbag protector
• The rescue container and release handle are properly closed and mounted
• All harness buckles are properly closed and adjusted
Use

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Maintenance / Inspection
Maintenance
The LINK PILOT harness is designed to take high loads and stress. Proper maintenance will maximise the lifetime of
the product. The harness should be periodically inspected for signs of wear, and damaged components should be
repaired or replaced by the manufacturer or an authorised workshop. Only original parts should be used.
• Keep the harness clean of dirt, oils and corrosive substances.
• Take care that no dirt gets into the mechanics of the buckles and that all moving parts of the buckles are
moving freely. If necessary, the buckles can be lightly oiled.
• Avoid excessive exposure to UV, heat and humidity.
• Always pack the harness dry.
• Always store in a cool, dry environment.
• Never drag the harness across the ground.
• If the harness is dirty, clean it only with water and a brush. Chemical cleaners can damage fabric and webbing.
• Avoid high temperatures (for example inside a closed car in summer).
• Avoid unnecessary long exposure to sunlight, as ultraviolet radiation destroys the molecular structure of the
material.
Maintenance / Inspection

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
• Avoid contact with salt water or acid liquids.
• If the harness is not used for a long time, the protector should not be stored compressed.
Inspection
For safety, routine inspections of all of your equipment is vitally important. Bruce Goldsmith Design recommends a
service interval of 24 months in addition to the usual pre-ight checks.
The karabiners must be replaced according to the karabiner manufacturer’s instructions, and at least every 5 years.
The karabiners should never be used for anything other than paragliding (eg. climbing, towing, etc).
On inspection, visually check the stitching, webbing and all structurally important areas. Pay particular attention to
the webbing around the hangpoint area under the karabiner, as this is where abrasion is most likely.
For the protector, pay particular attention to all of the stitching, the outer material, and the thickness (for the foam
protector). The foam protector should not remain squashed or deformed.
If you nd any damage or if you are in any doubt make sure the harness is checked by a professional.
Any damaged parts should be repaired or replaced. Spare parts (protectors, karabiners, release handle and reserve
Y-bridle) can be rordered from your BGD dealer.
Recycling
We all have a responsibility to look after the environment and protect the places in which we y. When the harness
comes to the end of its useful life, remove all the metal parts and dispose of the rest in an appropriate recycling
facility.
Maintenance / Inspection

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LINK PILOT manual EN Version 1.0 January 2021
Warranty
The company Bruce Goldsmith Design GmbH, referred to as BGD, takes the greatest care in design and production of
its products and proudly offers 2 years or 200 hours warranty from the date of purchase against manufacturing defects.
You are required to complete the warranty form on the website within 14 days of purchase. Only a fully completed
warranty form will be accepted to validate the warranty.
In order to settle a warranty claim, BGD must be notied in writing immediately after discovery of a defect, and the
affected product must be sent to BGD for inspection. BGD will then decide how a possible fault should be rectied,
either through repair, replacement of parts or replacement of the product. Solely BGD or an agreed service centre
should undertake repair or replacement of damaged parts. If unapproved third parties undertake repair work, there
will be no entitlement to compensation under this warranty. The owner is not entitled to replacement equipment
during the warranty claim.
Some degradation of materials due to wear and tear is to be considered normal and will be excluded from claims.
Damage due to careless or incorrect use of the product including accidents, inadequate maintenance, unsuitable
storage, damage by solvents, fuel, chemicals, sand or seawater, overloading, exposure to extreme temperatures, or
prolonged sun exposure and colour fading are also excluded.
The warranty exists solely between the original owner of the equipment and BGD. The warranty obligations only
apply to private sport and leisure-time activities, not for use for commercial purposes. If you are unsure about any
information contained in this manual, please contact your BGD dealer.
Bruce Goldsmith and team.
BGD GmbH, Am Gewerbepark 11, 9413 St. Gertraud, Austria. Tel: [phone]
sales@ybgd.com www.ybgd.com
Warranty

1
LINK PASSENGER manual EN Version 1.0 October 2020
Version 1.0 October 2020

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LINK PASSENGER manual EN Version 1.0 October 2020
Contents
Contents
Welcome 3
LINK PASSENGER diagram 4
Specications 5
Back Protection 6
Harness adjustment 7
Use 8
Maintenance / Inspection 9
Warranty 11

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LINK PASSENGER manual EN Version 1.0 October 2020
LINK PASSENGER Owner’s Manual
Tandem Passenger Harness | EN1651 and LTF 91/09
Welcome to Bruce Goldsmith Design
Thank you for choosing a BGD product. We love ying and our goal is to make paragliding equipment that others will
enjoy as much as we do. We build products with personality, exceptional equipment with the rened handling and
innovative qualities that Bruce Goldsmith Design have become renowned for.
Introduction
The LINK PASSENGER is a comfortable and functional lightweight tandem passenger harness with a mousse protector
and a lightweight synthetic seat board. It is available in one size with a wide adjustment range to t passengers from
150cm to 190cm height, and up to 120kg weight.
The LINK PASSENGER is for tandem passenger use only for non-motorised paragliding. It has no integrated reserve
container and can not be used for skydiving, Base jumping etc. It can be used for towing if the main karabiners
are used as attachment points for the towing release. There are no separate attachment points to mount a towing
release.
Please read this manual before using the harness. Paragliding is a potentially dangerous sport that can cause serious
injury and even death. The use of BGD equipment is undertaken with the full knowledge that paragliding involves
risks. Inappropriate use of your equipment will increase these risks. The pilot takes exclusive responsibility for all
risks associated with the use of this equipment. Any kind of physical modication to the harness will invalidate the
certication.
Welcome