Flying High SIDEWINDER User manual

ii
WARNING: SKYDIVING CAN KILL YOU!
Parachuting equipment does not always work the way it is intended to, and this
piece of equipment could be no exception. Each time you use this parachute
system, no matter how careful you may be, you risk serious injury or death. You
can substantially REDUCE (but not eliminate) this risk in three ways:
First, assure that each component of your parachute system is assembled, packed
and maintained in strict compliance with the equipment manufacturer's
instructions.
Second, assure you have been instructed in the use of this system.
Third, use the complete system as intended by the manufacturers, and as explained
in the owner's manuals.
************************************
* DISCLAIMER---NO WARRANTY *
************************************
Because of the unavoidable danger associated with the use of this
harness/container assembly, the manufacturer and/or seller provide NO WARRANTY,
either express or implied. The harness/ container assembly and all components
are sold with all faults and without any warranty of fitness for any purpose,
express or implied. Purchaser and all users expressly waive any and all implied
warranties which might otherwise arise by operation of law, statute or otherwise.
The manufacturer and/or seller also disclaim any liability in tort for damages,
direct or consequential, including (but not limited to) personal injuries
resulting from a defect in design, material or workmanship or manufacturing or
any other nature, whether caused by negligence on the part of the manufacturer
or otherwise. By using this harness/container assembly, or allowing it to be
used by others, all users waive any liability by the manufacturer and/or seller
for personal injuries or any other damages arising from such use.
If the buyer declines to waive liability on the part of the manufacturer, the
buyer may obtain a full refund of the purchase price by returning the unused
parachute harness/container to the manufacturer within 30 days from the date of
original purchase with a letter stating why it was returned. (Box 2320 Claresholm
AB T0L 0T0) The manufacturer will bear the cost of the return postage.
Copyright ©1995 Flying High Manufacturing, Inc. p/n 4810-00-000

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARNING/DISCLAIMER..........................................ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS..........................................iii
INTRODUCTION................................................iv
1.0 THE MAIN PARACHUTE
1.1 Assembly................................................1
1.2 Setting the Deployment Brakes...........................3
1.3 Packing.................................................4
1.4 Closing the Container with a THROW-OUT..................6
1.5 Closing the Container and Packing a PULL-OUT............7
2.0 THE 3-RING RELEASE
2.1 General.................................................8
2.2 Assembly................................................8
2.3 Pre-jump Inspection.....................................9
2.4 Periodic Maintenance....................................9
2.5 The RSL................................................10
3.0 THE RESERVE PARACHUTE
3.1 General................................................11
3.2 Parts List.............................................11
3.3 The Round Reserve......................................12
3.4 The Square Reserve.....................................15
3.5 Closing the Container..................................20
3.6 Tips...................................................23
4.0 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
4.1 General................................................24
5.0 USING YOUR SIDEWINDER
5.1 Pre-jump Check.........................................25
5.2 Donning and Adjusting..................................25
5.3 Deploying Your Throw-out Main Pilot Chute..............26
5.4 Deploying Your Pull-out Main Pilot Chute...............26
5.5 Cutaway and Deploying Your Reserve.....................27
5.6 Emergency Procedures...................................28
FAA TSO Design Approval................................
Intentionally left blank...............................
Back inside cover......................................
This manual covers the SIDEWINDER starting at s/n 065

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You have chosen one of the finest harness/container systems
available on the market today, the SIDEWINDER, a product of Flying High
Manufacturing Inc.
The SIDEWINDER is a dual parachute tandem container integrated with a single
harness. It is most noted for the single pin reserve ripcord and internal pilot
chute, but also has covered main risers, and double layer construction (which
increases strength and eliminates unsightly stitching). The harness is
constructed of a single Type-13R main lift webb, rated at 7000 lbs. per side.
Your SIDEWINDER is outstanding, not only in its design and performance, but also
in custom crafted, quality workmanship. We have taken great care in building
this rig for you; we hope you are as proud of it as we are. We have been
manufacturing harness/ container systems like the Bullet, the Excaliber and the
Sidewinder for jumpers all across Canada since we incorporated in 1979. Besides
doing very custom work (such as race car harnesses, rescue and stunt harnesses,
and even the rig used in the James Bond movies), we also do top quality repairs,
modifications and repacks. We sell most popular brands of canopies and skydiving
accessories as well.
PLEASE: Take the time to READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL and make yourself familiar with
this product before you jump with it.
It is your life, and therefore your responsibility to insure that your new rig
is assembled, packed and used correctly. A rigger, instructor or drop zone
safety officer can help you become familiar with your new gear before you make
your first jump on it. Before lending your rig to anyone else, make sure they
are familiar with it's operation and use. Should you require any custom
alterations or repairs, please contact us. Keep you and your rig safe, and keep
it all "Flying High". We have replacement parts available at reasonable prices.
If you have any questions or suggestions about your container system or this
manual please contact us at:
Flying High Manufacturing, Inc.
Box 2320 Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0 Canada
TEL/FAX [phone] (MST).
email [email protected]
We sincerely hope you make your very best skydives with your new equipment.
.....from the Flying High loft...

