Gradient s.r.o., Plzenska 221/130, 150 00 Praha 5, tel+fax +420257216319, www.gradient.cx, [email protected].
8.
6.Maintaining your glider
If you handle your glider with care and store it in a suitable place it can last 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 observe 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 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 increase in pressure 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.
• 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.
Aramid unsheeted lines have a working life of a maximum 130 flying hours. After 130 flying
hours all lines (except brake lines) must be replaced.
• After 130 flying hours or 24 months your Avax XC5 must be thoroughly checked and tested
by the manufacturer or by a Gradient authorised service centre.
