Skywalk DROP User manual

/DROP
PRO GUIDE

PRO GUIDE // DROP
2Content
TABLE OF CONTENT
1Introduction 3
2 Description 4
3 Features 5
4Safety Notice 6
5Installing the Reserve Parachute 6
6Compatibility Test 11
7Flying Safe 12
8Maintenance and Care 13
9Repair 14
10 Disposal 14
11 Technical Data 14
12 Nature and Environmentally Compatible Behavior 15
13 Closing Words 15
1 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to skywalk!
Congratulations on the purchase of your new DROP and thank you for your trust in us and
in our products. In this manual you will find information that will help you quickly get to
know your front container to ensure your fun for a long time.
At skywalk we are enthusiastic about wind sports and innovative technologies.
When we founded skywalk in 2001, our goal was to make paragliders and kites that offer
new solutions to set new impulses, and to provide customers with a maximum of user
friendliness. Today we are one of the most successful paraglider manufacturers in the
world. For this we are thankful for our curiosity about everything that flies, sails and surfs,
as well as our interest in a variety of outdoor sports. It’s this “big picture” view that allows
us to continuously set new accents in paragliding. We are always open for questions, com-
ments or critique and are happy to provide you at any time with further information!.
Your skywalk Team
PURE PASSION FOR FLYING
Edition 1.0 / 03_2022
The latest version of the manual can be found on
www.skywalk.info
Introduction 3

PRO GUIDE // DROP
4 Description
2 DESCRIPTION
The DROP is a front container designed in a lightweight construction, which makes
it possible to safely mount lightweight round and cross reserve parachutes in a very
compact form on a wide variety of harnesses.
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
- Rescue container
- V-line
- Rescue handle
3 FEATURES
1 Compression zip
For an even more compact pack size.
2 Velcro fastener
For mounting small Hike&Fly variometers.
3 Rescue handle
Rescue handle with integrated safety pins. When closed, the design prevents unintenional
deployment due to tangled lines, as the handle has no undercuts.
4 V-line with connecting lines
For attaching the front container. The knots on the connecting lines allow the front rescue
position to be adjusted to the suspension width of your harness.
5 Packing Sequence
The sequence for closing the front container is given by 1-3 and A-C on the loops.
6 Horizontal mounting strap
With clip to fix the front container to the leg loops or the get-up system of your harness.
4
1
2
3
6
5
Features 5

PRO GUIDE // DROP
Installing the reserve chute 76 Safety notice | Installing the reserve chute
4 SAFETY NOTICE
With the purchase of this equipment, you assume the full responsibility and accept all
risks associated with the use of paragliding equipment, including injury and death.
Improper use of paragliding equipment increases this risk.
To fly a paraglider, you must be in possession of the required license or permit for the
country in which you are flying.
Neither skywalk nor the seller nor the importer of this product can be made liable in case
of personal injury or damage caused to a third party.
5 INSTALLING THE RESERVE CHUTE
The DROP can be combined with most modern lightweightreserve chutes. The reserve
chute may only be integrated in the front container together with the supplied deploy-
ment bag, keeping aware of the maximum volume of the reserve chute.
The maximum allowed volume must not be exceeded, otherwise a correct deployment
cannot be guaranteed.
The initial installation of the reserve chute must be carried out by an approved com-
patibility technician. This verifies the deployability of the reserve chute and certifies its
compatibility on the reserve chute’s packing and inspection document. It is very impor-
tant that the test release of the rescue device is carried out by the pilot himself sitting
in the harness in a harness simulator, as different physiques and forces affect its
deployability.
Before installation, you must first check whether the reserve chute needs to be repacked.
CONNECTING THE RESERVE CHUTE WITH THE FRONT CONTAINER
1. Connect the rescue grip to the central loop of the reserve
chute deployment container by looping them together.
2. Now you can connect the V-lines of the DROP with the lanyard
of your reserve chute.
To connect the reserve chute to the V-line, you must use
a screw shackle with at least 2400 daN strength
The lines have to be connected on both sides of the screw
shackle and must be secured with rubber bands (option A).
As an alternative, you can use a loop to connect the two lines
together (option B).
Option A Option B
INTEGRATION OF THE RESERVE CHUTE INTO THE FRONT CONTAINER
1. Make sure the compression zip is open.
2. Place the excess length of the V-line in an S-shape in the
middle of the front container and place the reserve chute
in the middle above it with the grip facing up.
3. Guide the V-line to the left and right of the cover flap
(with velco on top) and make sure that 10-15cm from
the end of the V-line protrude from the front container.

PRO GUIDE // DROP
Installing the reserve chute 98 Installing the reserve chute
8. Now you can tidy up the front container by stowing all protruding fabric neatly in
the front container. The front container is now packed and ready to be mounted
9. In addition, you can compress the front container
with the zip on the back. The best way to do this
is to fold the packed rescue along the longitudinal
axis and close the zip bit by bit.
10. Finally you have to connect the fixation lines of
the V-line with the front container. Follow the
instructions in the pictures to make a bowline knot.
4Thread two pieces of line through the black loops
in the order 1-3 and A-C.
5. First close the right flap with the numbering
1-3 and attach the loop with the pin of the
rescue grip. Make sure that the rescue grip
is mounted the right way round, otherwise
the connecting strap will cover the velcro.
Remove the piece of line on this side.
6. Now close the flaps in the order A-C and secure
the loop with the second pin of the rescue grip.
Then remove the second piece of line.
7. Stow the pins and the ends of the rescue handle
in the openings to the left and right of the eyelets
and secure the rescue handle with the Velcro.

