Strong Enterprises Para-Cushion 305 Chair User manual

Owner’s Manual
For packing and maintenance of
Para-Cushion
model 305 Chair
Part number: 124255
with
Diaper equipped
26ft. Mid-Lite Canopy
Part number: 420550
Current release: December 2007
Second release: November 2005
1st release: June 2000
Manual P/N 510088
Price $25.00
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
Division of S.E. Inc.
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837
Tel. [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com [e-mail]

! WARNING !
Parachuting is a hazardous activity that can result in serious injury or death. Failure to fol-
low all warnings, instructions and required procedures may result in serious injury or death.
Parachutes sometimes malfunction, even when they are properly designed, built, assembled,
packed, maintained and used. The results of such malfunctions are sometimes serious injury
or death. There are so many factors, both human and natural, beyond our control that we want
you to clearly understand that by using or intending to use our parachutes, you are assuming a
considerable risk of personal injury or death. If you are not willing to assume that risk, please
return the parachute to the dealer where it was purchased for a full refund.
DISCLAIMER
There are NO WARRANTIES which extend beyond the description of the parachutes in this man-
ual and neither the seller nor any agent of the seller has made any afrmation of fact or promise
with respect to the parachutes except those that appear therein.
The liability of the seller is limited to the duty to replace defective parts found upon examination
by the manufacturer to be defective in material or workmanship within 7 days after purchase
and found not to have been caused by any accident, improper use, alteration, tampering, abuse
or lack of care on the part of the purchaser.

3
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
Table of Contents 1
Warning / Disclaimer
1.0 Introduction 2
1.1. Scope ....................................................................................... 2
1.2. FAA Approval.......................................................................... 2
1.3. Operational Limitations......................................................... 2
1.4. Repack Cycle ........................................................................... 2
1.5. General Description of Models ............................................... 2
1.6. Model Description ................................................................... 3
1.7. System Function ..................................................................... 4
1.8. Care of your 305 Chair Emergency Parachute System ........ 4
1.9. Service Life.............................................................................. 5
1.10. Preight Inspection .............................................................. 5
1.11. Fitting the Parachute Harness ............................................ 5
1.12. Plan ahead............................................................................. 6
1.13. How to get out of the aircraft ............................................... 6
1.14. How to deploy your Parachute ............................................. 6
1.15. How to Steer.......................................................................... 7
1.16. How to Land.......................................................................... 7
1.17. Recovery ................................................................................ 7
1.18. Customer feedback ............................................................... 8
1.19. Para-Cushion Indentication Chart .................................... 8
2.0 Parts List 9
3.0 Required Packing Tools 11
4.0 Prepare Parachute for Packing 12
5.0 Inspection 12
6.0 Canopy Specications Chart 12
7.0 Installing the Toggles 13
8.0 Packing the 305 Chair Model 14
8.1. Pleat and Long Fold................................................................ 14
8.2. Securing the Diaper................................................................ 15
8.3. Risers Placement .................................................................... 17
8.4. First Line Stow ....................................................................... 17
8.5 Excess Line Stows.................................................................... 18
8.6 Remaining Line Stow .............................................................. 19
8.7 Skirt and Canopy Placement .................................................. 21
8.8 Placing Canopy into Container ............................................... 21
8.9 Closing the Container.............................................................. 22
9.0 Repair Guidelines 26
10.0 Changing the Pilot Chute Loop and Cap 27

4Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
1.0 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a new Para-Cushion Emergency Parachute System from Strong
Enterprises. It is one of the nest available anywhere and with a little care, should last you a
very long time. Rest assured that your new Para-Cushion has been constructed to retain the
durability, reliability, and comfort that Strong Enterprises has been building into its products
for over 45 years. We welcome your comments so that we may continue to improve our products
and help make ying safer and more comfortable.
1.1 Scope
This owner’s manual constitutes the manufacturer’s instructions for the operation, packing, and
maintenance of the Para-Cushion Chair Model 305 (PCC 305) Emergency Parachute System.
1.2 FAA Approval
Originally certied in 1973 under TSO C-23b, standard category, the Para-Cushion parachute
assemblies were upgraded in 1992 and are now FAA approved under TSO C-23c, category B
(in accordance with AS 8015A and FAR 21, Subpart O). A copy of this approval is on the inside
back cover.
1.3 Operational Limitations
Limited to use by persons up to 254 lbs (115 kg) fully equipped (person, clothes, and equipment
except parachute), and up to 150 knots IAS.
Maximum recommended weight, fully equipped, using the Mid-Lite canopy (Part No. 420550)
is 254 lbs (115 kg) 150 Knots IAS.
1.4 Parachute Repack Interval
Your Para-Cushion Chair 305 is subject to a 120-day inspection and repack cycle. FAR 91.15
requires that “no pilot of a civil aircraft may allow a parachute that is available for emergency
use to be carried in that aircraft unless it is an approved type and....it has been packed by
a certicated and appropriately rated parachute rigger within the preceding 120 days.” An
FAA Senior or Master parachute rigger with a back type rating must pack the Para-Cushion
Chair 305. If your Para-Cushion is exposed to moisture or damage, it should be inspected and
repacked sooner than the 120-day maximum.
Note!
The 120-day repack cycle required by regulation is a maximum. If for any reason your
parachute is not in the condition it was when packed, it should be inspected and repacked,
regardless of the time since previous packing.
1.5 General Description of Models
The Para-Cushion series of Emergency Parachutes, including the model 305, are FAA approved,
manually operated emergency parachute systems tted with a round, steerable canopy.
The Para-Cushion series includes back, seat, and chair types and several variations of each.
An improved version of the back type (the 303, introduced in 1987), has fabric riser covers and
is slightly shorter than the original Para-Cushion Back.
The newer version of the seat type (the 304, introduced in 1988), has fabric riser covers and is
slightly taller than the original Para-Cushion Seat.
The Para-Cushion Chair 305 combines the best features of both the back and seat types and
extends from the shoulders to the thighs.

5
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
The unique system design (U.S. Patent #3,908,937), with externally mounted pilot chute,
allows for a soft, exible container with protected ripcord pins.
Depending on model and canopy type, each complete system weighs between 14.5 and 16.5 lbs.
This manual covers Para-Cushion Chair 305 packed with the following Strong Enterprises
emergency canopies:
26-foot Standard Lo-Po PN 420510
•
26-foot Military Lo-Po PN 420550 mil•
26-foot Mid-Lite PN 420550•
26-foot Lite PN 420601•
All four canopies are manufactured with low porosity (Lo-Po) cloth that restricts airow,
allowing a slower, more stable rate of descent than conventional parachute cloth.
1.6 Model Description
The Para-Cushion Chair 305 P/N: 124255 is a back mounted container built to extend from
the shoulders of the user to just above the knees. This long design allows the parachute to be
packed in a larger area keeping the system at only 2.5” thin.
The parachute assembly is designed for use in airplanes where your seat is reclined such as
a Grob, Giles 202, the rear seat of an Extra, and many others.
The Confor Foam padding throughout the system allows the user to comfortably sustain
ight for many long hours.
The system measures 42” long (105 cm) by 16” (40 cm) wide by 2.5” to 1” thick and weighs
approximately 16.5 lbs. (7.5 kg).
Available Options:
Fully Adjustable Harness - Allows wearer to adjust the harness using seven adjustment
•
points for a perfect t. Works very well for clubs where different people will be using
the system, also works well for the non-pilot seat in two seat airplanes where different
passengers will be carried.
Aerobatic Harness - This harness option moves the snaps that normally sit on top of the
•
pilot’s legs, to your chest, where there is no pressure from a seat belt. This works best
where a Rachet or 5-point type seat belt is used.
Oxygen Pocket - Pocket built in to the system for a bail out bottle. (Pocket only)
•
ELT Pocket - Pocket built in to the system for the pilots ELT. (Pocket only)•
Sheepskin Pad - Sheepskin pads keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.•
Installed using the Velcro channels already in place on your system.
G-Pad - An auxiliary pad that attaches to the back pad of any Para-Cushion. The G-pad
•
is formed to snugly t around the pilot’s sides providing extra support during high G
maneuvers.
Custom Monogram - We can monogram your name, N number, or anything that space will
•
allow on the front of your container.
Survival Equipment Pocket - Storage space built in to the container, to hold personal
•
items such as a cell phone, signal mirror, energy bar and a small rst aid kit.

6Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
1.7 System Function
The Para-Cushion is activated by pulling the ripcord handle. This action withdraws the ripcord
pins and releases the locking loops allowing the pilot chute to eject, catch air and extract the
parachute canopy from the container. A “diaper” is sewn to the skirt at the bottom of the canopy
and is where some of the suspension lines are stowed. The balance of the lines are stowed
inside the container. On deployment, the canopy and suspension lines are extracted from the
container. The diaper is released as the last stows deploy, allowing the canopy to inate.
Typically, it takes about 2 to 3 seconds from ripcord pull to fully inated canopy, traveling
a vertical distance of 150 to 300 feet. This does NOT mean that you should plan on jumping
or pulling at 300 feet. Deployment time and distance depend on, among other factors, your
airspeed.
1.8 Care of your PCC 305 Emergency Parachute System
Observe these precautions to maximize the service life of your Para-Cushion Emergency
Parachute System. Parachutes are simultaneously very rugged and quite delicate. They are
life saving devices and should be treated with great care. Parachutes are made of nylon, a
very strong and durable, but not invincible, material. Nylon is deteriorated by small amounts
of acid and weakened by ultraviolet sunlight. These surface effects do not seriously inuence
thicker materials, such as webbing or pack material, but canopy cloth is very vulnerable. If your
Para-Cushion is opened or used, it should be brought to an appropriately certied parachute
rigger, or returned to the manufacturer for airing, drying, inspection and repack. FAR 65.129
requires that no parachute be packed, maintained, or altered in any manner that deviates from
procedures approved by the manufacturer.
The parachute should be left unopened inside its protective container ready for use. When you
take your Para-Cushion to your rigger for servicing, they will be glad to allow you to pull the
ripcord yourself, give you a functional demonstration, and answer all your questions. We urge
you NOT to open your parachute in the eld for demonstration purposes. Foreign objects can
cause costly damage to the canopy.
When your Para-Cushion is in the aircraft, care must be exercised to ensure that it is not
damaged. Be sure that it does not come in contact with any sharp or loose metal surfaces, or
any objects within the plane, which might cut or snag it. All metal edges, exposed nuts and
bolts, etc. should be taped or covered to prevent wear on the parachute container. Be sure that
your parachute does not come in contact with water, oils, acids, grease, dirt, agricultural or re
retardant chemicals. When not in use, store your Para-Cushion in its carrying bag in a clean,
dry, protected area. If in doubt as to its condition, consult your nearest parachute rigger or
Strong Enterprises.
CAUTION
LEAVING THE PACKED PARACHUTE EXPOSED TO THE SUN
FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME (UV SUNLIGHT) WILL GREATLY
DECREASE ITS SERVICE LIFE

