Niviuk Vital OCTAGON, Manual

Page: 3 / 27

4 5
ES
1. CHARACTERISTICS
1.1 CERTIFICATION
The OCTAGON has been certified under the European EN and LTF nor-
ms EN 12491:2001/LTF 91/09. You can check the certification results
and figures at
http://www.para-test.com
1.2 WHO WAS IT DESIGNED FOR? PARACHUTE’S LIMITATIONS
This rescue parachute was designed for paragliding activity only. It must
not be used nor deployed in velocities reaching over 32 m/s (115 km/h). It
is expressly forbidden and can not be used in free-fall.
The maximum load for each size of the parachute is established ac-
cording to the certification norms. The total weight (payload) includes:
person, clothing, accessories, glider, harness and parachute.
2. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
2.1 COMPONENTS
The OCTAGON is delivered with:
• A correctly packed parachute in a deployment bag.
• A deployment bag with central and lateral attachment points.
• A 25 cm bridle.
• User manual.
2.2 PROCEDURE
Check the condition of the parachute and the deployment bag, making
sure there are no faults.
2.3 HARNESS ASSEMBLY
We strongly recommend the process is supervised by an authorised
dealer or a professional instructor.
The OCTAGON parachute is compatible with all NIVIUK harnesses.
Attaching the rescue parachute’s bridle to the harness:
• A suitable screw-gate carabiner should be used, for example; 7mm,
square, stainless steel maillon (Maillon Rapide type).
• Connect the reserve parachute handle to the deployment bag.
The position of which will vary depending on the harness model and
reserve parachute container location (centre or side).
• Place the correctly packed OCTAGON inside the reserve parachute
container.
• Fasten the deployment handle in its place.
• Close the reserve parachute container leaves, insert the closing pin
and check its operation.
• Harness models without an integrated reserve parachute container
will need to be fitted with a suitable outer container (front- mounted or
otherwise).
• Repeat the same steps once the outer reserve parachute container
has been installed.
CAUTION!
After installing the reserve parachute in its container, it is mandatory
to conduct a deployment test. Ensure that pulling the handle opens
all the container leaves before the parachute is deployed. Take note of
the amount of strength required to pull out the parachute.
After a successful deployment, reinstall the reserve parachute by fo-
llowing the same procedure as before.
2.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK
Before each flight, check that:
• There is no visible damage that could affect the parachute’s
airworthiness.
• The rescue parachute container is correctly closed with the closing
pin(s) in place.
• The deployment handle is correctly and securely fastened and all
parts are in good condition.
Any part of the harness/reserve/handle using Velcro must be regularly
separated and re-attached to prevent ‘bedding in over time which
could impede a successful reserve parachute deployment sequence.
3. RESCUE DEPLOYMENT
Make sure you know where the deployment handle is by periodically
placing your hand on the handle in flight. Try to find it instinctively to
the point of it becoming second nature as this will be vital in case of
an emergency.
In the event of an emergency, the pilot must quickly evaluate the AGL
(altitude above ground level) and decide whether or not to deploy the
emergency parachute. Deploying the rescue when the glider is re-
coverable may increase the risk of injury. If there is sufficient AGL, you
have sufficient height and the glider is in a flat spin, it is preferable to
first try to stop the spin (e.g. full stall), due to the risk of entanglement.
On the other hand, hesitation in deploying the reserve could prove
costly if there is insufficient height.
3.1 DEPLOYMENT PROCEDURE
If the rescue must be deployed, the procedure should be as follows:
• Reach for the rescue handle and grasp it firmly with one hand.
• Pull firmly upwards/sideward on the handle to unfasten the Velcro and
release the closing pins keeping the reserve parachute container closed.
The deployment bag will be released from the parachute container.
• Look for a clear area, then throw the reserve parachute handle (with
the deployment bag attached to it) away from harness and paragli-
der. Throwing the reserve parachute in the downwind direction will
speed-up its opening sequence. Throwing it opposite to the spinning
direction will also help prevent tangling with the glider.
• After deployment, avoid entanglement, pendulum motions and pos -
sible downplaning by pulling the glider in as symmetrically as possible
with the B, C, D or brake lines.
• On landing, if the terrain surface permits it, do a PLF (Parachute
Landing Fall) to minimise the risk of injury.
• Once on the ground, deflate the canopy by pulling one of the reserve
parachute lines to avoid the possibility of being dragged.
4. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
4.1 MAINTENANCE
The OCTAGON rescue parachute must be repacked at 180 day
intervals to insure airworthiness. When necessitated by climate,
storage or official rules, the parachute may need to be repacked
more frequently.
We always recommend for the rescue parachute to be inspected
and repacked by trained and certified professionals. Additional
inspections should be performed if there is any suspicion of damage
or excessive wear.
After a deployment, the reserve parachute should be checked by the
distributor or manufacturer. Always seek professional advice whenever
in doubt.
ENG