Puma 13.5
Owner’s Manual
MAINTENANCE
Hang gliders need to be kept in good condition and a good state of tune to perform well and safely. The
Technical Details section of this handbook shows the original factory settings. You can check and record the
tuning of your glider or return it to its original settings. Hang gliders are NOT zero maintenance machines.
Annual strip down and factory inspection
Avian recommend that the Puma has a factory inspection every year or 100 flying hours which ever is the
sooner. This is a sensible precaution to take and is offered by Avian. An additional benefit of the strip down is
that the latest upgrades can be fitted sometimes for free.
General
Careful attention to the rigging and de-rigging sequences will reduce the risk of accidental damage. Repairs
should be undertaken by the Avian factory or an approved dealer using genuine Avian spares.
The correct storage of your glider will also greatly influence its life. The glider should always be stored:
Well packed.
Completely dry.
Well supported.
In a dark, cool and dry place.
Washout Checking
It is very important that the washout rods are not lowered below the minimum settings. The washout of the
Puma 13.5 is essential to maintaining good pitch stability. Thus checking the washout and adjusting if
necessary is important.
Airframe Maintenance
Apart from damage caused by over stressing the glider i.e. crashing etc. the major wear and tear on the glider
happens in transit.
Aluminium Tubing
Care and consideration in de-rigging and transportation will pay dividends in airframe life. Damage to any
one of the structural members is serious and the only remedy is replacement. Insufficient care during ground
handling or transportation can lead to tube abrasion or indentation. The former accelerates fatigue fracture
and the latter reduces the strength of a component. Keep a regular watch for tell-tale hair-line cracks.
Although rare, cracks are most likely to occur at dents or in high stress areas such as around bolt holes. If
you bend, dent or damage the tubular members in any way, seek immediate professional advice before flying
again and have replacement parts fitted.
Carbon Spars
Carbon fibre spars must be looked after carefully. Damage to them is likely to be much less obvious than to
a metal tube. Any visible damage could signify serious structural damage and should be inspected by Avian
Ltd. before flight.
Puma 13.5 hand book-Rev-02
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Summary of Contents for PUMA 13.5
Page 1: ...PUMA 13 5...
Page 21: ...Puma 13 5 Owner s Manual Figure 4 Checking batten tension Puma 13 5 hand book Rev 02 21...
Page 38: ...Puma 13 5 Owner s Manual Section 3 Assembly Drawings Puma 13 5 hand book Rev 02 38...
Page 39: ...Puma 13 5 Owner s Manual NOSE ASSEMBLY Figure 10 Nose assembly Puma 13 5 hand book Rev 02 39...