7
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
1.9 Service Life
Strong Enterprises and other members of the Parachute Industry Association (PIA) are
currently discussing guidelines for a recommended service life. FAR 65.129 requires that “No
certicated parachute rigger may pack a parachute that is not safe for emergency use”. Until
guidelines are established, the continued airworthiness of an assembly is at the discretion
of the FAA licensed parachute rigger’s inspection during re-pack. While proper care can no
doubt extend its usefulness, an older parachute should be examined more closely for signs
of deterioration. Your parachute is a sensitive piece of life saving equipment and should be
treated as such. However, it should not be expected to last forever, even with proper care.
1.10 Preight Inspection
The parachute must be inspected by the wearer prior to each use. Check it visually for any
unsafe condition. Be sure the harness is not twisted or misrouted. Be sure the ttings are not
rusted. Be sure the ripcord handle is securely in its pocket (under the fabric pocket covering).
Lift the Velcro on the back pad and check the ripcord pins. Be sure they are properly seated
in their loops. All pins should extend at least 1/2-inch beyond the fabric locking loop. Be
sure the rigger’s seal and thread are still intact around the last pin. That’s your assurance it
has not been opened since it left the rigger’s packing table. Check the packing data card in
the nearby pocket to be sure that the parachute has been repacked and inspected within the
previous 120 days
1.11 Fitting the Parachute Harness
Strong Enterprises produces three basic harness designs: the standard xed harness, the
fully adjustable harness, and the aerobatic harness. Below, please nd proper tting for each
of these models.
Standard Fixed Harness - This harness has three adjustment points, one on the chest, and
one on each leg. If you are putting the parachute on for the rst time, unsnap the hardware
on the straps, loosen the three adjustment points, and slip your arms through the main lift
web (the vertical straps in front), much like putting on a jacket. Next, reach between your
legs, pick up each leg strap, untwist them if necessary, and snap them in place on each side of
the lower portion of the main lift webs. Lean forward, pull the leg straps below your hips, and
tighten them snugly, yet comfortably around your thighs. Finally, snap and adjust the chest
strap. Fold and stow the webbing ends in the elastic keepers. Be sure the ripcord handle is
securely stowed, yet accessible.
Fully Adjustable Harness - The fully adjustable harness allows you to custom t your
harness. To properly adjust this harness, rst loosen all adjustment points to their maximum
length. Then put on the parachute as explained above being sure to t the leg straps snugly.
Then stand at attention and take up the slack in the main lift web (vertical straps) by pulling
on the harness ends located just above the leg pads. This should pull the straps down snug
over your shoulders. Next adjust the horizontal back strap (located behind you at the leg
junction) to come in contact with your back. This strap need not be tight for a comfortable
t. Finally, snap and adjust the chest strap, fold and stow the webbing ends in the elastic
keepers. Be sure the ripcord handle is securely stowed, yet accessible.

8Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
Aerobatic Harness - The Aerobatic, or two-point harness moves the snaps normally located
on the leg, to the middle of the chest, thereby preventing interference with your seatbelt. To
properly don this harness, loosen the two adjusters to their maximum length. Slip your arms
through the main lift webs (the vertical straps in front), much like putting on a jacket. Then
reach between your legs, pick up the right leg strap, untwist if necessary and thread the right
strap through the loop located on the right main lift web at the leg junction. Take care not to
twist the strap. Next, snap it in place at the chest on the opposite (Left) main lift web. Repeat
the process for the left strap. The straps should be adjusted tight, but not so tight that it
restricts your ability to stand upright. Resist the urge to over tighten the straps once you are
seated. Fold and stow the webbing ends in the elastic keepers. Be sure the ripcord handle is
securely stowed, yet accessible.
1.12 Plan Ahead
Be prepared in the event of an emergency situation. Know and rehearse your emergency
procedures before they are needed. With the parachute on, sit in your cockpit and fasten
your lap and shoulder belts. Be certain these are over your parachute harness. Wear gloves,
helmet and goggles, even headphones if you normally use them. Mentally organize your bailout
procedure. Inspect your cockpit for projections or sharp edges that may damage the parachute,
or injure you. Consider canopy ejection, oxygen disconnect, or other requirements that you may
be faced with. All these things take time, and an emergency leaves you little time for errors.
Generally, you are better off staying with the aircraft if it’s controllable. However, your margin
of safety is reduced as time passes evaluating your situation. With time, many predicaments
can get worse. Make your decision quickly because all these actions consume altitude.
1.13 How to get out of the aircraft
It boils down to two things: Get clear of the aircraft, then pull your ripcord. In that order. If the
parachute begins to open while you’re still aboard, the wind may inate it, dragging you out or
into the tail. Also, it may entangle with the aircraft. There are no other hard or fast rules - the
craft may be tumbling, spinning, or inverted. Simply get yourself out any way you can. Unless
you’re above 15,000 feet, clear the aircraft and pull your ripcord immediately. There is enough
oxygen to breath and you’ll be descending into denser air.
1.14 How to deploy your Parachute
The ripcord handle is located near the chest strap on the wearer’s left front of the harness. The
key is to LOOK at the ripcord handle, rather than fumble or tug on a harness tting. Beneath
the fabric cover, the ripcord handle is held in place by a pocket. Look at it rst because it may
have been dislodged by your exit. REACH over and grab it with both hands (or typically with
your right hand and left thumb), and PULL. YANK IT HARD.
This is no time to be gentle! Actually pulling, which uses the muscles of your forearms, is not as
effective as pushing, which takes advantage of your upper arm strength. If it doesn’t come free
on the rst pull, check to make it is the handle in your hand, not some other piece of hardware.
Back the handle up to the housing to create slack in the cable, then punch it out again. The
entire cable assembly should come completely out of the housing. To reduce the pull force, push
the handle in the direction that the protective ripcord housing points - rather than straight out
from your chest.

