Control of line strength:
The proof of line strength should be documented analogously to the proof required in the LTF for the type test:
!
Main line: From each line level (A, B, C) a main line is removed from the centre of the glider and the breaking
load is determined. The removed lines must be listed in the inspection report (e.g. AR1, BR1, CR1, DR1 in
flight direction left). This is important so that the line replaced in the previous test is not checked in a
subsequent inspection. In the 3rd and 4th inspections, main lines are checked next to the middle main line
(i.e. AR2, BR2, CR2). After the 5th inspection the cycle starts again from the beginning (e.g. AR1, BR1, CR1
in flight direction left, according to the first inspection).
!
Above the main line, a further line is removed up to the canopy and the breaking load is also determined. If
the determined breaking load of the A-top lines is 1.2 times the nominal value (e.g. nominal value 50 daN,
determined breaking load >60 daN), a test of further gallery lines on the B/C/D levels can be omitted.
!
Limit values of the individual lines for the Airtaxi²:
Inspection of the canopy strength::
!
The testing of the canopy strength is done with the Bettsometer (B.M.A.A.aproved Patent No. GB 2270768
Clive Betts Sales). In this test, a needle-thick hole is made in the upper and lower sails in the area of the A-
line attachment and the fabric is tested for its tear resistance. The limit value of the measurement is set at
800 g and a crack length of 5 mm.
!
The exact test procedure is specified in the operating instructions for the Bettsometer. The measured value
determined is entered in the inspection report.
Inspection of the air permeability of the cloth:
!
Using a JDC textile clock, a porosity measurement is carried out at at least 5 points on the upper sail (with at
least 2 measuring points in the middle third of the canopy) and at least 3 points on the lower sail. The values
determined are recorded in the inspection report. The measuring points on the upper/lower sail are
distributed over the span and approx. 20-30 cm behind the leading edge.
!
Limit values: no measuring point may reach a value below 10 seconds. If a measurement shows a value of
less than 10 seconds, the paraglider loses ist airworthiness.
Visual control of trim and settings:
!
All lines must be checked according to the line overview plan to ensure that they have been correctly set
and that all line levels are running free. The brake lines must also be checked to ensure that everything is
correctly set up and running free.
!
The visual inspection must correspond exactly to the line overview plan.
Checkflight:
!
A check flight is only necessary after major repairs.
!
During the check flight it must be determined whether the flight characteristics of the paraglider being tested
have changed compared to a brand-new glider.
!
The examiner must be capable of comparing the construction regulations with the flight behaviour of the
paraglider to be tested and of determining any changes in the characteristics of the paraglider. This includes
above all that the paraglider and its characteristics / flight behaviour are known to the examiner.
!
The type certification standards applied at the time of approval of the type must be known.
!
A check flight must include at least the following points: take-off behaviour, tendency to deep stall (return
from B-stall), tendency to negative curves, steering range lengths, side collapse >50% .
!
If the paraglider does not behave correctly in any way, it must not be flown with this glider and must be
inspected by the manufacturer. Under no circumstances should you attempt to rectify the fault yourself.
18.6. Inspection equipment
The test equipment to be used for the individual tests must be the equipment listed below:
-
Air Porosity Meter: JDC
-
Length measuring device: Measuring tape made of steel or laser measuring device
-
Tensile strength device for lines: electronic measurement with maximum value memory, sampling rate > 50
measurements/second
-
Strength tester for canopy: Bettsometer, B.M.A. GB 2270768All measuring devices must be calibrated and
maintained at regular intervals according to the manufacturer's specifications.
18.7. Documentation
!
All test results as well as all details of the glider (type, size, serial number, year of manufacture) must be
recorded in the inspection report.
!
Repair and maintenance work will also be noted on the inspection report.
!
The overall state of the glider is displayed according to the checkboxes of the verification protocol. In the
overall state, all determined values such as strength, porosity, etc. are included.
!
If the inspection result is negative, contact the manufacturer to agree on the further procedure (e.g. sending
the device to the manufacturer for repair).
!
Exceptional defects must be reported to the manufacturer immediately!
!
The inspection is to be marked on the glider next to the type label with an appropriate inspection stamp or
label. The information must include at least the time of the next inspection, place, date, signature and name
of the inspector.
!
All inspection documents (inspection report and measurement report) shall be prepared in triplicate. The
equipment owner, inspector and manufacturer each receive one copy (the copy must be submitted
promptly). The retention period for the inspection documents is 6 years.
21
20
Line position
Limit (daN)
Line position
Limit (daN)
AR1, BR1
200
AM5, AM6, BM5, BM6
91
AR2, BR2, CR1, CR2
152
DM1 - DM4
91
AR3, BR3, CR3, DR1, DR2
126
CM5, CM6, DM5, DM6
66
BR4
79
AM7, CM7
40
AM1, AM2, BM1, BM2
113
A1 - A6, B1 - B6, C1 - C6
66
AM3, AM4, BM3, BM4
101
A7 - A20, B7 - B19, C7 - C20
40
CM1 - CM4
101
D1 - D20, E1 - E8
40