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Fig.1
Fig.2
1.0 MAIN PACKING INSTRUCTIONS
1.1 Assembly
We heartily recommend the use of a packing mat for your rig and a tarp or
protective sheet for your
canopy while packing. Do not
drag your rig across the bare
ground when packing. Lay out
the main parachute with the
lines stretched out straight.
(On a clean surface free from
any sharp objects which could
snag canopy cloth or lines).
To attach the pilot chute and
deployment bag, feed the end
of the main pilot chute bridle
through the large center
grommet in the deployment bag. Be sure the bag is correct side out (webbing to
the outside) and the open end is facing the canopy. Run the bridle through the
ring (or loop) attachment point on the center of the top skin of the canopy, and
then back through the same center grommet in the deployment bag. (Fig 1) Work
the main pilot chute through the loop in the end of the bridle, and then pull the
bridle taut, moving the knot down through the deployment bag grommet and
tightening it up against the ring or loop on the top center of the main canopy.
Attach the two main risers to the harness rings according to the ASSEMBLY
instructions in the 3-RING RELEASE SECTION (2.0). Brake lines are stowed to the
outside. Lay the rig down so that the main risers are in position to be attached
to the main connector links. Do a thorough inspection of the main canopy,
looking for any defects. (In the case of a used main, check for excessive wear
or damage).
It is VERY important to attach
the main links to the risers
with proper continuity. **
Have a rigger or an experienced
jumper DOUBLE CHECK this step
if you are not 100% sure! **
There are two ways of doing
this; both work well.
1) Suspend the canopy from the
tail--possibly ceiling hard
points, the top of a curtain
rod, a clothes line, or the
overhang on a low

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Fig.3
Fig.4
building. (Fig.2) Looking to see that each
line group is straight, clear of other line
groups, and through it's respective slider
grommet, attach each rapide link to the correct
riser. If the canopy does not come with slider
bumpers already on the links, you may wish to
install them first. Slide the bumpers onto the
lines above the rapide link, fold the loop at
the end of the riser under to the center, to
form a "buffer", and insert the folded end into
the opening of the rapide link. Tighten the
barrel of the link as tight as possible with
your fingers and, with a wrench, tighten a
further 1/4 turn. (Fig.3) Slide the bumper
back down over the rapide link. Line grouping
should be very obvious; ie. two separate groups
for the left side and two for the right side;
the lines from the nose go to the front risers
and the lines from the back half of the canopy
go to the rear risers (the rear risers have the
steering loops and the brake lock rings).
Starting at the tail of the canopy, clear each
steering line down to the steering line
junction point, then to the brake locking loop,
through the rear slider grommet on its
respective side, through the steering guide/brake lock ring and tie the steering
loop onto the steering line at the factory mark. The best way to tie on the
steering loop is with a bowline and overhand knot (especially if you ever have
to take off the toggles or move them after a few openings), however you may
follow the canopy manufacturer’s instructions here.
Slide the rig on over your shoulders as if you
were putting it on, and step back just far enough
to take most of the slack out of the lines. It
is now very easy to see that all the lines are
straight and clear.(Fig.2) Tack the slider
bumpers to the links to prevent them from sliding
up the lines during deployment. (Fig.5)
Make sure that the steering lines move without
binding when the slider is all the way down and
resting against the slider bumpers. Make sure
you can easily reach the steering loops.
2) If you don't have the luxury of suspending
your canopy by the tail, you can do the assembly
with the canopy on its side.(Fig.4) First flake
the canopy, straighten the lines, and then lay