9
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
The ripcord housing on the Para-Cushion Chair 305 comes over your shoulder, so push the
handle down toward your feet. By having both hands together on the handle, you also reduce
the chance of the canopy or lines entangling with an extended limb. Keep your feet together
for the same reason. Body position is secondary to pulling. Remember - LOOK-REACH-
PULL.
1.15 How to Steer
Having a steerable parachute reduces your rate of descent, increases your stability, and
allows you to avoid obstacles (buildings, trees, water, power lines, etc.). The parachute drifts
with the wind and has a forward speed of about 6 MPH, which can be directed with or against
the wind using the built-in steering vents in the rear.
The canopy may be turned by pulling down on the steering line rings or webbing toggles,
located on the rear of the risers, just above your head. An 8-12 inch pull will produce a slow
rotation. Excessive pulling will not improve the performance.
1.16 How to Land
Ideally, you want to reduce your landing speed by facing into the wind (or quartering slightly).
Avoid all but very slight turns below 200 feet.
Push your feet and knees tightly together and point your toes slightly so you don’t land on
your heels. The tension caused by keeping your ankles and knees pressed tightly together
increases their individual support, reducing your chance of injury. Keep your elbows in and
try to look at the horizon, not down at the ground. This will give you a better idea of your
altitude (much like looking out the side, rather than over the nose during a landing are).
Maneuver the canopy as necessary to avoid all obstacles. In the event of a tree or power line
landing, keep your feet together so you don’t straddle a limb or wire. Be prepared to slide
through and hit the ground afterwards. You should be able to avoid power lines, but if not,
throw away the ripcord — it is three feet of dangling electrical conductor. To prepare for a
water landing, the chest strap may be unfastened (except with the Aerobatic harness) as long
as you cross your arms in front of the harness to prevent falling out. Depth perception over
water is difcult at best, so do not attempt to leave your harness “just above” the water.
1.17 Recovery
If the wind keeps your canopy inated after touchdown, you may be dragged. Pull in on the
lines closest to the ground to spill some air, and then run around the canopy to collapse it.
In the event of a water landing, take a deep breath just before you splash down. Once under
water, unfasten your harness straps and swim as far as possible upstream, allowing the
canopy to blow away from you. Entanglements with soggy nylon cloth and lines can weigh
you down.
If suspended from a power line, do not attempt to climb down, and do not accept assistance
from anyone until the power has been shut off.

10 Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
1.18 Customer Feedback
In our effort to continuously improve our products, processes, and services, we invite you to
send us your comments. As a properly trained and qualied user of this equipment, you are
uniquely suited to provide us with valuable feedback regarding design and/or performance. Tell
us what you like. Tell us what you don’t like. Send us an email or mail us a letter to:
Strong Enterprises
11236 Satellite Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32837
Tel. [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
[email protected]
1.19 Para-Cushion models Identication

11
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
124200
Harness and Container
assembly
2.0 Parts list
26-foot Standard Lo-Po PN 420510
26-foot Military Lo-Po PN 420550 mil
26-foot Mid-Lite PN 420550
26-foot Lite PN 420601
611366
Ripcord Assembly
790121
Pilot Chute, Lil Grabber 861047 Locking Loop 799030 Cap for Pilot Chute
816005
Carrying Bag
Ownerʼs Manual
For packing and maintenance of
Para-Cushion
model 305 Chair
Part number: 124255
with
Diaper equipped
26ft. Mid-Lite Canopy
Part number: 420550
Division of S.E. Inc.
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837
Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com [email protected]
Current release: July 2007
Second release: November 2005
1st release: June 2000
Manual P/N 510088
Price $25.00
510088
Owner’s Manual

