Strong Enterprises Para-Cushion AcroPro User manual

1
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion
www.strongparachutes.com [email protected]
Owner’s Manual
For packing and maintenance of
AcroPro & 303 Back
with
26ft. Mid-Lite Canopy
(This manual is to be used for 303 Back systems made 2015 or later only)
Revision B
March 2021
Manual P/N 510093
US Patent 3,908,937

2Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion
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! WARNING !
Parachuting is a hazardous activity that can result in serious injury or
death. Failure to follow 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 manual 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.

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Table of Contents
Warning/Disclaimer
Table of Contents 3
1. Introduction 4
1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 FAA Approval .................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Operational Limitations ................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Repack Interval ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.5 Model Description ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.6 System Function................................................................................................................................ 5
1.7 Care of your AcroPro Parachute System ......................................................................................... 5
1.8 Service Life ........................................................................................................................................ 6
1.9 Preight Inspection........................................................................................................................... 6
1.10 Fitting the Parachute Harness....................................................................................................... 6
1.11 Plan Ahead ...................................................................................................................................... 7
1.12 How to get out of the Aircraft......................................................................................................... 7
1.13 How to open your Parachute .......................................................................................................... 7
1.14 How to Steer .................................................................................................................................... 8
1.15 Landing and Recovery .................................................................................................................... 8
1.16 Reporting of Equipment Improvement Recommendations........................................................... 8
2. AcroPro Model Description 9
2.1 Parts List ........................................................................................................................................ 10
3. Required Packing Tools 11
4. Prepare Parachute for Packing 12
5. Pre-Packing Inspection 12
6. Packing the AcroPro 13
6.1 Folding the Parachute .................................................................................................................... 13
6.2 Securing the Diaper ........................................................................................................................ 15
6.3 Risers and Line Stows..................................................................................................................... 17
6.4 Placing Canopy into Container ...................................................................................................... 19
6.5 Closing the Container ..................................................................................................................... 21
7. Repair Guidelines 26
8. Changing the Pilot Chute Loop and Cap 27
9. Installing the Toggles 29
FAA Approval Letter (Inside Back Cover)

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1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a new Para-Cushion Emergency Parachute System from Strong
Enterprises. It is 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 50 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 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-23f, (in accordance with
AS 8015A, category B and FAR 21, Subpart O). A copy of the FAA Approval Letter is on the inside
of the back cover of this manual.
1.3 Operational Limitations
When using the 26ft Mid-Lite Canopy (Strong Enterprises Part Number 420550), this Para-Cushion
is limited to use by persons up to 254 lbs (115kg) fully equipped (person, clothes, and equipment
including parachute) at up to 150 knots IAS.
1.4 Parachute Repack Interval
Your Para-Cushion is designed for a 365-day repack cycle. Your countries laws may dictate a stricter
schedule, check your local regulations. The Para-Cushion must be packed by an FAA certicated
parachute rigger, or foreign equivalent, with an appropriate rating or returned to Strong Enterprises
for inspection and repack. If your Para-Cushion is exposed to moisture, excessive dirt or is damaged
it should be inspected sooner than the maximum allowed.
Note!
USA current repack regulations can be found in FAA FAR 91.307
1.5 Model Description
The unique Para-Cushion system design (U.S. Patent #3,908,937), with externally mounted pilot
chute, allows for a soft, exible container with protected ripcord pins. The Para-Cushion, is an FAA
approved, manually operated emergency parachute system.
Para-Cushion AcroPro has a standard back mounted container measures 21” (53 cm) tall by 13” (33
cm) wide by 3.5” (9 cm) thick and weighs approximately 14 lb. (6.4 kg).
Para-Cushion Back 303 has a standard back mounted container measures 24” (60 cm) tall by 16” (40
cm) wide by 3” (7 cm) thick and weighs approximately 15 lb. (6.5 kg).
It has a contoured container and backpad with extra padding at the shoulders to keep it
comfortable while performing. Available with an aerobatic or standard harness, this system is
designed to be unrestrictive while ensuring the safety of the pilot. In addition we have extended
the riser covers to protect the harness webbing from UV exposure and wear.

