Performance Designs PD Series User manual

MAN-0012 Rev. I
Performance
Designs Ram Air
Reserve Parachute
Manual

Dear Customer
We’d like to thank you for your purchase of a new Performance Designs, Inc. reserve
parachute. We’re confident you’ll be pleased with it in every way. You’ll like its light weight
and small pack volume. If you deploy it, you’ll be pleased with its quick reliable openings,
good flight characteristics and great landings that Performance Designs canopies are
known for.
Whether new or used, we urge you and your rigger to carefully inspect your new reserve
to completely familiarize yourselves with its features and quality workmanship.
Again, thank you for choosing a Performance Designs canopy. With proper care, it should
provide many years of service.
Sincerely
Bill J. Coe and John LeBlanc
President Vice President
WARNING: COMPONENT INCOMPATIBILITY, OR INCORRECT CHOICE, INCORRECT ASSEMBLY OR
IMPROPER CONFIGURATION OF PARACHUTE SYSTEM COMPONENTS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH. All components of a parachute system must be compatible with each other to ensure
proper functioning of the system. The user is responsible for determining the compatibility and
choice of all parachute system components and for ensuring the correct assembly and
configuration of all components used in the parachute system. Particular attention should be paid
to, but should not be limited to, compatibility of harnesses and containers, risers, pilot chutes,
bridles, cutaway systems, reserve static lines, M.A.R.D systems, main/reserve activation devices
and automatic activation devices (AADs)

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WARNING
Each time you use this parachute you risk bodily injury and death.
You can substantially reduce this risk by:
1- Assuring every component of the parachute system has been assembled and packed in
strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
2- Obtaining proper instruction in the use of this canopy and the rest of the equipment, and
3- Operating each component of the system in strict compliance with the owner’s manual
and safe parachuting practices.
Parachute systems sometimes fail to operate properly - even when properly assembled, packed
and operated - so you risk serious injury and death each time you use the system.
Always know the entire life history of every single component of your parachute system.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
The policies contained herein comply with the Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 21.
REVISION LIST
This manual may be revised at any time by Performance Designs Inc (PD).The only way to be
sure this manual is current for your canopy is to check periodically with PD or check
www.performancedesigns.com. PD welcomes suggestions of ways to improve this publication. If
you feel parts are incomplete or hard to understand, please let us know by writing or emailing
PD.
DISCLAIMER, NO WARRANTY
Because of the unavoidable danger associated with the use of this parachute, the manufacturer
makes no warranty, either expressed or implied. It is sold with all faults and without any
warranty of fitness for any purpose. The manufacturer also disclaims any liability in tort for
damages, direct or consequential, including personal injuries resulting from a defect in design,
material, workmanship or manufacturing whether caused by negligence on the part of the
manufacturer or otherwise. By using this parachute assembly, or allowing it to be used by
others, the user waives any liability of the manufacturer for personal injuries or other damages
arising from such use.
If the buyer declines to waive liability on the part of the manufacturer, buyer may obtain a full
refund of the purchase price by returning the parachute before it is used to the manufacturer
within 15 days from the date of the original purchase with a letter stating why it is returned.

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CANOPY PACKING / DEPLOYMENT LOG
As any conventional ram air reserve is repeatedly handled and repacked, the fabric permeability
will increase over time. This increased permeability will affect opening, flight and/or landing
characteristics. To monitor this important issue, we have incorporated a tracking and inspection
program into our reserve canopies. Compliance with this program is mandatory. Each time
the reserve is aired, inspected and repacked, a single diagonal line / is to be placed in the next
open box on the label. In the event of an actual deployment, an X is to be placed in the next
available box.
The warning label should accurately reflect the repacks and uses on that reserve canopy. In the
event a rigger encounters a discrepancy between the packing data card and the warning label,
the label should be brought into compliance, just as the rigger would do with any other piece of
equipment. The owner of the reserve should be informed that the rigger is simply complying
with Performance Designs’ requirement for the label to accurately reflect the repacks and/or
uses on that canopy.
After 40 repacks or 25 deployments have been reached, the reserve must have its permeability
tested. This testing is performed to ensure that the fabric permeability has not reached a point
where the opening and landing performance would be unacceptable. Subsequent to passing this
testing, the canopy will be recertified by the factory and the canopy is then returned into
service. An additional label will be affixed containing additional boxes to be used as a
packing/deployment log. The specific number of boxes will be chosen according to the results of
the test.
In most countries, 40 repacks are usually performed over a 10 to 20 year period, but it is
possible that a canopy reaches over 20 years old before this permeability testing is required.
Unless the canopy is exposed to a degrading element, or sustains damage, it is considered
airworthy upon inspection until the 40 repacks or 25 deployments have been logged.

