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Strong Enterprises Owner’s Manual. Para-Cushion
www.strongparachutes.com [email protected]
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a new Para-Cushion Model 304 Seat Emergency Parachute System from
Strong Enterprises. It is one of 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 Seat Model 304 (PCS 304) Emergency 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 304 Seat is is designed for a 365-day repack cycle. Your countries laws may dictate
a stricter schedule, check your local regulations. The Para-Cushion 304 Seat 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 Model 304 introduced in 1988, has fabric riser covers and measures 12” x 16” x 3” thick
(minimum). It is designed for use in place of a seat cushion. By using an additional Confor® Foam cushion, the
thickness of seat may be between 3” and 6” thick, depending on type of airplane and how high user desires to
be in the cockpit. Back pad is only a 1/2” thick, and uses Confor® Foam padding.
Para-Cushion Model 304 Seat is recommended for use in airplanes where head room is not restricted
and/or moving forward in the cockpit is not an option such as Sky Bolt, Yak 52 (both seats), Yak 55,
Stearman, Great Lakes, Pitts S 2B (front seat), Decathlon, and rear seat of an RV-4.
The 26’ (7.92m) Mid-Lite parachute is block constructed using low porosity (Lo-Po) fabric. This fabric allows less