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The 26’ (7.92m) Mid-Lite parachute is block constructed using low porosity (Lo-Po) fabric. This fabric
allows less air ow than conventional parachute fabric and therefore provides a slower, more stable
rate of descent.
1.6 System Function
The Para-Cushion is activated by pulling the ripcord handle. This 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. 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.
1.7 Care of Your 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
taken to a certicated parachute rigger, or returned to the manufacturer for airing, drying, inspection
and repack. FAA 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 until 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 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.
For long term storage the best possible way to store your canopy is unopened inside the carry bag.
It doesn’t matter how long the canopy is kept that way. If you open your para-cushion there are
more opportunities to damage the canopy or lines. If you decide that you must open it and remove
the rubber bands we suggest putting both canopy and lines directly into the cloth bag (laundry
bag, pillow case). The reason we don’t recommend a plastic bag is that nylon “breaths”. Or more
specically it will absorb and release moisture and stabilize to the ambient humidity levels. If it is
trapped in a plastic bag there is more opportunity for mold/mildew to grow, while a cloth bag allows
the breathing process to continue.
! WARNING !
Leaving your packed parachute system exposed to the sun
will greatly decrease its service life.

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1.8 Service Life
FAA FAR 65.129 requires that “No certicated parachute rigger may pack a parachute that is not
safe for emergency use”. 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.
1.9 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). Unsnap the back
pad and check 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 furthest pin. That is 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 is
current and has been repacked in accordance with regulations.
1.10 Fitting the Parachute Harness
The Strong Enterprises Para-Cushion comes with one of 2 basic harness designs: the fully adjustable
harness, and the aerobatic harness. Below, please nd proper tting for each of these models.
Fully Adjustable Harness - The fully adjustable harness allows you to custom t your harness.
To properly adjust this harness, rst loosen all adjustment points all the way out. 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.
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 seat belt. To properly don
this harness, loosen the two adjusters all the way out. 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.

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1.11 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 is controllable. However, your margin of safety is reduced
as time passes evaluating your situation. With time many situations can get worse. Make your
decision quickly because all these actions consume altitude.
1.12 How to Get Out of the Aircraft
There are only two steps to remember when you must leave your aircraft. 1) Get clear of the
aircraft, 2) 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 rules - the aircraft may be tumbling, spinning, or inverted. Simply
get yourself out any way you can. Clear the aircraft and pull your ripcord immediately. There is
enough oxygen to breath and you’ll be descending into denser air.
1.13 How to Open 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 (typically with your right hand and left thumb), and
PULL! This is no time to be gentle!
If the ripcord doesn’t come free on the rst pull, check to make sure 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. The ripcord housing on the Para-Cushion 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 to LOOK-REACH-PULL.

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1.14 How to Steer
Having a steerable parachute reduces your rate of descent, increases your stability, and helps you
avoid obstacles such as buildings, trees, water, and power lines. 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 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.
1.15 Landing and Recovery
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).
If the wind keeps your canopy inated after touchdown, you may be dragged. Pull in the lines
closest to the ground to spill some air, and then run around the canopy to collapse it.
In most cases you can maneuver the canopy as necessary to avoid as many obstacles as possible.
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 an electrical conductor. 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.
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, so do not attempt to leave your harness above the water. 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 wet nylon cloth and lines can weigh you down.
1.16 Reporting of Recommendations
In our effort to continuously improve our products, processes, and services, we invite you to send us
your comments and suggestions. As a user of this equipment, you are uniquely suited to provide us
with valuable feedback regarding design and/or performance. Feel free to tell us what you like and
what you don’t like. Send us an email or mail a letter to:
Strong Enterprises
6448 Pinecastle Blvd. Ste. 104
Orlando, FL 32809
[email protected]

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2. AcroPro Model Description
The AcroPro measures 21” (53 cm) tall by 13” (33 cm) wide by 3.5” (9 cm) thick and weighs approximately
14 lb. (6.4 kg). In many cases, by removing the back cushion of the seat pan, the pilot may place the
AcroPro in it’s place.
The AcroPro is recommended for use in airplanes where head room is at a minimum and comfort is
desired such as: Extra, F-1 Rocket, RV, Sukhoi, Zivko Edge, MXS, MX2, and the Super Blanik.

