Performance Variable Quick Reserve Series User manual

Quick.us / Performance Variable 1
MANUAL
Performance Variable, Saarlouis-Düren Airport
D-66798Wallerfangen-Düren, Germany
Ph: (49) 6837-91707 - Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
web site: www.performance-variable.com
Quick Reserve
English-languageManual

Quick.us / Performance Variable 2
Table of Contents
 
PV Location Map
Quick Reserve Description, Specifications 1
Quick ReserveTrim Chart 1a
JTSO & Manufacturer Authorization 1b-1c
Statement of Compliance, Disclaimer – No Warranty, Warning 2
About this Manual 3
Read BeforeAssemblyor Use 3-4
Picking theRight Canopy(Size) 4-5
Parts List 6
Flight Characteristics 7
InspectionInstructions, PermeabilityCheck 8
VisualInspection 9-10
AssemblyInstructions, Attaching to Risers, Attaching Toggles 11-13
Maintenance & Repairs 14
CanopyCare & Use 15
Packing theReserve (Illustrations 1–20) 15a – 21
Performance Variable, Saarlouis-Düren Airport
D-66798Wallerfangen-Düren, Germany
Ph: (49) 6837-91707 - Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
web site: www.performance-variable.com

Quick.us / Performance Variable 3
Performance Variable, Saarlouis-Düren Airport
D-66798Wallerfangen-Düren, Germany
Ph: (49) 6837-91707 - Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
web site: www.performance-variable.com

Quick.us / Performance Variable 4
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Type Quick Reserve Canopy – Rectangular
Number of Cells 7
Production Technique I-Beam Chord Wise
Manufacturer (LBA.G.0139 / JAR-21 G) Performance Variable, Germany
Suspension Line Links Stainless-steel Mini Link or Soft Links
CanopyMaterial Nylon 0-3cfm Fabric (F-111)
Suspension Lines Spectra/Micro & Dacron Lines
TSO byDAeC 1995 & LBA 2001 as NAA JTSO – C23d # LBA.0.40.014/05 byNAA
Quick Reserve Description
Technical Specifications
Type Size Span Chord Volume Weight Exit
Weight
Lines
Micro &
ft² ft. ft. in³ lbs. lbs. Spectra
Quick113 113 15.52 7.28 190 4.3 115 725
Quick135 135 17.38 7.74 224 4.7 136 725
Quick150 150 18.37 8.14 249 5.3 154 725
Quick180 180 20.14 8.96 338 6.2 181 725
Quick220 220 22.08 9.81 364 7.3 220 725
Quick250 250 23.81 10.50 415 7.5 253 725
Performance Variable, Saarlouis-Düren Airport
D-66798Wallerfangen-Düren, Germany
Ph: (49) 6837-91707 - Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
web site: www.performance-variable.com
Deployment System
This parachute has beentested using afree bagdeployment system.No other deployment method has
beentested, nor is anyother method authorized bythe manufacturer.

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1a
Quick 113
Suspension Line Trim
A/B 6.0cm
B/C 19.00cm
C/D 18.00cm
Quick 135
Suspension Line Trim
A/B 7.00cm
B/C 14.00cm
C/D 18.00cm
Quick 150
Suspension Line Trim
A/B 8.00cm
B/C 15.00cm
C/D 18.00cm
Quick 180
Suspension Line Trim
A/B 8.00cm
B/C 16.00cm
C/D 20.00cm
Quick 220
Suspension Line Trim
A/B 9.00cm
B/C 18.00cm
C/D 22.00cm
Quick Reserve TrimChart
Quick 250
Suspension Line Trim
A/B 11.00cm
B/C 18.00cm
C/D 28.00cm

