MAN-0012 Rev. I
P a g e
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SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, you must obtain instruction in the use of
this parachute from a competent and appropriately rated instructor before using this
parachute for the first time. It is beyond the scope of this manual to teach you how to deploy,
fly, land or maintain this parachute. This manual is only a general guide about this canopy. It does
not replace or substitute proper training and instruction. If there is anything that you do not fully
understand, you must consult a properly rated instructor. Parachute associations around the world,
including the United States Parachute Association, publish recommended procedures on learning
to skydive and on using skydiving equipment. We urge you to learn and follow these procedures.
Jumping this parachute without first receiving thorough and personal instruction increases the risk
of serious injury or death.
Sport parachuting technology and procedures continue to advance rapidly. Although a great deal
of care has been taken in the preparation of this manual, Performance Designs cautions that it
may contain information that may not be correct or behind the current state of the art of parachute
use.
For these reasons, you must use qualified experts - riggers and instructors - to help you inspect,
assemble, pack, use and maintain this parachute. Performance Designs recommends that you stay
abreast of current techniques and procedures. 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 their first use and before each subsequent use.
Parachutes get weaker through time for a number of reasons. They are subject to wear
during packing, deployment and landing. Exposure to many agents, including but not
limited to- sunlight, heat and household chemicals, significantly weaken parachutes.
The damage may or may not be obvious. To help minimize the risk of parachute failure and
possible serious injury or death, the entire parachute system should be thoroughly inspected at
least every year. Parachute associations around the world have laws regarding repack and
inspection cycles. Make sure that you are aware of the laws pertaining to you. Inspections must
be done by a certificated rigger who has previous experience with this type of parachute.
Your parachute should be immediately inspected if at any time it has been exposed to
a degrading element. Remember that some chemicals will continue to degrade the parachute
long after initial exposure. Regular and thorough inspections are necessary to maintain the
structural integrity, reliability, and flight characteristics of the parachute.
Always know the entire life history of every part of your parachute system. That way you
will know that no part has been exposed to an agent that may seriously weaken or damage it.