PRO GUIDE // DROP
Compatibility test 1110 Installing the reserve chute
MOUNTING THE FRONT CONTAINER
The DROP front container has 3 attachment points, so that it can be universally mounted
on standard harnesses.
Before you connect the V-line to the harness, you should make sure that the fixation
lines are connected to the bowline knot on the front container, otherwise the weight of
the rescue can pull the V-line out of the container and you may have to repack the front
container. To connect the V-line to the harness, both ends of the V-line must be hooked
into the main carabiners.
This way the connection of the V-line and the fixation of the front container is done with
one movement. It is important here that the opening of the carabiners point against the
direction of flight, otherwise a rescue release can lead to peak loads and asymmetries in
the connection.
DUE TO THEIR DESIGN, SOME MANUFACTURERS ADVISE AGAINST REVERS-
ING THEIR CARABINERS, AS WITH SOME CARABINERS INVERTED INSTALLA-
TION CAN POSSIBLY INJURE WEBBING. THIS SHOULD BE CLARIFIED BEFORE
INSTALLING THE DROP.
For the third fixation point, the horizontal mounting clip should be passed around the leg
loops or around the get-up system of the harness, so
that the front container cannot tip upwards in the
event of a
deployment.
When initially adjusting the container to your harness,
the lengths of the fixation lines must be matched to
the suspension width of your harness. This can be
regulated by the knots on the fixation lines.
It is important to ensure that the fixation lines are
neither loose in flight nor should they take up the
main tension of the harness. The two knots cover the
suspension widths of most lightweight harnesses on
the market. However, if this does not suit you, the in-
ner knot can either be opened to widen the fixation,
or moved by loosening it first and then tightening it
in the correct place.
You should check the optimum setting in the harness
simulator before the first flight.
6 COMPATIBILITY TEST
The correct installation of the reserve chute should now be verified with a test deployment.
To do this, put on the harness, close the safety buckles and hang the main carabiners in
a harness simulator. Then pull out the reserve chute by the handle. For this test, it is not
enough to deploy the reserve chute without sitting in the harness. It must be possible for
you to reach and pull the handle with no problem from the flying position, in accordance
with the instructions of this manual.
The deployment force must not be below 2 daN and must not exceed 7daN. In case of
uncertainties you should consult a specialist or contact your competent skywalk dealer.
The reserve chute must be deployed with the correct throwing technique, with a con-
tinuous and steady pull in a forward movement away from the harness. Otherwise,
deployment may be difficult.
A reserve chute deployment can be made more difficult by the following
factors:
> The reserve chute is too large or too bulky for the front container.
> The reserve chute is not packed in the shape of the front container.
> The reserve chute is not thrown with the appropriate throwing technique.
> The reserve chute has too much volume after repacking.
> Because arm length is crucial for a successful reserve chute deployment, smaller
persons with short arms may not be able to deploy the reserve chute. In emergency
situations, high G-loading can occur, which can make deployment even more difficult
BEFORE EACH FLIGHT, CHECK TO SEE IF THE RESCUE HANDLE IS IN THE RIGHT
POSITION AND WHETHER THE SPLINTS OF THE HANDLE ARE SITTING COR-
RECTLY. REACHING FOR THE RELEASE HANDLE TO TEST ITS POSITION EVERY
FLIGHT CAN HELP YOU MEMORIZE THE POSITION SUBCONSCIOUSLY.
Best caseOk Ok
Worst Case
Worst Case
Deployment