12 Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
CAUTION
THE MID-LITE CANOPY HAS A MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED
WEIGHT LIMIT (WEARER, CLOTHES, AND EQUIPMENT)
OF 254 LBS. (115 KG).
Note!
Ripcord cable length is measured from the tip of the endpin to the ball swage. Pin space
is measured from tip to tip.
Note!
On new closing loops, a tolerance of ± 1/4 inch is allowed from the referenced at
dimensions when measured under moderate (nger) tension. Some stretching is to be
expected with previously packed loops.
Note!
Standard 2” x 3/8” parachute rubber bands were used on early production units.
Later, a heavier version of the same was cut in half, rendering a 2” x 3/16” band.
Current production utilizes a shorter 1-1/4” x 3/8” stow band which does not require
doubling. Some units have a combination, using the smaller stow bands on the diaper
and “half” line stows. All Rubber Bands should be doubled.
Note!
Do not remove heat shrink tubing to check tightened links.
(Visual of where nut is on threads will give needed reference to verify link is tight.)

13
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
3.0 Required Packing Tools
A - Shot Bags at least 4
B - Line Separator 1 ea
C - Pilot Chute Locking Rod 1 ea
D - Pilot Chute Locking Strap 1ea
E - T-handles 3 ea
F - Pull-Up Cords 3 ea
G - Tension Plate 1 ea
H - Tension Hook 1 ea
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

14 Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
4.0 Prepare Parachute for Packing
Gather the appropriate tools as listed in Chapter 3.0. Always count your tools to ensure you
don’t leave any in the packed parachute.
Lay the harness, container and canopy down on the table with the harness facing down. Ap-
ply tension using tensioning devices.
5.0 Inspection
Inspect the entire assembly for completeness and any damage.•
Inspect pilot chute and bridle.•
Check that the Larks head knot on the pilot chute is secure.•
Inspect Apex area.•
Check over entire canopy for damage.•
Inspect lines for damage.•
Check line sequence and control lines.•
Perform a complete suspension line continuity check.•
Check the barrels on #6 rapide link for cracks. (Older models use L-Bars connectors)•
Check that links are tight.•
Inspect Harness and Container assembly.•
Check that the elastic stow bands stretch and are in good condition.•
Check tackings for tightness and condition.•
Inspect Hardware for functionality and condition.•
Inspect Harness for nicks, abrasions and sun damage.•
6.0 Canopy Specications Chart
CANOPY MIL.LOPO REG. LOPO MID-LITE LITE
Diameter 26 ft 26 ft 26 ft 26 ft
Canopy weight lbs/kg 7.75 /3.50 7.5/3.40 7.4/3.35 7.3/3.30
Max weight (lbs/kg) (total suspended weight) 254/115 254/115 254/115 175/80
Max deployment speed (kts) 150 150 150 130
No. of gores 24 24 24 22
No. of panels per gores 4 4 4 3
Suspension line strength lbs/kN 650/2.9 650/2.9 400/1.78 400/1.78
Radial tape strength lbs/kN 250/1.11 250/1.11 200/0.89 200/0.89
Canopy Cloth Ripstop Nyl. Ripstop Nyl. Ripstop Nyl. Ripstop Nyl.
Canopy Cloth porosity (CFM) 30-50 30-50 30-50 30-50
Suspension line material Braided Nyl. Braided Nyl. Braided Nyl. Braided Nyl.
No Circ. reinforcing tapes 3 1 1 1
Turn speed 360 degrees 6-8 sec 6-8 sec 6-8 sec 5-7 sec
Forward Speed (MPH/km/h) 6-8/10-12 6-8/10-12 6-8/10-12 8-10/12-16
Opening time (varies w/ speed) 1.1-2.5 sec 1.1-2.5 sec 1.1-2.5 sec 1.1-2.5 sec
TSO Category C-23c Cat.B C-23c Cat.B C-23c Cat.B C-23b
Rate of Descent fps/mps 18.6/5.7 18.6/5.7 18.6/5.7 19.6/6.0
w/225 lbs/100 kg (Lite w/175 lbs/80 kg)