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Fig.5
Fig.6
the canopy down on its right side. Pick up the two center lines (B+C) on the top
side (starting at the slider stops on the stabilizers), run the lines down to the
two connector links, and attach the links to the front and back of the left
riser. Turn the whole canopy over and do the same thing with the other side.
Slider bumpers, steering lines, steering loop installation and link tightening
are all the same as the preceding instructions. Finally, check each line for
continuity.
Continuity can also be easily checked by carefully inflating the canopy when
there are light ground winds. Use a helper.
If you are unclear on how to assemble the main parachute to the risers and the
harness, have it done by a qualified rigger.
Install the rubber bands on the deployment bag, flake and stack the canopy
according to the manufacturers packing instructions. Keep the lines taut during
the entire packing and line stowing process---THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Slack in
the lines increases the chance of a malfunction.
DOUBLE CHECK ALL YOUR WORK!
1.2 Setting the Deployment Brakes
The deployment brakes can be set either before you start packing or after you
have done the flaking and stacking; many jumpers have their own preference, or
follow the canopy manufacturers packing instructions.
To set the brakes, pull the steering loop down until the brake locking loop in
the steering line is exposed BELOW the guide ring. (Fig.5) Push the stiffened
end of the steering loop
through the brake locking
loop 3/4" and into its
protective channel. Mate
the steering loop to the
velcro on the riser. Steer-
ing line left over when the
brakes are set can be "S"
folded and stowed in a rub-
ber band attached to the connector link or stowed in the velcro tab beside, and
locked under, the steering loop. (Fig.6)

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Fig.7
Fig.8
Fig.9
Fig 10
1.3 Packing
Main packing instructions supplied
by the parachute manufacturer
should be followed, with this
section serving as a supplement.
Fold the canopy to about 4" wider
than the deployment bag. (Fig.7)
This gives extra bulk at the
edges to compensate for the high
tape and line bulk in the center
of the bag.
When stack folding the canopy, keep
the length of the folds the same as
the distance from the top to the bot-
tom of the bag. Making neat, square
cornered stack folds helps fill the
bottom corners of the bag. Place the
folded canopy in the deployment bag
and pull all of the bridle cord out
through the grommet in the top of the
bag. (Fig.8)
Bring the line groups to the center, pull the
locking flap up over the packed canopy, and
make 1" to 1½" bight locking stows at the
center two locking flap grommets. (Fig.9)
Keeping the lines taut as you go, stow the
remainder of the lines across the mouth of the
bag. Any damaged rubber bands must be
replaced.
The bights should be 1-2" and extend about
1" beyond the ends of the bag. While
holding the last line stow, pick up the bag
and set it into the main container on its
line stows. (Fig. 10) Ensure that there
is no canopy material caught between the
bridle attachment point ring (or loop) and
the deployment bag top center grommet, as
damage to your canopy could occur.

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Fig.11
Fig.12
Lay the risers into position,
starting at the 3-rings and working
over the top of the container, over
the reserve top flap "ears", and then
down the side of the reserve
container. This is most easily
accomplished by raising the top of
the rig almost vertically and holding
it in that position over one knee so
that the yoke and front part of the
harness hangs down. (Fig.11) It
simulates the position of the harness
to the container when it is worn, so
that the risers do not stick out or
pull too tightly when the rig is
packed. Tuck the riser cover "tabs"
into their respective pockets, pull
the yoke and harness down firmly
against the container and set the rig back down. Tuck the risers into position
along the side of the reserve. The ends of the main risers are placed between
the main deployment bag and the sides of the main container. Take care not to
dislodge the brake lock setting when stowing the bag in the container.
Tip the bag forward so that the line
stows completely fill the bottom
"corner pockets" on the bottom flap.
The line stows must be to the bottom
or a pilot chute in tow condition may
result. Roll the top of the
deployment bag into the top part of
the main container and, using your
knees, place your full weight onto the
center of the bag. This will flatten
excess bulk in the center and help to
push it out into the corners for a
more pleasing result. (Fig.12)
Refer to the throw-out or pull-out
section particular to your pilot chute
deployment system.

