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Performance Designs Optimum OP-106, Manual

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MAN-0012 Rev. I 

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WARNING

 

Each time you use this parachute you risk bodily injury and death. 

You can substantially reduce this risk by:  

1-

 

Assuring every component of the parachute system has been assembled and packed in 

strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  

2-

 

Obtaining proper instruction in the use of this canopy and the rest of the equipment, and  

3-

 

Operating each component of the system in strict compliance with the owner’s manual 

and safe parachuting practices. 

Parachute systems sometimes fail to operate properly - even when properly assembled, packed 

and operated - so you risk serious injury and death each time you use the system. 

Always know the entire life history of every single component of your parachute system. 

 

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 

The policies contained herein comply with the Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 21. 

REVISION LIST 

This manual may be revised at any time by Performance Designs Inc (PD).The only way to be 

sure this manual is current for your canopy is to check periodically with PD or check 

www.performancedesigns.com. PD welcomes suggestions of ways to improve this publication. If 

you feel parts are incomplete or hard to understand, please let us know by writing or emailing 

PD.  

DISCLAIMER, NO

 

WARRANTY

 

Because of the unavoidable danger associated with the use of this parachute, the manufacturer 

makes no warranty, either expressed or implied. It is sold with all faults and without any 

warranty of fitness for any purpose. The manufacturer also disclaims any liability in tort for 

damages, direct or consequential, including personal injuries resulting from a defect in design, 

material, workmanship or manufacturing whether caused by negligence on the part of the 

manufacturer or otherwise. By using this parachute assembly, or allowing it to be used by 

others, the user waives any liability of the manufacturer for personal injuries or other damages 

arising from such use. 

If the buyer declines to waive liability on the part of the manufacturer, buyer may obtain a full 

refund of the purchase price by returning the parachute before it is used to the manufacturer 

within 15 days from the date of the original purchase with a letter stating why it is returned. 

 

 

Summary of Contents for Optimum OP-106

Page 1: ...MAN 0012 Rev I Performance Designs Ram Air Reserve Parachute Manual ...

Page 2: ...e many years of service Sincerely Bill J Coe and John LeBlanc President Vice President WARNING COMPONENT INCOMPATIBILITY OR INCORRECT CHOICE INCORRECT ASSEMBLY OR IMPROPER CONFIGURATION OF PARACHUTE SYSTEM COMPONENTS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH All components of a parachute system must be compatible with each other to ensure proper functioning of the system The user is responsible for determ...

Page 3: ...s to check periodically with PD or check www performancedesigns com PD welcomes suggestions of ways to improve this publication If you feel parts are incomplete or hard to understand please let us know by writing or emailing PD DISCLAIMER NO WARRANTY Because of the unavoidable danger associated with the use of this parachute the manufacturer makes no warranty either expressed or implied It is sold...

Page 4: ...ipment The owner of the reserve should be informed that the rigger is simply complying with Performance Designs requirement for the label to accurately reflect the repacks and or uses on that canopy After 40 repacks or 25 deployments have been reached the reserve must have its permeability tested This testing is performed to ensure that the fabric permeability has not reached a point where the ope...

Page 5: ...W THE MAXIMUM SUSPENDED WEIGHT 8 FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS 8 BASIC INSTRUCTION FOR LOW WING LOADINGS 9 TIPS FOR FLYING AT HIGHER WING LOADINGS 9 SECTION 3 11 DEPLOYMENT BODY POSITION AND AIRSPEED 11 DEPLOYMENT SPEED 11 HIGH FREEFALL SPEEDS 11 MINIMUM DEPLOYMENT ALTITUDES 12 THE EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE ON AIRSPEED 12 THE EFFECT TEMPERATURE HAS ON AIRSPEED 12 IN SUMMARY 13 MAXIMUM CERTIFICATED WEIGHTS SPEE...

Page 6: ...RS 23 CONNECTOR LINKS 23 STAINLESS STEEL LINKS 24 SLINKS 25 ATTACHING STEERING LINES TO TOGGLES 25 TOGGLE ATTACHMENT MICROLINE STEERING LINE WITH FACTORY MADE LOOP 27 TOGGLE ATTACHMENT MICROLINE STEERING LINE 28 TOGGLE ATTACHMENT DACRON POLYESTER STEERING LINES 29 PROPACKING INSTRUCTIONS 30 APPENDIX 38 FLAT PACKING INSTRUCTIONS 38 PD SERIES SPECIFICATIONS 39 OPTIMUM SERIES SPECIFICATIONS 39 ...

