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Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion
www.strongparachutes.com
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a new Para-Cushion Wedge Model 311 Emergency Parachute System
from Strong Enterprises. It is the finest available anywhere and with a little care, should last
you a very long time. Rest assured that your new Para-Cushion has been constructed to retain the
durability, reliability, and comfort that Strong Enterprises has been building into its products for
over 50 years. We welcome your comments so that we may continue to improve our products and
help make flying safer and more comfortable.
1.1 Scope
This owner’s manual constitutes the manufacturer’s instructions for the operation, packing, and
maintenance of the Para-Cushion Wedge Model 311 Parachute System.
1.2 FAA Approval
Originally certified in 1973 under TSO C-23b, standard category, the Para-Cushion parachute
assemblies were upgraded in 1992 and are now FAA approved under TSO C-23c, (in accordance with
AS 8015A, category B and FAR 21, Subpart O). A copy of the FAA Approval Letter is on the inside
of the back cover of this manual.
1.3 Operational Limitations
When using the 26ft Mid-Lite Canopy (Strong Enterprises Part Number 420550), this Para-Cushion
is limited to use by persons up to 254 lbs (115kg) fully equipped (person, clothes, and equipment
including parachute) at up to 150 knots IAS.
1.4 Parachute Repack Interval
Your Para-Cushion 311 Wedge is is designed for a 365-day repack cycle. Your countries laws may
dictate a stricter schedule, check your local regulations. The Para-Cushion 311 Wedge must be
packed by an FAA certificated parachute rigger, or foreign equivalent, with an appropriate rating
or returned to Strong Enterprises for inspection and repack. If your Para-Cushion is exposed to
moisture, excessive dirt or is damaged it should be inspected sooner than the maximum allowed.
Note!
USA current repack regulations can be found in FAA FAR 91.307
1.5 Model Description
The unique Para-Cushion system design (U.S. Patent #3,908,937), with externally mounted pilot
chute, allows for a soft, flexible container with protected ripcord pins. The Para-Cushion, is an FAA
approved, manually operated emergency parachute system.
The Para-Cushion Wedge Model 311 (P/N: 124108) measures 24” (61cm) tall by 16” (40.5cm) wide
by 1” (2.5cm) at the shoulders and 3” (7.5cm) at the lower back, and weighs approximately 16 lbs.
(7.3 kg).
This unique configuration allows for maximum comfort for the pilot by using the shape of the
parachute system to put you in a slightly reclined position.
The parachute assembly is designed to be used in airplanes where headroom is at a minimum and
the backrest is at a straight upright angle with the seat bottom, such as a Pitts S1, Pitts Model 12,
Christen Eagle, RV-4, RV-6, Harmon Rocket, and many others.
