Pilot’s manual for Aspen6
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6. MAINTAINING YOUR GLIDER
If you handle your glider with care and store it in a suitable place it can last you a very long time. On
the other hand, neglecting maintenance, bad storage and the use of unsuitable cleaning products can
reduce the lifespan of your glider significantly or may even make it dangerous.
You must keep to these rules:
Choose a suitable area for your launches. Lines caught on roots or rocks lead to unnecessary strain
on the attachment tabs during inflation. Snagging the lines may rip the canopy tissue or damage
lines.
When landing, never let the canopy fall on its leading edge in front of the pilot. The effect of these
forceful collisions and the sudden pressure increase can severely damage the air-resistant coating
of the canopy as well as weaken the ribs and seams.
Protect the canopy from unnecessary strain. Inconsiderate handling of your glider – pulling it over
grass, soil, sand or rocks – will significantly reduce its lifetime and increase porosity.
When preparing the paraglider for a launch or when ground handling, be sure not to step on any
of the lines or the canopy.
Don't tie any unnecessary knots in the lines. Packing methods where special knots are made in the
lines as used on parachutes and reserve parachutes are not suitable for packing the lines used on
paragliders.
Protect your canopy and lines from unnecessary exposure to sunlight. UV-rays can damage many
parts of a paraglider.
Try not to pack your glider when wet. If it’s unavoidable then dry it as soon as possible but away
from direct sunlight. Be careful to avoid storing your canopy wet - this is the most common reason
for cloth degradation, and is easily preventable.
Don't let your glider come into contact with seawater. If it does, rinse the lines, canopy and risers
with fresh water and dry before storing.
After flight or when storing always use the inner protection sack.
When storing or during transport make sure your glider isn't exposed to temperatures higher than
50 degrees Celsius.
Never let the paraglider come into contact with chemicals. Clean the glider with clean lukewarm
water only.
When packing the glider we recommend concertina folding the reinforced leading edge to avoid
damaging the plastic reinforcements.
For long-term storage don't pack the glider too tightly. Store it in a cold, dry and well-ventilated
room.
After tree- or water-landings always examine the glider carefully. If you suspect that the flight
features of your paraglider have changed, contact an authorised Gradient supplier as soon as
possible.
7. CHECKING YOUR GLIDER
After 150 flying hours or two years your Aspen6 must be thoroughly checked and tested by the
manufacturer or by a Gradient authorised service centre. This check is primarily focused on:
measuring of porosity
measuring of tear strength of fabric
sewing of panels, attachment points, cell openings, etc.
condition of lines and risers
line strength
geometry of the suspension system