15
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
Thread the steering line through the
grommet in the toggle, starting from
the underside of the toggle (the side
with Velcro®).
Lay the toggle on the riser where it
will be when set, and measure where
the steering line should be tied. There
should be one or two inches of slack in
the steering line after the rest of the
lines are pulled tight. Figure-8 the line
through the grommet and secure with
an overhand knot.
If the steering line is thin, as in the
Mid-Lite or Lite, a second figure-8 may
be necessary to fill up the grommet
hole. Mate the Velcro® to secure the
toggle to the riser.
7.0 Installing the Toggles

16 Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
Always perform the inspection
described in 5.0 before beginning the
packing procedures outlined herein.
All directional references (left,
right, etc.) are from the wearer’s
perspective.
8.1 Pleat and Long Fold
8.1.1
Lay the harness, container and canopy
down on the table as if the wearer
were facing down. Apply tension
using tensioning devices. Inspect the
entire assembly for completeness and
any damage. Flake canopy and pleat
in the normal manner with an equal
number of gores to each side.
8.1.2
Fold the skirt up 90° on each side
parallel to the radial seams.
8.0 Packing the PCC 305
Emergency Parachute System

17
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
8.1.3
Long fold in fths (fold both sides to
meet at the center, then fold in thirds,
overlapping) tight and narrow.
8.2 Securing the Diaper
8.2.1
Spread the diaper out at. Bring the
lines in the LEFT-HAND GROUP
ONLY loosely up over the skirt.
!WARNING!
DO NOT tuck the lines
inside the folded
canopy. Tucking the
lines in the canopy can
cause serious burns to
the canopy and lines.

18 Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
8.2.2
Wrap the diaper around the skirt and
left line group.
!WARNING!
Put only the left half
of the lines inside the
diaper. Otherwise,
the purpose of the
diaper will be defeated,
allowing it to release
before all the lines are
unstowed.
8.2.3
Pass the three (two on older models)
locking rubber bands through their
respective grommets in the diaper.
Secure the diaper by stowing the left line
group through each of the three (or two)
rubber bands, stowing from top to bottom
making 1-1/2 inch bights. Unless the
shorter (1-1/4”) rubber bands are used,
these rubber bands should be doubled to
hold the line stows securely.

19
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
8.3 Riser Placement
Lay the risers in the container and
spread the links so they are not on
top of one another. Take a bight of
line immediately above the right link
and stow in the rubber band near the
bottom grommet. Repeat for the left
link.
8.4 First Line Stow
8.4.1
Grasp both line groups together
about 9” from the left link. (The
slack in the right line group will be
toward the link; the lines toward the
canopy should be even). As you make
your rst line stow in the pack tray,
separate the right and left line groups,
and pull slightly more tension on the
right side line group (the one attached
to the skirt), so there is about an extra
1/2” of slack in the left side lines. This
will insure that during deployment,
the lines on the left side line group
are not pulled so tight that they will
unstow prematurely from the diaper.
Continue stowing the rest of the lines
in the pack tray with a single wrap of
the stow band.

20 Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 305 Chair
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
The parachute company with imagination
8.4.2
Stow the rst bight of lines in the
wearer’s lower left corner of the
container using the outboard rubber
band.
8.5 Excess Line Stows
(Right Line Group)
The resulting “excess” length of line
(about 20 inches) from the right riser
will have only one-half the total
number of suspension lines. Stow
this excess from the right line group
on the right side of the container, in
the upper right inboard rubber band.
To do this, route the lines diagonally
from the rst stow to the top of the
container, and stow using the rubber
band closest to the center of the pack
tray. At this point, all lines between
the canopy and the container should
be even.
Note!
When the 3-stow diaper is used, this
bight may be doubled back on itself
before being placed in the rubber
band. With the 2-stow diaper, this
will not be necessary. Unless the
shorter (1-1/4 inch) rubber bands
are used (See note in the parts list,
Section 2.0), this rubber band should
be doubled.