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We recommend the following procedures
concerning our reserve parachute line :
To begin with, we must stress that using
a reserve parachute should never be taken for
granted or considered to be without risks to the
pilot. A reserve parachute is only there to deploy
in case of an emergency situation.
A pilot’s weight must correspond to the manu-
facturer recommended range limitations to be
fully operational. Any intent to use a reserve
parachute below or above the manufacturer’s
recommended weight limitations is dangerous
and must totally be avoided.
- Any reserve parachute riser connection to the
harness must result with the pilot landing on his
legs and standing.
The parachute must be left unmodified to keep
it aligned with the certification procedure it went
through to assure a proper operational sequence
to work.
RESERVE PARACHUTE
OWNER’S MANUAL
Deploying the Reserve Canopy :
- Find the deployment handle.
- Hold it firmly and pull it out of the outer contai-
ner or harness.
- Using the deployment handle, jettison the inner
pod forcefully into open air and AWAY from the
paraglider.The reserve parachute pod will auto-
matically open upon reaching maximum line
and riser length under tension.
- Due to its central line design, the canopy will
easily and quickly inflate.
- Once the reserve parachute is deployed, the pi-
lot must disable the paraglider by symmetrically
pulling as much as possible on the « B « risers to
stabilize the descent.
NB : Our tandem reserve parachutes are delive-
red with the « Rose System « which automatically
deflates and disable the paraglider while mini-
mizing any possible interference with the para-
chute during the descent. This system is not avai-
lable for solo reserve parachutes at this time.
- Upon landing, the pilot must be ready to cushion
the impact by flexing his legs and roll sideways;
exercising what is called a PLF landing ( Para-
chute Landing Fall ).
RECOMMENDATION AND CARE FOR THE
PARACHUTE AFTER A WATER LANDING:
In case of a water landing, the parachute must
be dried, followed by line stretching and recondi-
tioning, following the manufacturer’s guide lines.
Let the parachute dry outdoors in a shaded area,
away from direct sunlight
Pre-stretch the lines with a 10 kg. pull to limit Nylon
shrinkage due to humidity.
- Proceed with the repacking procedure following
to the manufacturer‘s manual guidelines.
- Ensure a correct reserve parachute installation
inside the harness by doing an extraction during
a hang-test. Repeat installation procedure afte-
rward.
To be noted:
An EN12491 certified reserve parachute must
theoretically have a touch-down speed, equal
or inferior to 5,5 m/s, which corresponds to a 1,80
meter jump. This impacting speed can greatly
vary due to a few relevant factors: The air mass,
the overall hooking weight, the paragliding wing
configuration / design, and the density altitude.
Two recent flight incidents with use of similar re-
serve parachute models ( X-Light ) during similar
circumstances, demonstrated significant different
results:
- One pilot touched-down with a 5,2 m/s sink rate
with his paraglider disabled.
- The second pilot touched-down with a 9 m/s sink
rate without a neutralized paragliding wing, or a
free-fall jump from a 4 meter elevation
The paragliding wing’s influence on the overall
set-up ( paraglider / reserve parachute ) is impor-
tant and not predictable nor quantifiable. The
scenario can not be reproduced during the tests.
In spite of the positive statistics showing
the obvious benefits of using a reserve
parachute in case of an emergency,
the later can not be taken for granted
at any time or place.
SUP’AIR AND SKY PARAGLIDERS, have been desi-
gning, producing and distributing reserve para-
chutes for the last twenty years to date. While in
constant search for the best materials available
on the market to further and improve our product
lines, we prioritize and strive on keeping our client
base safe and happy. Wishing you many safe
flights.