Quick.us / Performance Variable 6
1b

Quick.us / Performance Variable 7
1c

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Disclaimer - No Warranty
Becauseofthe unavoidable danger associated with the useofthis parachute, the
manufacturer makes no warranty,either express or implied. It is sold with all faults
and without anywarrantyof fitness for anypurpose.
The manufacturer alsodisclaims anyliabilityin tort for damages, direct or conse-
quential, including personal injuries resulting from adefect in design, material, work-
manship or manufacturing whether caused bynegligence on the part of the manu-
facturer or otherwise.
Byusing this parachute assembly,or allowing it to be used byothers, the user
waives anyliabilityofthe manufacturerfor personal injuries or other damagesaris-
ing from such use.
Ifthe buyer declines to waiveliabilityon the part of the manufacturer, buyer mayob-
tain a full refund ofthe purchaseprice byreturning the parachute before it is used to
the manufacturer within 15 daysfrom the date of the original purchase with aletter
stating whyit was returned.
WARNING!
Each time you use this parachute you risk serious bodilyinjuryor death. You can
substantiallyreduce this risk by: (1) assuring everycomponent ofthe parachute
system hasbeen assembled and packed instrict compliance with the manufac-
turer's instructions, (2) byobtaining proper instruction in the use ofthe rest ofyour
equipment, and (3) byoperating each component of the system in strict compliance
with the owner's manual and safe parachuting practices.
However, parachute systems sometimes failto operate properly—even when prop-
erlyassembled, packed and operated—soyou risk serious injuryand death each
time you use the system.
Statement of Compliance
The policies contained herein complywith the JAR Aviation Part 21.

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It is beyond the scope of this manual to teachyou howto deploy,fly,land or main-
tain this parachute. The U.S. Parachute Association publishes recommended pro-
cedureson learning to jump and using skydiving equipment. Weurge you to learn
and followthese procedures. Wealso recommend you obtain instruction from a
competent USPA-rated instructor before using this parachute for the first time
Other countries havesimilar organizations. Ifyou are not in the USA, get instruc-
tions from a competent instructor who is rated byyour country's organization.
Jumping thisparachute without first receiving thorough and personal instruction in-
creases the risk of serious injuryor death.
Sport parachuting technologyand procedurescontinue to develop rapidly.Although
reasonable care has been made in the preparation ofthis manual, PV cautions that
it maycontain information that maybe incorrect or behind current, state-of-the-art
parachute use.
For these reasons, we urge you to work closelywith qualified experts (riggers and
instructors) to help you inspect, assemble, pack, use and maintain this parachute.
We also welcome your comments, positive and negative, about our products.
Since parachutes are manufactured and inspected bypeople, there is always a pos-
sibilitythis parachute contains defects as aresult ofhuman error.Therefore, the
entire parachute system—main and reservecanopies, harness,container, and other
components—must be thoroughlyinspected before its first use and before each
subsequent use.
Parachutes get weaker through time for anumber ofreasons. Theyreceivewear
during packing, deployment and landing. Exposure to manyagents, including
sunlight, heat and household chemicals, significantlyweakens parachutes. The
damage mayor maynot be obvious.
Tohelpminimizethe risk ofparachute failureand possible seriousinjuryor death,
the entire parachute system should be thoroughlyinspected at least every120 days
or 50 jumps, whichever comes first. It should be immediatelyinspected ifat any
time it is exposed to adegrading element or unusuallyhard opening or anytime
damage maybe suspected.
About this Manual
Read BeforeAssembly or Use

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Remember that some chemicals will continue to degrade the parachute long after
initial exposure. Regular and thorough inspections are necessaryto insure the
structural integrity, reliabilityand flight characteristics ofthe system are maintained.
Alwaysknowthe entire lifehistoryof everypart of your parachute system. That way
you will knowno part has been exposed to an element that mayseriouslyweaken or
damage it.
It is important for your safetyand enjoyment that you match your canopywith your
abilityand weight. PV canopies are built in several models that span awide range
of canopysurface area. Anycanopy's descent rate and forward speed increases as
the weight it is carrying—the so-called exit weight— increases. The canopyalso be-
comesmore responsiveas forward speed increases. It also reacts more radically
when it is stalled or turned.
Becauseofthese aerodynamic facts, it is unsafeto put too muchweight under any
particular canopy.Safe and comfortablelandings will be difficult to obtain, even for
experienced jumpers under ideal conditions.Less experienced jumpers will have
even a harder time and be at greater risk.
Determining the wing loading ofthe parachute you intend to jump or buyis agood
guide to match your weight to a particular canopy.
Wingloading iseasilycalculated bydividing the total exit weight inpoundsbythe
surface area of the canopyin square feet. Total exit weight is the weight ofthe
jumper plus all his clothing and gear, including the main parachute itself.
The surface area of PV canopies is printed on the data panel, on the center cell rib
or on the center cell top surface near the tail. (Be sure to actually check the data
panel—canopies ofdifferent sizes maylook the same.)
Atypical ready-to-jump sport piggyback (rig and both canopies) weighs 20 to 30 lbs.
Add this, plus the weight ofyour jumpsuit, clothing and accessories to your body
weight to get the total suspended weight.
For example, ajumperwho weighs 165 lbs. wearing his jumpsuit and who jumps a
packed rig that weighs 25 lbs. would have an exit weight of 190 lbs.
Picking the Right Canopy