Page 7: ...ocedures One such way of keeping updated is to log onto www performancedesigns com READ BEFORE ASSEMBLY OR USE Since parachutes are manufactured and inspected by people there is always a possibility this parachute contains defects as a result of human error Therefore the entire parachute system main and reserve canopies harness container and other components must be thoroughly inspected before the...

Page 8: ...d gear including all components of the parachute system For example a jumper who weighs 165 lbs 74 8kg with his her jumpsuit on and who jumps a packed rig that weighs 25 lbs 11 35kg would have a suspended weight of 190 lbs 86 1kg Here s an example of how to calculate wing loading of a 210 square foot canopy and the jumper used in the example above 190 lbs 210sq ft 0 9 lb sq ft Compare the wing loa...

Page 9: ...hange to a smaller canopy size to no more than a 15 size reduction from what you are used to In the final evaluation it is the type and quality of canopy experience that really determines a person s preparedness for a given canopy One way to use this chart is to find where you are on the chart and ask yourself if you should be in that category For example if you have a PD143 R and have an exit wei...

Page 10: ... not be safe for you to jump WING LOADING BETWEEN 0 7 AND 1 0 LB SQ FT This is a lightly to moderately loaded canopy If this is a higher wing loading than you are used to the canopy will fly and turn faster than you are used to It will require more skill to land well but in most cases is more than forgiving enough for student and novice use particularly in larger canopy sizes Errors in flaring tec...

Page 11: ...imum demonstrated wing loading Many National Aero Clubs have wing loading and experience limitations that must be met for you to be legal Even if you meet the level requirements this can be a very dangerous situation The landing conditions weather or your skill level may make this even more dangerous Severe injury or death may result Also keep in mind that if you are rendered unconscious and an AA...

Page 12: ...er your reserve The sooner you look for a landing area the more places you will have to choose from Immediately turn toward your intended landing area If there is enough extra altitude after reaching the landing area try some practice flares in the air Note the control range and how the canopy stalls If you flare too much you may stall the canopy and hit the ground unusually hard Always fly a cons...

Page 13: ...will handle differently Therefore it is best to fly a straight in approach with plenty of airspeed if possible Avoid even small toggle inputs for the last ten seconds before landing as they can have the effect of slowing the approach which will reduce the potential flaring power If you do turning approaches on your main it is a good idea to stay current on straight in approaches Flare the canopy a...

Page 14: ...ry or death Your deployment speed is affected by three factors Basic body position and body type Deployment altitude Temperature during deployment HIGH FREEFALL SPEEDS Some body positions such as head down stand up and long dives may enable the user to reach speeds and attitudes beyond those for which your equipment has been designed and tested Premature or unintentional deployments in these body ...

Page 15: ... the 150kts maximum certified airspeed of most reserves An aircraft with an indicated airspeed of greater than 107kts at 20 000 feet will also put you over 150kts true airspeed on exit which is over the maximum operating speed of most parachutes The maximum deployment speed listed on the warning label is based on standard day conditions at sea level Deploying your parachute at higher altitudes and...

Page 16: ...XIMUM CERTIFICATED WEIGHTS SPEEDS The charts at the end of the manual contain the absolute maximum suspended weights Exceeding the maximum suspended weight may result in serious injury or death due to landing injuries Exceeding the maximum suspended weight is illegal a violation of the Federal Aviation Regulations and may result in serious injury or death due to structural failure as well as landi...

Page 17: ...ombinations than the test canopies Larger margins between the placard limits and your operational use will give you a greater safety factor We strongly recommend that you do not plan on operating at or near the placarded maximum speed or weight ...

Page 18: ...ave 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 mat...

Page 19: ...achments Even slight damage is cause for rejection in these areas Line attachments must be completely free of any damage or defects Check under the ends of the line tabs RIBS Inspect each rib from leading edge to the trailing edge by looking inside each cell Pay extra attention to the line attachment points LAY THE CANOPY OUT NEATLY ON ONE SIDE Stacking each loaded rib on top of the others Check t...