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Fig.13
Fig.16
Fig.15
Fig.14
Fig.17
1.4 Closing the container with a THROW-OUT
Using a pull up cord through the main
closing loop, close the container:
bottom, top, left side and then right
side, with the bridle exiting the
container between top and bottom
flaps, to the RIGHT of the closing
loop. Mate the two small velcro
tabs so the bridle folds above the
pin, with the velcro at the top of
the loop. Insert the pin in the
closing loop and remove the pull up
cord by first sliding it under the
pin, and then pulling it out.
(Fig.13) Remove your pull up cord, or your rig will not open! (it's best to use
a pull up cord which does not match the colors of your rig). Close the outside
center main top flap by tucking in the locking tongue.
For a leg-mount, roll the rig onto its left side and, starting at the edge of the
right main lift webb, mate the bridle velcro onto the side plate velcro. Work
back towards the pin, tucking the excess under the right main side flap. For a
bottom of main container pocket (BOC), mate the 2" bridle velcro to the bottom
flap, just above the BOC pocket.
Remove twists from the bridle, spread out the pilot chute and fold it in half
with the mesh to the inside. Tuck the exposed mesh neatly inside the cloth while
keeping tension between the bridle and the deployment handle. (Fig.14) Fold the
pilot chute across in thirds and "S" fold the excess bridle
from the base of the pilot chute to only half way
towards the handle. (Fig. 15) Fold the pilot chute in
half so that the "S" folded bridle is now covered and
the handle extends just past the base of the pilot
chute.(Fig.16) Roll as tightly as you can, and after first checking that there
are no remaining twists in the bridle, slide the pilot chute into its pouch so
that only the handle is exposed.(Fig.17) Check that you can easily extract the
pilot chute from its pouch before jumping the rig. With this packing system, the
pilot chute will come out of the pouch easily, even if the bridle is directly
pulled or accidently snagged.

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Fig.18
Fig.19
Fig 20
Fig 21
1.5 Closing the container with a PULL-OUT
S-fold the pilot chute bridle across
the top of the deployment bag with
the pilot chute and deployment handle
exiting the bottom right corner of
the main container. (Fig.18)
Push the folded bridle down between
the bag and top of the main con-
tainer. Friction here will stage the
deployment of the bridle. Push the
base of the pilot chute into the bottom right hand corner of the main container
between the deployment bag and the container side wall. (Fig.19) Friction here
helps keep the handle from getting too far from reach, if it is accidently
knocked from its pocket.
Distribute the bulk of the pilot chute evenly
along the bottom of the main container, on top
of the D-bag line stows. Route the handle out
the bottom main container, to the RIGHT of the
closing loop (Fig.20).
Snap the deployment handle into the top locking
tab, then the bottom one. Ensure there is enough
slack in the bridle, so the pin will clearly be
pulled before tension is exerted on the pilot
chute. (Fig.20) CAUTION--If slack is not left between the base of the pilot
chute and the deployment handle, a hard pull
or total malfunction could result.
Using a pull up cord through the main closing
loop, close the container in the following
order: bottom, top, left side and then right
side, with the bridle exiting the container
between top and right side flaps to the RIGHT
of the closing loop. (Fig.21) Pull out just
enough bridle to insert the pin in the closing
loop, and remove the pull up cord by first
sliding it under the pin, and then pulling it out. Remove your pull up cord, or
your rig will not open! (it's best to use a pull up cord which does not match the
colors of your rig). Tuck excess bridle under the right side flap, close the
center flap and tuck in the locking tongue. Again using your knees, place your
full weight onto the center of the main container (each side of the main closing
pin) to flatten out the pack job perfectly.

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Fig.22
2.0 THE 3-RING RELEASE
2.1 General
The 3-ring release was invented by Bill Booth in 1976. It was the first and
undoubtably the best single point release system ever invented. We are pleased
to use the 3-ring system, either in the standard and mini 3-ring sizes on all
Flying High rigs. Although the 3-ring system is incredibly simple, it must be
correctly assembled and maintained to function properly.
2.2 Assembly
Slide the yellow cables from the cutaway handle into their appropriate length
housings until the ends of the cables are just even with the ends of the
housings, but not poking out.
Hook up the right riser (it has the excess steering line stowed to the right of
the steering loop, and also the RSL ring and snap tab, if so equipped) to the
right side of the harness. Then hook up the left riser to the left side of the
harness.
Pass the large riser ring through the harness ring, from
the inside towards the outside. Fold the large riser
ring up and back over and onto the small riser ring.
Pass the small riser ring through the large riser ring
(but not the harness ring) and fold it up and back over
the grommet in the riser.
Fold the white cloth loop over the top of the small
riser ring and push it through the grommet, to the back
of the riser. Pull it tight from the backside of the
riser. (Fig.23)
Position the flat side of the housing terminal end
against the back of the riser grommet, and push the
white loop through the grommet in the housing terminal
end.
Move each cutaway handle cable further into the housing,
and as you do this, guide the yellow cutaway cable end
through the protruding white cloth loop. Make sure that
the loop is not twisted. (Fig.22)
If a canopy is already installed on the risers, do a
line continuity check on the canopy so that none of the
lines are twisted or tangled, and the line groups from each side of the canopy
run cleanly down to their respective risers. Steering lines should follow
straight from the tail to the steering line junction point, through their
respective rear slider grommets, steering guide/brake lock rings, and be tied
securely to the steering loop.

