Puma 13.5
Owner’s Manual
a stiff brush as it might do more harm than good. Ensure that the wing is completely dry before de-rigging
and storing.
Battens
Battens form the wing shape and substantially influence the performance of the wing. They need treating
with care and, since they are subject to constant stress both during flight and rigging, they may lose their
shape. It is essential that they are checked against the template at frequent intervals and re-profiled if
necessary. (See Section: Battens and Batten profile.)
REPAIR
The Puma airframe is deceptively simple, but like all aircraft requires skilled and qualified attention. We do
not recommend self repair or re-assembly by other than Avian or Avian nominated repair agents. No
replacement parts should be fitted unless they are factory supplied and identified as such. When ordering
spares always quote your glider serial number (make a note of it if you have to replace your keel. It should
be recorded on the front of this manual). Bent aluminium tubes must never be straightened, always replaced.
Frayed cables and cables with damaged or twisted thimbles must always be replaced.
To help you identify components some of the main assemblies are shown in Section 3: Assembly Drawings
page 38.
COMPONENT LIFE
(See RECOMMENDED COMPONENT LIFE page 33) The safe working life of the structural components
of the Puma is dictated by the environment in which the aircraft is used and the care taken during day to day
operations. Inspection, therefore, is an essential tool in deciding the continued use of most components,
particularly the sail. UV exposure shortens the life of the sail, which is why it should not be left needlessly
exposed to sunlight or any other source of UV radiation. A factory inspection is recommended every 100
hours or 1 year. (See MAINTENANCE page 22.)
TRANSPORTATION
The wing must always be transported inside its bag, well packed and with all the protective padding in place.
The zip on the bag can be placed down to prevent entry of rainwater. During transportation, or when stored
on slings, the wing must be supported at its centre and at two points not more than one metre from each end.
Supports should be padded and relative movement between glider and supports must be avoided at all times.
(If travelling abroad pay attention to the legal requirements for both glider overhang and coloured flags etc.)
SHORT PACKING
It is sometimes useful to short pack your glider especially for transportation by air. It is unusual to be able
to take the glider full length on an aeroplane and is always best to short pack it.
Tools.
You will need a large Philips (posi-drive) screw driver and a 4mm Allen key.
The Puma leading edge has been specially designed in two main sections, the inner (nose to out board of the
cross tube - leading edge junction) and the outer (tip section of the leading edge). These sections can be
separated for short packing - useful for transport overseas or storage.
Puma 13.5 hand book-Rev-02
24
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...
