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Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion
www.strongparachutes.com sales @strongparachutes.com
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a new Para-Cushion 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 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-23f, (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 is designed for a 365-day repack cycle. Your countries laws may dictate a stricter
schedule, check your local regulations. The Para-Cushion 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.
Para-Cushion AcroPro has a standard back mounted container measures 21” (53 cm) tall by 13” (33
cm) wide by 3.5” (9 cm) thick and weighs approximately 14 lb. (6.4 kg).
Para-Cushion Back 303 has a standard back mounted container measures 24” (60 cm) tall by 16” (40
cm) wide by 3” (7 cm) thick and weighs approximately 15 lb. (6.5 kg).
It has a contoured container and backpad with extra padding at the shoulders to keep it
comfortable while performing. Available with an aerobatic or standard harness, this system is
designed to be unrestrictive while ensuring the safety of the pilot. In addition we have extended
the riser covers to protect the harness webbing from UV exposure and wear.