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Calculate the wing loading nowfor the Quick canopyyou intend to jump.
If this figure is below0.7 lbs/ft², the parachute will be relatively docile and easyto
lead. It will also havereduced penetration into the wind and reduced inflation pres-
sure in the entire canopy.The profile will not be as rigid as it should be. Afigure
below0.7 lbs/ft² is as dangerous as a figure above 1.2 lbs/ft²!
If this figure is between 0.7 and 1.0 lbs/ft², the canopywill turn fast and havea
higher airspeed. It will require skill to land well in manyweather conditions or at
higher altitudes. Be sure your skill level is up to the demands of these situations.
The inflation pressure is increased, and the canopyprofile is more rigid!
If this figure is between 1.0 and 1.2 lbs/ft², the canopywill flyveryfast, turn very
fast and haveaveryhigh descent rate. It will be verydifficult to land in confined ar-
eas. A high skill level will be required to get an acceptable landing, even under ideal
conditions. These7-cell reserves shouldnot be used with wing loading in excess of
1.0 lbs/ft²,unlessthe jumper has agreat deal of experience (300 jumpsminimum)
with similar main parachutesat thiswing loading. He/she must realizethe risk in-
volved in these circumstances.
If the wing loading is greater than 1.2 lbs/ft², you are exposing yourselfto a dan-
gerous situation.Turn rates, forward speed and rate of descent will all be veryhigh.
Control range maybe veryshort with stallshappening veryabruptlywith little warn-
ing. Normal landing techniques maynot work. Extra airspeed on final approach
maybe required to get enough flare to stop your rate ofdescent. Afront riser ap-
proach orhook turn maybe required, either ofwhich are verydangerous especially
under turbulent conditions.
PV does not recommend that anyone jump a Quick canopythat will result in the
wing loading exceeding 1.2 lbs/ft².
The best average wing loading for expert skydivers on a Quick is 1.1 lbs/ft².
Here is an example of howto calculate the wingloading ofa 210 ft² canopyand
the jumper used in the example before:
190 lbs. : 210 ft² = 0.9 lbs / ft²

6
Parts List
12

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Even if you are familiar with ram-air parachutes, including PV canopies,your new
reserve parachute mayhandle differently.
In the event of adeployment of your ram-air reserve, check your altitude. If there is
sufficient altitude, prepare your canopyfor flight as follows:
¨First release the brakes byputting your hands through the toggles and pulling
down on both toggles simultaneouslyand vigorously.
¨If necessaryat this point, the slidermaybe pumped downbypulling both toggles
downto your waist and holding them there for afewsecondsand then raising
them backup. Ifanycells are closed, this action should open them. You may
have to repeat this two or three times.
¨Again, performthe aboveprocedures onlyif there is sufficient altitude. It is bet-
ter to make asmooth flared landing with collapsed end cells than to land while
pumping the toggles to clear them.
¨Nextlook for the best landing area you sure you can reach. Keep in mind that
your reservemaynot glide as far as your main parachute. Your opening altitude
is probablylower than normal under your reserve. The sooner you select the
landing area the more places you will haveto chose from. Immediatelyturn to-
ward your intended landing area.
¨If there is enough extra altitude afterreaching the landing area, trysome practice
flaresin the air. Note the control range and howthe canopystalls. It ismuch
better to flare too little than too much. If you flare too much, you maystall the
canopyand hit the ground unusuallyhard.
¨Set up your finalapproach to landing higherthan normal. Avoid turns close to
the ground. Remember—this canopyprobablyflies verydifferentlythan the one
you are used to. It maylose a lot more altitude in a turn than you expect.
¨Alwaysflyaconservativeapproach for a first-time landing on anycanopy.Tryto
land into the wind. However, it is more important not to be turning on landing.
¨If you do not haveenough time under the canopyto get familiar with howit
flares,do not tryto flare it. Instead land at halfbrakes and do agood PLF
(parachute landing fall).
Flight Characteristics