PRO GUIDE // DROP
12 Flying safe Maintenance and care 13
7 FLYING SAFE
PREFLIGHT CHECK
It is important to check all paragliding equipment thoroughly before every flight to see if it
has any defects. Also check your equipment after long flights and after long storage.
Check thoroughly that:
> no visible damage to the harness, the front container or carabiners is present that can
affect airworthiness.
> the reserve parachute container is correctly closed and connected to the harness, that
the splints are threaded completely through the loops and that the rescue handle is
correctly mounted.
> all buckles, straps and zippers are shut and secured.
> the paraglider is correctly hooked to the harness and that both carabiners are correctly
closed and secured.
> the speedbar is properly hooked into the speed system of the risers and that the speed
bar line runs between the harness and V-line.
> all pockets are closed and that no loose items are hanging around.
> all leg and chest straps are closed before you launch!
DO NOT LAUNCH IF YOU FIND ANY DEFECTS, EVEN SMALL ONES! IF YOU
FIND ANY SIGNS OF DAMAGE OR ABNORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, CONTACT
YOUR FLIGHT SCHOOL OR SKYWALK DIRECTLY.
BEHAVIOR IN THE EVENT OF A RESERVE CHUTE DEPLOYMENT
> Locate the rescue handle in front of you and hold it tightly with one hand.
> Pull the handle firmly in a continuous forward movement away from the harness to
release the split pins and to pull out the reserve chute.
> Make sure that you throw the reserve chute in the deployment bag into free airspace.
> If possible, throw it in the opposite direction of any rotational movement and let go of
the handle!!
> Once the reserve chute is open, try to keep it from tangling and swinging. It is best use
the B-, C- or D-lines or the brake lines to pull the glider symmetrically toward you.
> When you land, straighten up as much as possible and use the parachute landing fall
(PLF) technique to minimize the risk of injury.
8 MAINTENANCE AND CARE
The selected materials used in the DROP make it necessary to treat them carefuly and in
a professional manner. Make an effort to take care of your equipment and keep it clean
to preserve its airworthiness over the longest possible time.
> Avoid dragging your equipment over stony ground and always try to land in an upright
positon.
> Don’t leave your equipment lying in the sun unnecessarily long. UV radiation is very
damaging to the material.
> Store your paragliding equipment loosely packed in a cool and dry place. If it gets wet,
always dry out your equipment before packing it.
> To clean it, just use a brush or a damp cloth. Use mild soap to clean it only when abso-
lutely necessary. If you do, first remove other parts like the reserve parachute.
The coating of the material can be damaged by brushing or rubbing.
Materials
The skywalk DROP is manufactured from the highest quality materials. skywalk has selected
the best possible combination of materials with regard to resilience, performance and
longevity. We are aware that the durability of your equipment is a deciding factor in the
pilot’s satisfaction.
Cloth of the front container: 40D Ripstop Silicon/PU, N70D Ripstop
Webbing: 15 mm Nylon band, Bridle line
V-Line: D-PRO 5mm
Maintenance checklist
In addition to the normal pre-flight check procedure, you should always take a close look
at the DROP whenever you pack and reinstall the reserve chute system - normally ev-
ery 6 months, but at least every 12 months. Of course, the harness and the front con-
tainer should also be checked after special events, such as a hard landing or a tree
landing, or if excessive wear is evident. In case of doubt always consult a specialist.
Proceed as follows:
> Check all straps and lines for wear and tear.
> All seams must be checked and, if in doubt, repaired so that the problem does not
spread.
> Special attention should be paid to the installation of the reserve chute. Here you
should also check the cotter pins.

PRO GUIDE // DROP
Nature and environmentally compatible behavior | Closing words 1514 Repairs | Disposal | Technical data
Storage
Ideal is a dry, dark place with a constant temperature. Moisture is an old enemy of the
durability of all paragliders. For this reason, always dry your equipment before you store it,
preferably in a heated and well ventilated room, so that moisture can evaporate.
9 REPAIRS
Repairs should only be carried out by the manufacturer or by an authorized skywalk
service center. Exceptions include the repair of small cuts (up to about 3 cm that don’t
affect a seam).
Changes to the front container
Your skywalk DROP is manufactured within the regulated parameters of tolerance.
These parameters are very narrow and must not be altered under any circumstance.
10 DISPOSAL
When choosing materials, skywalk places high value on environmental compatibility
and the highest quality control. Should your harness someday no longer be flyable,
remove all metal parts such as carabiner, etc. All remaining parts can be turned in
at a recycling center.
The metallic parts can be turned in at a metals recycling center.
The best solution is to send your retired skywalk equipment directly to us. We will then
take care of recycling it.
11 TECHNICAL DATA
Size XS S M
Weight container (g) 90 100 110
Weight V-line (g) 50 50 50
Volume (cm3) 1500-2200 2000-3800 2000-4200
V-line max. load (kg) 120 120 120
12 NATURE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY COMPATIBLE BEHAVIOR
We have taken the first step towards ecological awareness with our nature-friendly
sport. Especially with our mountain climbers who prefer to climb to the launch site.
Nevertheless, we plan on continuing in the same vein. This means specifically: clean up
your trash, stay on marked trails and don’t cause unnecessary noise. Please help to
maintain the balance of nature and to respect animals in their territory.
13 CLOSING WORDS
The skywalk DROP is at the absolute leading edge of development in the market for front
container. It cost us a lot of time to develop this front container, but it was also a lot of fun.
In this development we recognize the challenge of making the right product for every area
and individual taste.
We are pleased if you notice this during your first flight. The DROP will provide you with
plenty of joy over many years if you treat it and care for it properly. Respect for the de-
mands and dangers of our sport are essential for successful and beautiful flights.
Even the safest equipment can be dangerous due to misjudgments of meteorological con-
ditions or pilot error. Always remember that flying sports are potentially risky and that you
are responsible for your own safety. We advise you to fly carefully and to respect laws in
the interest of our sport, because every pilot always flies at his or her own risk!
We wish you a lot of fun while flying, that you finally will never need your
rescue chute and HAPPY LANDINGS!
Your skywalk Team
DE

PRO GUIDE // DROP
PURE PASSION FOR FLYING
Skywalk GmbH & Co. KG
Windeckstr. 4 | 83250 Marquartstein
+49 (0) 8641/69 48 0
[e-mail] | www.skywalk.info