Independence paragliding Trigon, Owner'S Manual

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2. Intended use
Manually released, steerable rescue system for single seated paragliders in an emergency situation while flying.
3. Operating limits
Maximum speed for usage: 115 km/h (32 m/s)
Interval for repacking: 12 month, then the rescue system has to be repacked and this repacking has to be recorded in the
“Repack and inspection log book”.
Due to the effect of water, sand, salt or other environmental influences may reduce the repack interval.
Interval of inspection: 24 month, then a complete inspection of the rescue system is necessary. The inspection has to be
recorded in the “Repack and inspection log book”.
Operational lifespan of parachute: 10 years. The lifespan can be extended for 2 more years if the rescue parachute is
inspected yearly during this last two years at the manufacturer. So the total max. possible lifespan is 12 years.
4. Necessary documentation
a) Owner´s manual
b) Repack and inspection log book (with recorded repack and inspection jobs)
5. Mode of operation
During an emergency situation while flying the pilot pulls at the release handle with a firm tug. Thereby the outer container
opens and the deployment bag is released. After that the rescue parachute package (which is still packed in it´s deployment
bag) have to be thrown with a dynamic move into the free airspace. That means the release handle have to be thrown away
together with the deployment bag!!!
The deployment bag and the bridle are designed in a way which releases the lines and canopy of the parachute not before
the parachute package is thrown away.
This prevents an unintentional or too early opening of the rescue parachute. This is minimizing the danger of tangling up with
the paraglider / hang glider / pilot or the reason which maybe causal for the emergency case (e.g. collision with another
paraglider).
Moreover the maximum throwing speed of the deployment bag should be reached when the deployment bag leaves the
pilot hand.
In general: The faster the rescue system package is thrown away, the quicker the system will open.
After the throw the deployment bag opens and releases lines and canopy. The powerful throw and/or the airstream
stretches the lines and canopy now the rescue parachutes opens.
When the rescue parachute is opened completely, you first have to check the altitude above ground.
If you have still enough height you should try to make the paraglider unable to fly according to the doctrine to avoid an V-
position of the paraglider and the rescue system.
If you do not have enough height anymore, just focus on the ground and prepare yourself for a landing fall.
6. Usage of steering lines
The Trigon is equipped with a system that pre-brakes the canopy after opening by shortened steering lines which prevents a
forward speed.
The use of the steering lines requires a few conditions that must all be met:
After the rescue system has successfully opened in the pre-braked condition and is stable above the pilot, a sufficient
altitude must be present. In addition, the paraglider must be in a stable, incapable flying position (best is, if the paraglider got
disconnected by a quick out release).
If these conditions are all met, the pre-braked steering lines can be unlocked by pulling both control handles symmetrically
down. The rescue system picks up forward speed by decreasing the use of the brake.
The control handles are attached to the right and left of the bridle, right above the suspension point. The steering is working
by increasing the drag of the canopy, same as on a paraglider, but with a slow and damped reaction.
Attention:
When the pre-braking is released, the max. take off weight is reduced (see 1. Technical data).
If the paraglider is not in a reliable, incapable flying position or separated the pre-braked steering lines must be not
released and used. If released in this condition there would be a very high possibility of a V-position of paraglider to
rescue system (down plane), in combination with very high and dangerous sink rate and a without possibility of
steering.
The behaviour of the Trigon with non-activated steering lines is comparable with a conventional, not steerable
rescue system.
With a shoulder suspension on the harness, depending on the position of the suspension points, it can be difficult to turn the
head and see the control handles. Very often, these rescue system suspension are mounted on the harness far in the back
area and the position of the control handles can therefore only be felt. We recommend to test the position of the handles in
advance by a suitable simulation (hang in the harness on the shoulder suspension).
The use of a front container is possible, but the bridle of the rescue system must be extended for the use on the main
carabiners. Otherwise the control handles are mounted too low and a steering is not guaranteed. The extension is available
as an accessory.
7.
A parachute must be controlled by a registered packer before it is repacked. After being opened during an emergency
rescue, the parachute must be inspected by the manufacturer or a workshop which is authorized by the manufacturer.
A repacked parachute should undergo a release test after mounted in the outer container or harness. This ensures that the
opening force to release is between 2 kp and 7 kp.
By the first assembling of the rescue system with an outer container or harness with an integrated rescue system container
the functionality must be checked by an expert and must be confirmed in the inspection log book.
The inspection required after 24 months includes a complete visual examination of all components (cloth, seams, lines,
bridles etc) for damage and wear. For an inspection suitable tools must be available (light table, repack tools etc).
All work must be documented appropriately.
8. Behaviour if damages are noticed
If you notice any damage at the rescue parachute, which may affect the airworthy condition of the recue parachute, you
have to send the rescue parachute for inspection/repair to the manufacturer.
Also, if you are not sure about the airworthy condition in any way, you have to send the parachute to the manufacturer.
Attention: Chemicals, detergents, insects, mould stains or the like can have the same negative effects to the strength of the
parts as mechanical influences.
9. Storage
Oil, grease, acid and paint should not be stored near the parachute. The storage space should be dry. Parachutes which will
not be used for a long period should be opened and the canopy loosely rolled and stored in a permeable bag.
Avoid unnecessary high temperature above 60° C (e.g in a parking car)!
10. Maintenance
The lifespan and condition depends largely upon how carefully you handle and maintain your parachute. Out of this reason
we recommend to control the parachute regular, at the latest if it is repacked, if there are any wears or damages.
During normal use you have to take care of the following points:
If the parachute got wet, you have to open it and dry it at a well ventilated place as soon as possible (but avoid direct
sunlight!) The fast drying is important to avoid mould stains. After the parachute is complete dry it can be repacked.
If the parachute is strained more than normal (for example: a car drove over the harness in which the parachute is placed, or
it maybe is damaged by a sharp object, or any other possible damage), you have to send the parachute to the manufacturer
to check it.
Avoid contact with salt water, acids or other aggressive substances!
Also avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, cause the UV rays may damage the molecular structure of the material.
11. Cleaning
A dirty canopy and container can be carefully cleaned with clear water and a soft sponge.
Attention: Never use detergents, chemicals, brushes or hard sponges to clean the parachute! Also a cleaning in the
washing maschine is not allowed.
If the rescue parachute gets in contact with salt water, you have to wash it with fresh water. A too often cleaning accelerates
the ageing of the system.
Control and Inspection of the parachute
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