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2.1 Parts List
26-foot Mid-Lite
420550
Ripcord Assembly
611366
Pilot Chute, Lil Grabber
790121
Locking Loop
861044 (gold) AcroPro
&
861043 (white) 303
Cap for Pilot Chute
799030
Carrying Bag
816031

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3. 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 1 ea
E - T-handles 3 ea
F - Pull-Up Cords 3 ea
G - Tension Plate 1 ea
H - Tension Hook 1 ea
I - Fid 1 ea
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I

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4. Prepare Parachute for Packing
1. Gather the appropriate tools.
2. Always count your tools to ensure you don’t leave any in the packed parachute.
3. Lay the harness, container and canopy down on the table with the harness facing down.
4. Attach canopy apex to tension hook and attach container to tension plate. By tightening both
ends, canopy will be stretched out allowing easier inspection and packing.
5. Pre-Packing Inspection
Always perform the following inspection prior to packing:
•Inspect the entire assembly for 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.
•Check that links are tight.
•Inspect Harness and Container assembly.
•Check that the elastic stow bands are in good condition.
•Check tackings for tightness and condition.
•Inspect Hardware for functionality and condition.
•Inspect Harness for nicks, abrasions, and sun damage.
•Check that ripcord is snug in pocket.
•Check closing loop length. Loop should be 10” with a tolerance of (-) 1/4”

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6. Packing the AcroPro Emergency Parachute
6.1.1
Lay harness, container and canopy
down on the table with the wearer
side facing down. Inspect entire
assembly for completeness and any
damage. Flake canopy and pleat
in the normal manner with an
equal number of gores to each side.
Diaper should be between table and
canopy.
6.1.2
Fold skirt up 90º on each side
parallel to the radial seams.
6.1 Folding the Parachute
6.1.1
Lay harness, container and canopy
down on the table with the wearer
side facing down. Inspect entire
assembly for completeness and any
damage. Flake canopy and pleat
in the normal manner with an
equal number of gores to each side.
Diaper should be between table and
canopy.
6.1.2
Fold skirt up 90º on each side
parallel to the radial seams.

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6.1.3
Fold the canopy into thirds by
bringing the sides up to the middle.
First right side and then left.
6.1.4
Long fold the canopy into fths,
long and tight, bringing the right
side just past center then folding
the left side over center.

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6.2 Securing the Diaper
6.2.1
Spread diaper out flat. Bring lines
on the LEFT-HAND GROUP ONLY
loosely up over 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.

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6.2.2
Wrap the diaper around the skirt
and left line group. Bring rubber
band through upper grommet and
lock in place with 1 1/2 inch bight of
line from left line group.
! WARNING !
Put only the left line group of lines inside the diaper.
Otherwise the purpose of the diaper will be defeated,
allowing it to release before all lines are unstowed.
6.2.3
Continue to secure the diaper by
bringing remaining rubber bands
through their respective grommets
and locking in place with 1 1/2 inch
bights of line from left line group.
Note:
If using shorter
(1 1/4 inch) rubber
bands, a single wrap is
sufficient. If using large
rubber bands, double
wrap each stow.

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6.3 Riser and Line Stows
6.3.1
Insert the T-bars up through the
three grommets located in the
bottom of the container.
6.3.2
Open the riser covers on the bottom
of the container and lay risers in
the channel. Close riser cover over
risers by securing the hook and loop
fastener.
6.3.3
Right line group will be 14-16”
longer than the left line group.
Bring excess line to container end,
keeping lines even from canopy to
container. Stow the rst bight of
lines in the outermost rubber band
on the wearer’s lower left corner of
the container.
Note:
This bight should contain all the
lines. There will be excess in the
right line group between the riser
links and this first line stow.
First Stow (all lines)
Excess Right Line group

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6.3.4
Stow the 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. This stow
can be doubled back on itself.
6.3.5
Make the next stow of all parachute
lines in the outermost top left side
rubber band.
6.3.6
Continue to stow lines on the left
side until you have two top and
three bottom stows.

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6.3.7
Route the line group around the
bottom grommet to the innermost
bottom rubber band on the right
side of the container.
Note!
Ensure that lines run between
middle and bottom grommet.
Routing lines below the
bottom grommet could cause a
malfunction.
6.3.8
Continue stowing lines on the right
side of the container working from
the inside to the outside. The last
stow should be in the outermost
upper rubber band and 6-10 inches
from the skirt of the canopy.
6.4.1
Lay the diaper across the top of the
container. Although the diaper may
be twisted slightly to reduce lumps,
stow the canopy “at,” not turned
on edge.
6.4 Placing Canopy Into Container

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6.4.2
Fold canopy 90 degrees “down” and
“up” the left side of the container.
This fold is positioned between the
side ap of the container and the
central divider ap.
6.4.3
Next fold the canopy diagonally
across the container. The canopy
fold should start below the diaper
and cross to the right side between
the middle and bottom grommets.
6.4.4
Next take an approximately 10”
bight of canopy and fold it across
the bottom of the container. This
fold should be between the bottom
ap and the bottom grommet, and
should ll in the bottom of the
container.