Quick.us / Performance Variable 14
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Your PV reservemust be inspected thoroughlybefore it isassembled and at every
repack. This inspection should be performed with even more care and attention
when first assembled and after a deployment.
An FAA-certified rigger must inspectyour new PV reserveand determine its com-
patibilitywith your rig.
Here is the PV recommended procedure forinspecting your reservecanopy.Con-
sult the owner’s manual for your rig and other components for instructions on in-
specting them.
The permeabilityofthe fabric isveryimportant. Asthe permeabilityincreases, the
canopywill open more slowlyand flight performance will deteriorate. The rate ofde-
scent will increase and the forward speed will decrease. The abilityof the canopyto
flare to a soft landing will decrease.
To insure the canopyremainsin compliance with TSO requirements and to insure
the canopyis safeto use, PV has established an average permeabilitylimit of 6cfm
for the top and bottom fabric.
Fabric permeabilitydoes not change while the canopyis packed. It changes asa
result ofuseand handling. That’s whyit’simportant to maintainacomplete history
ofthe parachute.
Fabric permeabilitymust betested if any of thefollowing events occur:
¨The canopyis completelysubmerged in water.
¨25 jumps have been made on the canopysince it was newor last certified.
¨The canopyhasbeen repacked 40 times since it was new.
¨Flight performance appears to be substandard.
¨There are other reasons to believe the fabric porositymayexceed specifications.
The Performance Variable factoryis equipped to perform permeabilitytesting. It is
recommended that anycanopyneeding such testing be returned to the factory.
Inspection Instructions
Permeability Check

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It’s bestto inspect your reservein acareful, systematic way.Werecommend start-
ing at the top of the canopyand working downto the risers. Werecommend this
procedure:
1) Top Surface: Spread the canopyouton itsbottom surfaceandinspect the top
surface starting at the front of the leftend cell. Check halfof the cell from nose to
tail. Then check the other halfgoing from tailto nose. Repeat thispattern until all
the cells top surfaces are inspected. Look for rips, stains or failed seams.
Check the fabric strength byusing twoeach fabric clamps(Aerostar P/N 51406M or
equal) and aspring scale with a50-pound capacity,such asthe Hanson-Viking No.
895. You mayobtain these clamps and scale from Performance Variable,directly
from the manufacturer or byother means.
Atotal ofthree fabric strength tests should be performed on each canopy:one on
each end cell top surface and one on the center top surfacenearthe trailing edge.
Thistestshould never be done where anypart of the fabric involved inthe testis
within three inches ofanyseam or the data panel. The testshould be done chord-
wise. Additional test should be performed on anystained ordiscolored areas. At-
tach the locking fabricclamps to the rip-stop fabric. The distance between the
clamps shouldbe three inches,and the clamps should be aligned so that the rip-
stop pattern is parallelto the edge of the jaw.Lock the clampssecurelyto avoid
slippage. Pass ashortlength ofsuspension line through the eyeof one clamp and
secure to the packing table or other object which will allowa30-pound load without
movement. Passthe hookfrom the spring scale through the othereyeand applya
30-pound load for 3 seconds.
The Hanson-Viking No. 895 spring scale hasasharp hook on one end. The point
should be removed with afile or grinder to avoid injuryor canopydamage. The
spring scale should be checked before first use with a30-pound inert load and cali-
brated ifnecessary.
Check the accuracyof the spring scale at least once ayear. Leavethe locking
clamps in the open position as the rubber pads will stick together iftheyare stored
closed.
2) Bottom Surface: Turn the canopyover and spread it out to inspect the bot-
tom surface. Again usethe procedureofinspecting halfofthe cells at atime, as on
the top surface. Checkfor rips, stains and failed seams. Look verycloselyat the
line attachments. Even slight damage is cause for rejection in theseareas. Line at-
tachments must completely free of anydamage ordefects.
Visual Inspection