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Fig.23
After hooking up both risers, push the cutaway
cables into the housings all the way and mate
the velcro of the cutaway handle to the velcro
on the back side of the right main lift webb.
Insert each cable end into the protective
channel on the back of its riser. (Fig.22)
Double check that the line continuity is
correct and that the 3-ring is assembled
exactly as shown in the drawings. (Fig.22,
Fig.23)
2.3 Pre-Jump Inspection
1. Each ring should pass through only one
other ring.
2. The white cloth loop should pass over only
the smallest riser ring, then through the riser
grommet, and finally through the grommet in the
housing terminal end. There should be no
twists in the white cloth loop.
3. The only thing passing through the white
cloth loop should be the yellow cutaway cable.
4. The cutaway handle should be securely mated
to the harness velcro with minimal yellow cable
showing between the top of the handle and the
bottom end of the cutaway housings.
2.4 Periodic Maintenance
1. Make sure that the cutaway cables slide easily in the housings. They tend
to collect sticky dirt over a period of time, which can make a cutaway much more
difficult. Wipe the cables clean, lubricate with a silicon spray and then wipe
dry. The silicon will lubricate without attracting dirt. Although the cutaway
cable must be cleaned and sprayed at each reserve repack, it is recommended that
it be done more often.
2. Make sure that the nylon webbing attachments for the rings and the white
cloth locking loops remain flexible. They tend to collect dirt after a period
of time, and because they are in contact with metal, the surface of the metal
rings tend to transfer a bit into the nylon. As well, any dirt around the ring
area tends to get ground into to the softer nylon. This contamination makes the
nylon stiff, and could eventually prevent the release from operating. You can
do two things to combat this problem:

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Fig.24
a) Separate the 3-ring assembly so that the riser webbing near the rings
(and the cloth loop) can be softened by repeated flexing. Do this once
a month or every 25 jumps, which ever occurs first.
b) Using a nylon fingernail brush and some liquid dish soap, wash and
rinse the riser webbing near the rings and also the white cloth locking
loop. You can do this at every reserve repack, or when you notice the
webbing and loop getting dirty or stiff. Make sure the nylon webbing
is thoroughly DRY before jumping the rig (this can take up to two days
in a humid environment).
3. Protect the nylon webbing and the cloth loops from abrasion. They are
particularly susceptible where they pass over a metal ring. DO NOT DRAG YOUR
CONTAINER DIRECTLY OVER THE GROUND. Rather, use a packing mat and move your
canopy/bag towards the container as you pack and stow the lines.
4. Check that the length of cutaway cable protruding from each housing end, is
equal. Should you have to operate the 3-ring release system, it will assure that
a breakaway will occur on both sides simultaneously. If a Reserve Static Line
system is installed on your rig, cable lengths differ. See the RSL section.
5. Be careful that the nylon loop does not become wet when packing or jumping.
A wet loop can freeze at the higher altitudes and airspeeds on your next jump--a
frozen loop can easily prevent the 3-ring release system from operating.
2.5 RSL
On a rig equipped with an RSL, cutaway action on the
right riser pulls the reserve cable and pin via a short
lanyard. Although this action is very fast and
positive, always carry through with the reserve
deployment sequence after a cutaway (ie. Pull the
reserve handle!) The cutaway cable on the wearer's
left side is 1" shorter than the right side to ensure
separation on both sides before the RSL pulls on the
reserve ripcord cable.
The RSL snap shackle routes from the bottom of the yoke
velcro, behind the two cutaway housings and locks onto
the right riser "side ring". The pull tab snaps onto
the "side tab". (Fig.24). The other end of the RSL
lanyard is covered under the reserve packing
instructions, "Closing the container" (3.5).
Pull down sharply on the pull tab to unsnap and
disconnect the RSL shackle. Stow the shackle and
excess lanyard under the 3-ring stitch cover to keep
from tangling with the 3-ring system. To use the rig without an RSL, remove the
lanyard and completely cover all three pieces of hook velcro with loop velcro to
prevent damage.