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Table of Contents
SECTION 1....................................................................................................................................4
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL...............................................................................4
READ BEFORE ASSEMBLY OR USE.................................................................................................4
SECTION 2....................................................................................................................................5
CHOOSING THE CORRECT RESERVE SIZE ......................................................................................5
WING LOADING, CANOPY SIZE, AND SKILL LEVEL ..........................................................................6
HIGH TEMPERATURE AND FIELD ELEVATIONS ................................................................................6
WING LOADING DESCRIPTIONS....................................................................................................7
WING LOADINGS LESS THAN 0.45 LB/SQ.FT:..............................................................................7
WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 0.45 AND 0.7 LB/SQ.FT: ...................................................................7
WING LOADING BETWEEN 0.7 AND 1.0 LB/SQ.FT:.......................................................................7
WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 1.0 AND 1.4 LB/SQ.FT:.....................................................................7
WING LOADINGS ABOVE 1.4 LBS/SQ.FT, AND BELOW THE MAXIMUM SUSPENDED WEIGHT: ............8
FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS ..........................................................................................................8
BASIC INSTRUCTION FOR LOW WING LOADINGS ...........................................................................9
TIPS FOR FLYING AT HIGHER WING LOADINGS ..............................................................................9
SECTION 3..................................................................................................................................11
DEPLOYMENT BODY POSITION AND AIRSPEED .............................................................................11
DEPLOYMENT SPEED ......................................................................................................................11
HIGH FREEFALL SPEEDS .................................................................................................................11
MINIMUM DEPLOYMENT ALTITUDES ....................................................................................................12
THE EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE ON AIRSPEED .........................................................................................12
THE EFFECT TEMPERATURE HAS ON AIRSPEED .......................................................................................12
IN SUMMARY.........................................................................................................................13
MAXIMUM CERTIFICATED WEIGHTS & SPEEDS ....................................................................................13
SAFE OPERATING GUIDELINES AND COMMON SENSE ...........................................................................13
SECTION 4..................................................................................................................................15
CANOPY CARE AND CONDITION ......................................................................................................15
DEGRADATION FROM USE .............................................................................................................15
INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS ..........................................................................................................15
VISUAL INSPECTION ....................................................................................................................16
FABRIC TESTING ..........................................................................................................................17
STRENGTH TEST:...................................................................................................................17
PERMEABILITY CHECK: ................................................................................................................18
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS: ........................................................................................................19
MINOR REPAIRS: ...................................................................................................................19
MAJOR REPAIRDS: .................................................................................................................19
FACTORY REPAIRS:................................................................................................................19

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WET CANOPIES: ..........................................................................................................................19
SECTION 5..................................................................................................................................21
Side and Frontal Views...............................................................................................................21
DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS ..................................................................................................................22
REPACK CYCLES ...........................................................................................................................22
SERVICE LIFE ..............................................................................................................................22
COMPATIBILITY CHECK..............................................................................................................22
ATTACHING THE RESERVE TO THE RISERS ...........................................................................................23
CONNECTOR LINKS .......................................................................................................................23
STAINLESS STEEL LINKS .....................................................................................................24
SLINKS ................................................................................................................................25
ATTACHING STEERING LINES TO TOGGLES ..............................................................................25
TOGGLE ATTACHMENT:MICROLINE STEERING LINE WITH FACTORY MADE LOOP .................................................27
TOGGLE ATTACHMENT: MICROLINE STEERING LINE ............................................................................28
TOGGLE ATTACHMENT: DACRON/POLYESTER STEERING LINES ..............................................................29
PROPACKING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................38
FLAT PACKING INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................................38
PD SERIES SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................................39
OPTIMUM SERIES SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................39