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3) Inspect eachrib from leadingedge to the trailingedgebylookinginside each
cell. Payextra attention to the line attachment points.
4) Laythe canopyon one side, stackingeach loaded rib ontop ofthe others.
Check that all lines in each line group are the same length and that the trim differen-
tial between each line group is correct for thisreserve. Check the condition ofthe
stabilizers and slider stops on the stabilizer.
5) Suspension lines: Check the full length ofeach line for damage and wear.
Look for fraying at all cascades and where each line attaches to the connector link.
Check that all lines are sewnand that the stitching is good. Check the continuity
and routing of each line.
6) Slider: Be sure the fabric isn’t tornand that the grommetsare undamaged,
haveno sharp edgesand are securelyattached to the slider. Be sure every sus-
pension line and both steering lines pass through the proper grommet on the slider.
7) Risers: Be sure the barrels of the connector linkshavenot moved and the
slider stopsare properlypositioned. No substitutesare authorized for PV slider
stops.
8) Thetoggles must be installed correctlyand matchthe guide ring and Velcro
on the risers. PV canopies come with brake settings and toggle tie-on marks set for
PIA standard riser/brake dimensions.This standard calls for 4inches (10.2 cm)
from the top of the riser to the top ofthe brake-setting ring. Ifthe risers are more
than 1inch or (2.5 cm) different from this standard the canopymust be modified.
Thismodification mayonlybe done byamaster rigger and mustbe reported to Per-
formance Variable.In addition, anychangesmust be marked on the canopy's data
panel.
9) The restoftheassembly: Followthe instructionsin the rig manufacturer’s
owner’s manual to inspect the rest ofyour parachute system.

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Assembly Instructions
Your newPerformanceVariable reservecanopymust be assembled and packed
into your parachute system byan FAA-certified rigger. Beforeyou begin, be sure
the risers, toggles, free bag, pilot chute, harness, container and other items are
compatible with your Performance Variable reserve canopyand each other.
Attaching to Risers
When assembling aPerformance Variable canopyonto risers with reservemini-
links, it is important that the following directions be followed precisely.
The connector links supplied byPerformanceVariable for usewith their reserve
canopies are of the highest qualityand carefullyinspected and tested. It is impor-
tant that no substitute links be used. Other links maylook similar, or even identical,
to those supplied byPerformance Variable, but anysubstitute could be considerably
weaker than the real thing.
There are twodifferent sizelinks available from PerformanceVariable foruse on
reserves. Theyare number 4and number 5stainless links. Number 4links are
used for minimum pack volume and weight. In cases where the riser volume is too
large to fit properlyon anumber 4link, number 5links shouldbe used. Be sure to
use the correct linkbumpers. The number 4-link bumpers will not work on number5
links. All linkson acanopyshould be the same size. Do not mixsizes on acanopy,
and onlyuse links obtained from Performance Variable.
When properly installed, reservemini-linksstart to bend at 2500 lbs. and fail at
about 3400 lbs., making them much stronger than most sport risers. Ifimproperly
installed, however, mini-links will fail at as little as 250 lbs.
Ifthesedirections are followed correctly,and onlyparts supplied byPerformance
Variable are used, these mini-links will provide excellent service.
1) Removeall grease and dirt from links, using asolvent that will leaveno residue.
Trichloreothlane or anyelectrical contact cleaner is recommended.
2) Inspect the link carefully.Check for nicks, burrs or anysign ofbending or stress.
Check to be sure the barrel will screwdownatleast 2¾ turns from first engagement
with no resistance.
3) Neatlyfold risers to the width ofthe inside ofthe link.Slide link onto riser. Leave
barrel open.