Page 20: ...ta panel Some special purpose or pilot emergency system canopies may be set up for a different toggle system It is the riggers responsibility to ensure that the components are compatible THE REST OF THE ASSEMBLY Follow the instructions in the rig manufacturer s owner s manual to inspect the rest of your parachute system FABRIC TESTING STRENGTH TEST Fabric testing should be done whenever there is k...

Page 21: ...ottom fabric surfaces Fabric permeability does not change while the canopy is packed it changes as a result of use packing and handling That s why it is important to maintain a complete history of the parachute Fabric permeability must be tested if any of the following events occur The canopy is completely submerged in water 25 jumps have been made on the canopy since it was new or last certified ...

Page 22: ... or webbing damage is a major repair Lines may be replaced by a master rigger However it is recommended that these repairs be done at the factory Master Riggers may perform repairs that do not involve taking apart any bartacks on the canopy Special bartack patterns are used that are not normally found in the field In addition removal and replacement of these stitch patterns usually weakens the fab...

Page 23: ... the fabric especially when wet causes the fabric permeability to increase Do not use a washing machine To dry the canopy first hang the canopy inverted and then drape the canopy across a tight clothes line or fly the canopy in a gentle breeze Never hang the canopy in a manner that will cause the canopy to dry in a distorted shape or dry at different rates along the canopy Do not use any heat sour...

Page 24: ...MAN 0012 Rev I P a g e 21 SECTION 5 Side and Frontal Views ...

Page 25: ...our parachute system by a certificated rigger Even if you live in a country where it is legal for you to assemble and maintain your reserve you should let an experienced and appropriately rated person that is familiar with this reserve your harness container and all other components of the parachute system perform the assembly and repack If your reserve parachute is improperly assembled or packed ...

Page 26: ...ance Designs for use on reserves They are number 4 and number 5 stainless steel links and the PD Slink Number 4 links were originally used for minimum pack volume and weight In cases where the riser volume is too large to fit properly on a number 4 link number 5 links should be used The Slinks are a soft link that reduces pack volume and weight They also eliminate any previous discomforts on your ...

Page 27: ...ng a solvent that will leave no residue Trichloreothlane or electrical contact cleaner is recommended Inspect the links carefully Check for nicks burrs and any sign of bending or stress Check to be sure the barrel will screw down at least 2 3 4 turns from first engagement with no resistance ...

Page 28: ... knot as shown SLINKS Instructions on installing Slinks see page 26 overleaf ATTACHING STEERING LINES TO TOGGLES A mark is provided on the canopy control line which is the best location for the toggle If the toggles are above the mark the canopy will not have the forward speed it should and may not land well Attach the steering toggles according to the rig manufacturer s instructions if they are c...

Page 29: ...osition Once this has occurred the Slink will have a tendency to remain in this position If this procedure is not followed the tab may rotate out of position Allowing the tab to remain outside of the risers during deployment and flight will result in excessive wear of the Slink potentially leading to structural failure Note Should you find that the tab does not remain in place PD recommends tackin...

Page 30: ...e steering toggle Always start routing from the hook and loop fastener side Figure 1 2 Now slide the loop over the lower end of the steering toggle and pull the steering line through Figure 2 3 Finally the loop should be tight around the toggle and centered on the grommet Figure 3 NOTE Prior to hooking up the steering toggles ensure that the steering line passes through the grommet on the slider a...

Page 31: ...ner side Create a loop 2 3 16 5 6 cm long Note The loop length may need to be adjusted depending on theparticular toggle 2 Now make an overhand knot with the loop you created Pull the knot tight while keeping the knot just below the toggle mark 3 Now slide the loop over the toggle starting at the lower end of the steering toggle The loop should be tight around the toggle when the loop is centered ...

Page 32: ...e grommet Figure 2 3 Now route the steering line around the toggle on the left side and then back through the grommet Figure 3 4 Adjust the line so that the toggle mark is on the line exiting the grommet going to the canopy at the base of the grommet on the hook and loop fastener side of the toggle Pull out all the slack while maintaining the toggle mark position Figure 4 5 Tie an overhand knot in...