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SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, you must obtain instruction in the use of
this parachute from a competent and appropriately rated instructor before using this
parachute for the first time. It is beyond the scope of this manual to teach you how to deploy,
fly, land or maintain this parachute. This manual is only a general guide about this canopy. It does
not replace or substitute proper training and instruction. If there is anything that you do not fully
understand, you must consult a properly rated instructor. Parachute associations around the world,
including the United States Parachute Association, publish recommended procedures on learning
to skydive and on using skydiving equipment. We urge you to learn and follow these procedures.
Jumping this parachute without first receiving thorough and personal instruction increases the risk
of serious injury or death.
Sport parachuting technology and procedures continue to advance rapidly. Although a great deal
of care has been taken in the preparation of this manual, Performance Designs cautions that it
may contain information that may not be correct or behind the current state of the art of parachute
use.
For these reasons, you must use qualified experts - riggers and instructors - to help you inspect,
assemble, pack, use and maintain this parachute. Performance Designs recommends that you stay
abreast of current techniques and procedures. One such way of keeping updated is to log onto
www.performancedesigns.com
READ BEFORE ASSEMBLY OR USE
Since parachutes are manufactured and inspected by people, there is always a
possibility this parachute contains defects as a result of human error. Therefore, the
entire parachute system - main and reserve canopies, harness, container and other components
– must be thoroughly inspected before their first use and before each subsequent use.
Parachutes get weaker through time for a number of reasons. They are subject to wear
during packing, deployment and landing. Exposure to many agents, including but not
limited to- sunlight, heat and household chemicals, significantly weaken parachutes.
The damage may or may not be obvious. To help minimize the risk of parachute failure and
possible serious injury or death, the entire parachute system should be thoroughly inspected at
least every year. Parachute associations around the world have laws regarding repack and
inspection cycles. Make sure that you are aware of the laws pertaining to you. Inspections must
be done by a certificated rigger who has previous experience with this type of parachute.
Your parachute should be immediately inspected if at any time it has been exposed to
a degrading element. Remember that some chemicals will continue to degrade the parachute
long after initial exposure. Regular and thorough inspections are necessary to maintain the
structural integrity, reliability, and flight characteristics of the parachute.
Always know the entire life history of every part of your parachute system. That way you
will know that no part has been exposed to an agent that may seriously weaken or damage it.

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SECTION 2
CHOOSING THE CORRECT RESERVE SIZE
Performance Designs reserve canopies are built in different models that span a wide range of sizes
and operating limits. There is a specific reserve to match almost any combination of deployment
altitudes, weights, skill levels, and landing elevations. When selecting a reserve there are certain
factors to take into consideration. Some of these are legal limits that must be respected.
It is important for your safety and enjoyment that you match your canopy with your ability and
weight. If a canopy is too small for you, safe and comfortable landings will be difficult to obtain,
even for experienced jumpers under ideal conditions. Less experienced jumpers should be more
conservative on canopy size.
The explanations about canopy flight characteristics below are based on landing elevations at sea
level. If you’re landing at elevations of more than 2000 feet above sea level, you should
consider getting a canopy at least one size larger than what you would normally jump
at sea level.
Determining the wing loading of the parachute you intend to jump or buy is a good guide to
matching your weight to a particular canopy. Wing loading is easily calculated by dividing a
total suspended weight in pounds by the surface area of the parachute in square feet.
Total suspended weight is the weight of the jumper plus all his/her clothing and gear, including all
components of the parachute system.
For example, a jumper who weighs 165 lbs (74.8kg) with his/her jumpsuit on and who jumps a
packed rig that weighs 25 lbs (11.35kg) would have a suspended weight of 190 lbs (86.1kg).
Here’s an example of how to calculate wing loading of a 210 square foot canopy and the jumper
used in the example above:
190 lbs
210sq.ft = 0.9lb./sq.ft.
Compare the wing loadings of your main and reserve parachutes. Generally, if the wing loadings
are similar and the canopies are both of reasonably similar design, the speeds and skill level
requirements will be close enough for most experienced jumpers to handle. Always keep in mind
that your reserve may handle and fly quite differently than the main you are used to.
Another factor to consider is the wing loading that you are used to flying. This is particularly
important when downsizing your main canopy. Downsizing a canopy usually means that this is
highest wing loading a jumper has experienced. If the reserve canopy is even smaller than the
newly acquired main canopy and therefore an even higher wing loading, this can be a dangerous
situation. Often times when we need to deploy our reserve it is at a lower altitude and there is a
good chance you may not make it back to the landing area. A canopy that is too small may feel
very fast, or have a high rate of descent, and can be tricky to flare. This situation can be very
dangerous, therefore we recommend restricting a change in any wing loading to less than 15%.
With higher wing loadings comes a lower margin for error and a smaller time window for decision
making.