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3.0 RESERVE PACKING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 General
Carefully read the contents of this manual prior to packing the reserve
parachute. These packing instructions must be adhered to, but where
discrepancies arise between this manual and the canopy manufacturers' packing
instructions, the canopy manufacturers' instructions shall prevail. Please
consult Flying High for clarification if you have a problem--DO NOT GUESS! When
you pack, seal and sign the reserve pack job in this container, you are
certifying it to be airworthy. Anything that is wrong with a new container, or
has gone wrong since the last reserve pack job is now your responsibility. This
should not be taken lightly.
Reserve assembly and packing must be done by a certified parachute rigger,
complying with FAA standard rigging practices. If a "ram-air" reserve is to be
packed, the rigger must also have a Ram-Air reserve endorsement. The reserve
container is designed for a specific size of reserve parachute--do NOT try and
put a large reserve into a small container.
The reserve container uses an internally mounted pilot chute. The single closing
loop, which routes up through the middle of the reserve container and reserve
pilot chute, is locked with a single pin ripcord. This allows for a flat,
compressed reserve pack job that easily falls within the 22# pull force limit.
3.2 Parts List (supplied with container)
1- Sidewinder harness/container system
1- Reserve ripcord
1- Cutaway handle
1- Reserve pilot chute
1- Reserve closing loop and washer
1- Reserve deployment bag and bridle
2- Reserve steering loops
1- Main container closing loop
2- Main risers
2- Main steering loops
1- Main deployment bag
1- Main pilot chute/bridle/pin
1- Owner's manual
Round reserve option: round reserve bridle included and brake locking system is
installed, but these parts will not be included:
1- Reserve deployment bag and bridle
2- Reserve steering loops
RSL option: the following extra part will be included:
1- RSL lanyard

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Fig.25
Fig.26
3.3 The Round Reserve
Tools Required: NOTE: A T-Bar or similar
1.) 6 to 8 shot bags lever closing device is
2.) one packing paddle NOT recommended.
3.) one line separator
4.) one flagged temporary pin
5.) one gutted 550# pull-up cord about 36" long
6.) one flagged velcro protector for RSL, if equipped
--COUNT ALL TOOLS ON COMPLETION OF PACKING SEQUENCE--
1. Stretch out the canopy on the packing table. Attach the connector links to
the four reserve risers (check the canopy manufacturer's instructions for what
type/size of connector links to use). Double check line
continuity and tighten the links. When using Rapide links,
the standard procedure is to tighten finger tight, then 1/4
turn. Follow manufacturer's instructions for any steering
system set up. Loop the bridle around the apex lines using
the small loop, and then loop the pilot chute onto the
larger end of the bridle. The bridle loop must be tacked
near the apex lines with at least two stitches (doubled) or
four stitches (single) of Supertack or waxed 5 or 6 cord,
so that it slides freely on the apex lines. (Fig.25)
2. Inspect the harness and container assembly completely,
then work up the lines, to the canopy, bridle, and finally
finish the inspection with the pilot chute.
3. Flake the reserve canopy as per the canopy manufacturer's instructions,
stowing the lines on the diaper as required.
4. Install a velcro protector onto the
RSL velcro hook on the right "ear" of the
reserve flap cover. Lay the risers
inside the pack tray along the outer
edges. Links from each riser group
should be resting side by side to reduce
bulk. (Fig.26) Check that the reserve
loop figure-8 knot is secure after the
washer, under the 1½" elastic, on the
center plate. (Fig.45)
Thread a pull-up cord through the reserve
loop and lay to the top center of the
container.