Page 33: ...es have been tested and found to work well using both the PRO Pack method shown here and the Flat Pack method shown in the Appendix of this owner s manual It is recommended that you follow the instructions for the packing method with which you are most familiar Inspect the canopy thoroughly before starting to pack it following the inspection instructions described in section 4 of the PD Reserve Ow...

Page 34: ... left hand steering line and the risers Do the same with your right hand Slide your fingers up onto the lines as shown grasping the lines belowthe slider 3 Start moving up the lines allowing them to slide between your fingers Push the slider ahead of you until you reach the bottom of the canopy Carefully lift the canopy off of the ground Make sure the lines are not twisted and the canopy is facing...

Page 35: ...each line group out toward the stabilizers keeping the line groups stacked together in the middle of the pack job Clear the tail flaking the material be tween each steering line toward the outside of the pack job The diagram at right shows the correct organization of the canopy after step 5 is completed The leading edge will be closest to your body and the trailing edge will be farthest away from ...

Page 36: ...ntly place the canopy back down on the floor or packing table with the nose facing down 7 Starting on the right side of the canopy carefully lift the folds of material back towards the center of the pack job until the nose is exposed Clear the three cells to the right of the center cell and flake this section of the nose toward the outside of the pack job Note references to the right and left side...

Page 37: ...neatly flaked 9 Find the four bottom seams to the right of the center cell and flake them out toward the stabilizer The bottom seams are where the loaded ribs meet the bottom skins Make sure the right side B lines are grouped together and stacked neatly on top of the A lines 10 Smooth out the fold between the A and B lines Repeat steps 8 through 10 to flake the material between the B and C lines ...

Page 38: ...er of the pack job Pulling on the T seams directly above the line attachment points will help keep the lines straight and maintain the folds in the material 13 Repeat steps 7 through 12 to flake and the left side of the canopy Make sure the line channel in the center of the pack job is clear as indicated by the arrow in the picture at the left 12 Flake the material between the upper control lines ...

Page 39: ... are seated against the slider stops sewn into the stabilizers 15 Dress the center of the tail by spreading out the top center panel to the width of the canopy underneath 16 Dress the canopy to the width of the bag Tuck the center tail panel around the canopy working from the slider end up and making sure not to cover the leading edge ...

Page 40: ...e nose under the canopy making sure the leading edge remains exposed but does not extend past the edges of the folded canopy Proceed to step 14 pulling down the center cell of the Flat Packing instructions on page 43 in the PD Reserve Owner s Manual ...

Page 41: ...his parachute you may decide which instructions to follow Otherwise you must follow these instructions Thesereserves have been tested and found to work well using both this method and a specific neatly organized Pro Pack method for reserves Make reference to Section 5 regarding Deployment Systems and Compatibility prior to packing the reserve Take note of the Repack cycle as discussed in Section 5...

Page 42: ...e in your left hand Grasp the seven T seams directly above the A lines with your right hand Pull tension against the rig to be sure the A lines are straight and then fold the leading edge back under the canopy so the A line path is on the far left as you look from canopy top toward the rig 3 Hold down the canopy at the A line path find the seven T seams directly above the B line path and fold to t...

Page 43: ...p of the C line path Fold the C lines to the left past the B line path as far as possible then bring them back and laythe C lines on top of the B lines This results in the canopy fabric between the B and C lines being folded on the left side of the canopy and the C lines are directly on top of the B lines Straighten this fold as necessary 6 Clear the stabilizers while ensuring tension on the line ...

Page 44: ...right hand Hold the steering lines to the left past the D line path and then back so that the canopy fabric between the D and steering lines is folded on the left side of the canopy and the steering lines are directly on top of the D lines Make the second half of this fold on an angle so that there is enough slack in the steering lines to set the brakes The D lines should staytaut 9 Straighten thi...

Page 45: ...es according to the harness and container manufacturer s instructions 11 Split the tail so there are five folds on each side from the bottom up Lay the center cell of tail on top It should be spread out to the same width as the rest of the folded canopy ...

Page 46: ...up to the attachment points with no canopy fabric between them 14 Grasp the tail at each edge of the center cell and pull down until even with the lower edge of the folded canopy Raise the center cell of the tail 6 inches and inspect the D lines and steering lines Make sure all lines are taut 13 Pull up the slider by grabbing the tapes around its center and walking from the connector links to the ...

