Date: 10.12.2004
Manual
Revision: 0
RUSH US
Page: 12
Performance Variable e.K. Am Tower 16, 54634 Bitburg
It’s best to inspect your reserve in a careful, systematic way. We recommend starting at
the top of the canopy and working down to the risers. We recommend this procedure:
1) Top Surface:
Spread the canopy out on its bottom surface and inspect the top
surface starting at the front of the left end cell. Check half of the cell from nose to tail.
Then check the other half going from tail to nose. Repeat this pattern until all the cells
top surfaces are inspected. Look for rips, stains or failed seams.
Check the fabric strength by using two each fabric clamps (Aerostar P/N 51406M or
equal) and a spring scale with a 50-pound capacity, such as the Hanson-Viking No. 895.
You may obtain these clamps and scale from
Performance Variable
, directly from the
manufacturer or by other means.
A total of three fabric strength tests should be performed on each canopy: one on each
end cell top surface and one on the center top surface near the trailing edge. This test
should never be done where any part of the fabric involved in the test is within three
inches of any seam or the data panel. The test should be done chord-wise. Additional
test should be performed on any stained or discolored areas. Attach the locking fabric
clamps to the rip-stop fabric. The distance between the clamps should be three inches,
and the clamps should be aligned so that the rip-stop pattern is parallel to the edge of the
jaw. Lock the clamps securely to avoid slippage. Pass a short length of suspension line
through the eye of one clamp and secure to the packing table or other object which will
allow a 30-pound load without movement. Pass the hook from the spring scale through
the other eye and apply a 30-pound load for 3 seconds.
The Hanson-Viking No. 895 spring scale has a sharp hook on one end. The point should
be removed with a file or grinder to avoid injury or canopy damage. The spring scale
should be checked before first use with a 30-pound inert load and calibrated if necessary.
Check the accuracy of the spring scale at least once a year. Leave the locking clamps in
the open position as the rubber pads will stick together if they are stored closed.
2) Bottom Surface:
Turn the canopy over and spread it out to inspect the bottom
surface. Again use the procedure of inspecting half of the cells at a time, as on the top
surface. Check for rips, stains and failed seams. Look very closely at the line
attachments. Even slight damage is cause for rejection in these areas. Line attachments
must completely free of any damage or defects.
Visual Inspection
