9.
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 its air-
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.
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 200 flying hours or after latest two years your Golden4 must be thoroughly checked
and tested by the manufacturer or by 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
- strength of lines
- geometry of the suspension system
All data are recorded in the test report. On the basis of the real wing’s condition, the check
expert can define the next check interval; under normal circumstances is it two years.
8. Repairing your glider
Only small repairs – ie repairs that don’t change the airworthiness of the paraglider – may
be done by the user. These include: fixing small tears (but not seams) up to 10 cm; changing
damaged lines; and changing rubber line-fixation rings on the small karabiners.
When repairing your paraglider on your own follow these rules:
When repairing the sail use a self-adhesive patch specified for this purpose. Every Golden4
comes with a small amount of self-adhesive material which is enough for small repairs.
