www.AtairCanopies.com
Dragon User Manual
Page 22 Atair Canopies
A Word about help:
When you are learning to pack, never hesitate to ask a rigger or your instructor for
help. They will show you tips that will make the process faster and easier.
Be sure they refer to this manual, however, as they might not know our packing
method.
Read this manual first. Doing so will give you a better idea of what you are doing, and
it will help you go a little faster.
Packing Canopies Made of Zero Porosity
Canopies made from ZP can be packed just like any other similar canopy. If you prefer
to flat pack, and have been getting good results with a similar canopy, this method
should work with your new canopy. There are many different pack jobs currently
being used. We recommend the pro-pack detailed in this owner’s manual.
This pack method consistently results in soft on-heading openings, with minimum risk of
canopy damage. Others may not work as well. If you try a different pack method, you
do so at your own risk. If you use a side or book pack, start at the tail and work forward
to squeeze the air out.
Packing a canopy made of ZP is a new skill that must be learned. At first, it will be more
difficult to pack than canopies made out of conventional materials. However, with
practice it will become just as easy. You can make the pack job considerably easier to
by getting a bag that is slightly larger than your main container. It is easier to squeeze
a small amount of the air out after the canopy is in the bag. (Consult the container
manufacturer about this).
The key to making the job easy is to pack fast and accurately. Each fold or roll must be
done quickly and correctly the first time. This will only come with practice. Packing
does not hurt the canopy, so please practice until you are good at getting a neatly
folded canopy into the bag before you start jumping the canopy.
The fabric has a memory and always tries to open back up. Once you start, you must
continue until the canopy us in the bag and the first locking stows are secure. You
can’t waste time at any point in the packing procedure because this gives the
canopy time to move around, form a big mess, and you will have o start over.
After the folding and organizing portion that is done while standing is complete, you
should roll the tail as tightly and as far as possible. Be careful not to let the tail unroll
while squeezing the air out. If you kneel on the canopy facing the pilot chute
attachment just above the warning label you will be in a better position to control this.
Slowly lay down on the canopy while still containing it with your hands. The only place
for the air to leak out is the stitching holes, so go slowly. If you go fast, the air will blow
the pack job apart.