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4) Slide slider stopsover line groups and install lines on links as shown. Tighten
barrel onlylightlyfinger tight—don’t snug down the barrels yet.
5) Performathorough line check at this point, making absolutelysure that the can-
opyis straight. After the links are tightened with locking compound (LOCtite, Per-
manexor Truelock), it will be verydifficult to correct anyerrors.
6) When you are sure the canopyis straight, unscrewthe barrel and put one drop of
locking compound on the threads. Immediatelytighten finger tight, and torque to 30
inch/lbs. To accurately gauge this, place a5-lb. (2.27-kg) weight on awrench, 6
inches (15.2 cm) from the link. When the wrench is horizontal and the barrel no
longer turns, the link is fullytightened. Never tighten morethan 30 inch/lbs. Clean
offanyexcess thread lock with a clean, dryrag. Do not use water or solvents.
7) Make asmall matchmark along the barrel and the linkas shown. This mark will
serveas an easymethod to check for tightness. Ifthe match mark remains intact,
then the barrel is still inplace. If the upper and lower partsof the mark become mis-
aligned, then the barrel has shifted. Should thishappen, the link must be immedi-
atelydisassembled, cleaned and inspected. Ifno damage hasoccurred, the riser/
link/line assemblymaybe reattached according to steps 1 through 5.
8) When the matchmark is dry,slide sliderstops over links until the lower edge of
the rubber tubing touches the top of the riserasshown. These stops are important
in that theyhelp keep the linesin the correct position on the link.
Without these stops, the links could fail due to improper/uneven loading. The stops
must be tacked to the link with two turnsof doubled seal thread. If webbing stops
are supplied, install them the same way.
9) PeriodicMaintenance: The links should not be checked for tightness with a
wrench. Instead, usethe match mark. If the mark staysin alignment, then the links
are properlytightened. Ifnot, followthe stepsin #7.
Plastic slider stops Small match mark Tackslider stops Webbing Stops

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Attach the steering toggles according to the rig manufacturer’s instructions. Ifsuch
instructions haven’t been provided, followthese procedures:
1) Route the steering line through the guide ring on the riser. Then route it through
the grommet in the toggle, starting from the side with Velcro. Wrap the steering line
around the outside ofthe toggle, over the grommet. The mark should be 1¼” (3 cm)
from the side as shown.
2) Slide the line off the toggle and tie a loose overhand knot in the folded line.
3) Nowslide the line back over the toggle and tighten the knot asshown. The idea
is to use the width ofthe toggle as a measuring guide for the sizeofthe loop. The
mark on the line should be just to the outside ofthe knot, awayfrom the toggle.
4) Pull the knot up to the grommet. Daisychain the excess end of the steering line
as shown. Don’t cut the extra off; you maywish to change the brake setting slightly
at some time.
Attaching Toggles
Factoryfinished toggleloop Unfinished toggle loop Overhand knot (see #2 above)

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Repairs maybe broken intothreecategories:
1) Minor repairs. These maybe done bya senior rigger.
2) Major repairs. These require a Master Rigger.
3) Factoryrepairs. These repairs that maybe performed only bythe Per-
formance Variable factory.
Small snags and holes smallerthan 1/8” square (one rip-stop box)located further
than 10 inchesfrom the closest line attachment maybe left unrepaired as long as
there is no more than one in any10” circle. A maximum of three such snags per cell
is allowed. Rip-stop tape is not authorized for use on Performance Variable re-
serves. Ifthe damage is enough to warrant a repair, a sewn repair must be done.
Anyhole or tear up to 10 inchesin length maybe repaired byasenior rigger as long
as the closest area ofthe completed repair is at least 1inchfrom the nearest seam
and at least 5 inches from the nearest tape orline attachment.
Anyline damage is a major repair. Linesmaybe replaced bya master rigger. How-
ever, it is recommended that these repairs be sent back to the factory.All replace-
ment lines must come from the Performance Variable factory.
Master riggers mayperform anyrepairs that do not involvetaking apart anybar-
tacks on the canopy.Special bar-tack patterns are used that are not normallyfound
in the field.In addition, removal and replacement ofthese stitch patterns usually
weakens the fabric to the point that it is necessaryto replaceportions of panels.
The original templates are needed to complete this correctly.
Reserves mayonlybe repaired using certified materials. Under-strength thread and
fabric is frequentlyfound in the field. One wayto be sure your materials are up to
Performance Variable standards is to purchase them directlyfrom Performance
Variable.
Maintenance & Repairs