MAN-0012 Rev. I
P a g e
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SECTION 4
CANOPY CARE AND CONDITION
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Avoid dragging any part of the canopy across the ground.
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Do not leave the canopy exposed to the sun any longer than is absolutely necessary.
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Avoid washing your canopy. Doing so will reduce the performance of the parachute,
possibly to the point of making the canopy un-airworthy and voiding the TSO. Local
areas that are soiled or stained should be cleaned with mild soap and water. Do not
use harsh detergents or products containing bleach.
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Have your Performance Designs reserve inspected and maintained by a licensed rigger
in compliance with FAR Part 105.43 or other standards for your country.
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Store your parachute in a cool, dry place in a container through which light will not
pass. This will prevent the permanent and difficult-to-detect damage caused by
ultraviolet light. Light form many artificial light sources, as well as sunlight contains
ultraviolet light.
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Nylon degrades rapidly with acids. Acids from bug spots or food can seriously
degrade the para- chute. These should be cleaned as soon as possible. Acids from
batteries will destroy parachutes. Never allow the parachute to come in contact with
lead acid (automotive and aircraft) batteries or be stored in the same environment.
Acid contamination may take a long time to degrade the canopy enough to make it
structurally unsafe. The affected area may have no visible signs of damage. If there
is reason to suspect significant acid contamination the equipment should be
permanently removed from service and destroyed.
DEGRADATION FROM USE
This canopy is designed for reserve or emergency use only. It is not intended to be jumped on
a regular basis, or to accrue a large number of jumps. In an effort to build the most reliable
reserve parachute possible, materials were chosen mainly for reliability and strength, rather than
maximum durability over a large number of jumps. The fabric permeability increases with use,
even more so from packing and handling, causing the canopy to take more time and altitude to
open. A canopy with a lot of jumps will not open as quick, land as well or be as reliable as a new
one. It is very important that your reserve be in close to new condition. A reserve with fabric
over the permeability limits may take too long to open at routine cut-away altitudes, could
possibly result in bodily injury or your death. If you are in doubt about the condition of your
reserve, have it thoroughly inspected and have the fabric permeability tested.
INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS
Your Performance Designs reserve must be inspected thoroughly before it is packed the first
time and at each repack. This inspection should be performed with even more care and attention
when first assembled and after a deployment. A certificated rigger must inspect your new
Performance Designs reserve and determine its compatibility with your rig.
This inspection should be done in a clean, well-lit area with enough room to spread out the