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WING LOADING, CANOPY SIZE, AND SKILL LEVEL
We no longer publish one single value for “maximum exit weight”, but rather a table including
maximum exit weight limits in pounds and kilograms according to canopy pilot skill level. An
example of this table follows:
MODEL MINIMUM STUDENT NOVICE INTERMEDIATE
ADVANCED
EXPERT MAXIMUM
PD 143R VLC N/R
122 lb
(55 kg)
143 lb
(65 kg)
165 lb
(75 kg)
200 lb
(91 kg)
254 lb
(115 kg)
VLC = Varies with landing conditions. N/R = Not recommended
How are the different categories defined? Although a skill level category system with rigid
definitions for each level is not possible, we can say that the range starts from the STUDENT level
(first skydive) and goes beyond EXPERT (some of the best pilots in the world), of which there are
only a handful. Numbers of jumps is one factor, but not necessarily the dominant one. The type
of equipment being used on those jumps is an important factor, as is how frequently these jumps
are being made. An important rule to consider is to limit any change to a smaller canopy size to
no more than a 15% size reduction from what you are used to. In the final evaluation, it is the
type and quality of canopy experience that really determines a person’s preparedness for a given
canopy.
One way to use this chart is to find where you are on the chart, and ask yourself if you should be
in that category. For example, if you have a PD143-R and have an exit weight of 195 lbs, we feel
you should be an expert. If you consider yourself a novice, then this canopy is probably not
suitable for you. You should check this with your main canopy as well. It is important to note that
the weights listed under each category are only a maximum for each category, and not a
requirement. Many expert skydivers prefer to jump at lower wing loadings than the level
shown on the chart, for a variety of reasons.
HIGH TEMPERATURE AND FIELD ELEVATIONS
The location of the dropzone facilities should always be taken into consideration. Landing
performance degrades with increasing temperature and altitude. To compensate for this, a larger
size reserve/lighter wing loading than what you would jump at sea level in standard temperature
conditions should be considered to give yourself a little more margin.

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WING LOADING DESCRIPTIONS
This section describes how canopies typically perform at various wing loadings. Since your recent
experience will affect your frame of reference, this section is only a general guide. It is still
preferable to compare the wing loading of your new reserve to the canopy you have been jumping.
WING LOADINGS LESS THAN 0.45 LB/SQ.FT:
The parachute is too large for you. The canopy will fly very slow, and may not have sufficient
penetration, even in light winds. Turbulence will have a greater influence on the canopy. Light
turbulence or wind gusts that canopies with higher wing loadings fly through easily may be
sufficient to stall or collapse your canopy. We recommend that you do not use this canopy if the
wing loading is below 0.45.
WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 0.45 AND 0.7 LB/SQ.FT:
This is a lightly loaded parachute. This is a good area for low experienced jumpers, for ultra
conservative jumpers, and pilot emergency systems since they may be used by a pilot with very
little training. The canopy will be relatively slow and docile. It will be easy to land and will not
require the very precise flare timing and technique that canopies at higher wing loadings require
to get an acceptable landing. However, proper instruction in the use of this canopy is required.
When jumping at this wing loading, you will be more limited as to wind speed, wind gusts, and
turbulence than jumpers using canopies at higher wing loadings. Even if other jumpers are
jumping, the conditions may not be safe for you to jump.
WING LOADING BETWEEN 0.7 AND 1.0 LB/SQ.FT:
This is a lightly to moderately loaded canopy. If this is a higher wing loading than you are used
to, the canopy will fly and turn faster than you are used to. It will require more skill to land well
but in most cases is more than forgiving enough for student and novice use, particularly in larger
canopy sizes. Errors in flaring technique that were unnoticeable on a larger canopy will be more
noticeable on this one.
WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 1.0 AND 1.4 LB/SQ.FT:
This is a moderately to highly loaded canopy. The skill level required for this wing loading range
varies greatly depending on the canopy size needed to achieve this wing loading for a particular
body weight. The largest reserves that we make are suitable for novices in the moderate end of
this range. However on the smaller canopy sizes, high experience level is required to get an
acceptable landing, even under ideal landing conditions. If this is a higher wing loading than you
are used to, the canopy will fly and turn very fast. A precisely timed flare will be required to get
the rate of descent to an acceptable level. Your forward speed may be higher when you actually
land. On the smaller canopy sizes, a stall may occur at a higher flight speed than you may expect.
It will be more difficult to land this parachute in confined areas or at high altitudes. Be sure your
skill level is up to the demands of this situation.
Because the skill level required will vary from smaller to larger parachutes at a given wing loading,
please consult the Warning Label and the Wing Loading Chart for additional information to help
you choose the best reserve for your weight and experience level.