Page 47: ...nel around the canopy working from bottom to top and making sure not to cover the leading edge 17 Kneeling on the lower tail pull the top of the folded reserve up on to your lap Make sure the seven leading edge openings are exposed and that the tail is not wrapped in front of the openings Lay the canopy back down and redress in preparation for inserting it in its free bag ...

Page 48: ...anopy before placing it in the bag follow their instructions However you must make sure that the rig manufacturer s instructions are valid and proper for this canopy 1 For one and two pin containers with closing loops on a vertical center line of the container A Fold the bottom of the folded reserve back and on top of itself making approximately a 6 inch S fold top illustration B Kneeling on this ...

Page 49: ...a two pin center line configuration a dimple should also be made between the left and right line groups below the slider Follow the harness and container manufacturer s instructions for putting the canopy into the bag and completing the pack job ...

Page 50: ...fold the canopy into a tight narrow roll and redress the tail around so that the data panel is on top and the canopy is the width of the data panel Be sure not to cover up the seven leading edge openings by repeating Step 15 above Put the canopy into the bag on its side Follow the harness and container manufacturer s instructions for putting the canopy into the bag and completing the pack job ...

Page 51: ...ng on this fold and using a choking motion make a side to side dimple in the canopy so that the proper amount of bulk is above and below the dimples Performance Designs does not recommend the use of a strap to aid in this step However if you must use a strap be extra sure to remove the strap before closing the bag Follow the harness and container manufacturer s instructions for putting the canopy ...

Page 52: ...NTIAL S BE TWEEN LINE GR OUP S inches A B 2 35 2 43 2 39 2 27 2 78 A C 8 93 9 21 9 4 9 13 10 54 A D 15 79 16 3 16 77 17 59 18 84 A Tail Brakes Set 7 39 9 4 7 87 8 91 7 49 SKILL AND OPERATING LIMITS STD DAY TEMP AT SEA LEVEL MODEL PD 99R PD 106R PD 113R PD 126R PD 143R Minimum Weight VLC VLC VLC VLC VLC Student NR NR NR NR NR Novice NR NR NR NR 122 55 Intermediate 99 45 106 48 113 51 126 57 143 65 ...

Page 53: ... B 2 35 2 43 2 39 2 27 2 78 3 88 3 13 A C 8 93 9 21 9 4 9 13 10 54 14 1 14 93 A D 15 79 16 3 16 77 17 59 18 84 25 19 26 44 A Tail Brakes Set 7 39 9 4 7 87 8 91 7 49 11 77 12 05 SKILL AND OPERATING LIMITS STD DAY TEMP AT SEA LEVEL MODEL PD 160R PD 176R PD 193R PD 218R PD 235R PD 253R PD 281R Minimum Weight VLC VLC VLC VLC VLC VLC VLC Student NR 160 73 187 85 216 98 235 107 254 115 281 128 Novice 13...

Page 54: ... 51 2 78 2 78 A C 8 93 9 24 9 54 10 07 10 54 A D 15 79 16 34 16 87 17 81 18 84 A Tail Brakes Set 4 07 3 57 3 89 3 71 3 49 SKILL AND OPERATING LIMITS STD DAY TEMP AT SEA LEVEL MODEL OP 99 OP 106 OP 113 OP 126 OP 143 Minimum Weight VL C VL C VL C VL C VL C Student NR NR NR NR NR Novice NR NR NR NR 122 55 Intermediate NR NR 113 51 126 57 143 65 Advanced 119 54 127 58 130 59 145 66 165 75 Expert 149 6...

Page 55: ... 01 12 48 12 97 A D 20 67 21 74 22 83 24 34 25 32 26 32 A Tail Brakes Set 7 42 8 02 8 64 9 5 10 05 10 62 SKILL AND OPERATING LIMITS STD DAY TEMP AT SEA LEVEL MODEL OP 160 OP 176 OP 193 OP 218 OP 235 OP 253 Minimum Weight VL C VL C VL C VL C VL C VL C Student NR 160 73 187 85 216 98 235 107 255 116 Novice 148 67 180 82 200 91 225 102 240 109 265 120 Intermediate 170 77 195 89 215 98 240 109 255 116...

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