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13
Fig.27
Fig.28
5a. For canopies with Type 3 Diapers
(baby bottom), lay the diaper into the
bottom right corner of the reserve
container, filling the corner as fully
as possible. (The diaper may be curved
up along the bottom). Run the reserve
across the bottom of the container on
edge, and fold it back on itself at
the bottom left corner. Make one
extra short fold from the bottom left
corner to the edge of the diaper and
then back to the left side again.
This fold is to equalize the bulk of
the diaper and stowed lines. (Fig.27)
5b. From the left side, fold the
reserve (on edge) back and forth
across the reserve container, from
the bottom towards the top. For
better bulk distribution, make the
top folds a little bit wider than
the width of the container with no
more than two folds above the
closing loop. The apex should be
folded in towards the center, so as
not to leave a wrinkle or hard
spot. (Fig.28)
Skip to step #7.

SIDEWINDER OWNERS MANUAL RELEASE 1.3 JAN/2002
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14
Fig.29
Fig.30
6. For canopies with Type 4 Diapers
(choker), lay the diaper on edge across
the bottom of the container, from the
right corner to the left corner.
Continue packing as per the Type 3 (5b)
directions.
7. Thread the pull-up cord up through
the folded canopy, and then through the
bottom internal flap. Pull tight and pin
closed with the temporary pin. (Fig.29)
8. The bridle exits between the top and bottom internal flaps, on either side
of the closing loop. Thread the pullup cord through the top internal flap, close
and temporarily pin in the same manner.
Tuck in the T-12 tabs at the outer
top corners. Make sure that the bulk
is evenly distributed from side to
side and top to bottom. The closing
loop may have to be moved up or down
one stow of canopy to get the bulk
balanced properly. "S" fold the
bridle in 6" horizontal stows on top
of the bottom internal flap, just
below the closing loop. (Fig.30)
Skip to:
3.6 Closing the Container

SIDEWINDER OWNERS MANUAL RELEASE 1.3 JAN/2002
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15
Fig.31
Fig.32
3.4 The Square Reserve
Tools Required: NOTE: A T-Bar or similar
1.) one packing paddle lever closing device is
2.) one flagged temporary pin NOT recommended.
3.) one molar strap
4.) one gutted 550# pull-up cord about 36" long
5.) two 6" flagged velcro line protectors
--COUNT ALL TOOLS ON COMPLETION OF PACKING SEQUENCE--
1. Assemble, inspect and check line continuity according to
the canopy manufacturer's instructions. Make sure that the
connector links are tightened (finger tight plus 1/4 turn
for Rapide's) and the steering lines are routed through the
rear slider grommets, then through the guide rings on the
rear risers. Tie on the reserve steering loops at the
steering line mark with a bowline and overhand lock knot,
unless the canopy manufacturer advises otherwise. Check the
canopy trim, including brake lock and full flight settings
against the canopy manufacture's specs.
2. Although TSO testing was accomplished using only the
"PRO" packing method, flake and fold the canopy according to
the manufacturer's instruc-tions, to the point where the
brakes are set, the slider is pulled up to the stops, and
the canopy is dressed 2"-4" wider than the reserve D-bag.
(Fig.31)
To set the brakes, pull the control line down until the
brake lock loop is exposed below the guide ring. Insert the
stiffened short end of the steering loop into the lock loop
and stow the excess line in the velcro keeper by wrapping
the 2" velcro loop around the line and mating it to about
1/3 of the 1" velcro hook. Mate the steering loop/riser hook velcro and tack the
top of the stiffened end of the steering loop to the riser with one turn of
doubled seal thread. (Fig.32) Ensure that the lock loop stays seated on the
stiffened portion of the steering loop when tugging sharply on the steering line.

SIDEWINDER OWNERS MANUAL RELEASE 1.3 JAN/2002
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16
Fig.33
Fig.34
Fig.35
3. Fold the top part of the canopy back on itself, making a fold length equal
to the distance between the bottom of the reserve D-bag and the center grommet.
Make sure that the nose is exposed.
(Fig.33)
4. Fold back on
itself again, so that
the top part of the
canopy now points away
from the container.
Recheck the length of
your fold.
(Fig.34)
5. Split the top portion of the canopy
(above the fold) into two separate
halves, by following the center tail seam
up to the nose. Clean and split the
nose, and fold back over towards the
container so the high points of the nose
are even with the slider. Neatly shape
the two halves into "ears" for an overall
"U" shape. The folded canopy is best
held in position with a "molar strap",
until the canopy is set in the D-bag.
(Fig.35)