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Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion
www.strongparachutes.com
1.6 System Function
The L-39 Emergency Parachute System is released from the seat by pulling the handle located at
the bottom right hand side of the seat. This releases the locking mechanisms keeping the parachute
securely in place allowing you to exit the aircraft.
! WARNING !
A complete and proper course of training on L-39
emergency procedures from a trained, properly rated
professional is required before using this system.
The Para-Cushion is activated by pulling the ripcord handle. This action withdraws the ripcord pins
and releases the locking loops allowing the pilot chute to eject, catch air and extract the parachute
canopy from the container. The balance of the lines are stowed inside the container. On deployment,
the canopy and suspension lines are extracted from the container.
Once clear of the aircraft, activate the Parachute System by pulling the ripcord handle. This should
be done whether the included static line is installed or not.
Typically, it takes about 2 to 3 seconds from ripcord pull to fully inflated canopy, traveling a vertical
distance of 150 to 300 feet. This does NOT mean that you should plan on jumping or pulling at 300
feet. Deployment time and distance depend on many factors including airspeed.
1.7 Care of Your L-39 Emergency Parachute System
Observe these precautions to maximize the service life of your Para-Cushion Emergency Parachute
System. Parachutes are simultaneously very rugged and quite delicate. They are life saving devices
and should be treated with great care. Parachutes are made of nylon, a very strong and durable, but
not invincible, material. Nylon is deteriorated by small amounts of acid and weakened by ultraviolet
sunlight. These surface effects do not seriously influence thicker materials, such as webbing or pack
material, but canopy cloth is very vulnerable. If your Para-Cushion is opened or used, it should be
brought to an appropriately certified parachute rigger, or returned to the manufacturer for airing,
drying, inspection and repack. FAA FAR 65.129 requires that no parachute be packed, maintained,
or altered in any manner that deviates from procedures approved by the manufacturer.
The parachute should be left unopened inside its protective container ready for use. When you take
your Para-Cushion to your rigger for servicing, they will be glad to allow you to pull the ripcord
yourself, give you a functional demonstration, and answer all your questions. We urge you NOT
to open your parachute in the field for demonstration purposes. Foreign objects can cause costly
damage to the canopy.
When your Para-Cushion is in the aircraft, care must be exercised to ensure that it is not damaged.
Be sure that it does not come in contact with any sharp or loose metal surfaces, or any objects within
the plane, which might cut or snag it. All metal edges, exposed nuts and bolts, etc. should be taped
or covered to prevent wear on the parachute container. Be sure that your parachute does not come
in contact with water, oils, acids, grease, dirt, agricultural or fire retardant chemicals. When not in
use, store your Para-Cushion in its carrying bag in a clean, dry, protected area. If in doubt as to its
condition, consult your nearest parachute rigger or Strong Enterprises.
