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Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 311 Wedge
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: (407) 859-9317 Fax: (407) 850-6978
www.strongparachutes.com
canopy used. This manual covers Para-Cushion packed with the following emergency canopies man-
ufactured by Strong Enterprises: the 26-foot Standard Lo-Po, the 26 foot Military Lo-Po and the 26
foot Mid-Lite. These three canopies utilize low porosity (Lo-Po) cloth which allows less air flow, and
therefore a slower, more stable rate of descent than conventional parachute cloth.
Note!
The 120 day repack cycle required by regulation is a maximum. If for any reason your
parachute is not in the condition it was when packed, it should be inspected and repacked,
regardless of the time since previous packing.
1.6 Model Description
The model 311 Wedge covered in this manual, is an FAA approved, manually operated emergency
parachute system, fitted with a 26’ foot Canopy. The system was designed specifically for aircraft
where the head room is at minimum and the back rest is at a straight, upright angle with the seat
bottom, such as Pitts SI, Pitts Model 12, Christen Eagle, RV-4, RV-6, Harmon Rocket, FI Rocket and
many others. The standard harness is fully adjustable in the main lift webs (vertical straps) as well
as in the pilot’s lumbar area to ensure proper fit and support. The back cushion utilizes Confor Foam
padding for additional comfort and support.
1.7 System Function
The Para-Cushion is activated by pulling the ripcord handle. This withdraws the ripcord pins and
releases the locking loops allowing the pilot chute to eject, catch air and extract the parachute from
the container. The canopy is packed with a device called a “diaper” which is sewn to the skirt at the
bottom of the canopy and is where some of the suspension lines are stowed. The balance of the lines
are stowed inside the container. On deployment, as the canopy is extracted from the container, the
lines are also deployed from the container.
When the last stows deploy, the diaper is released allowing the canopy to inflate. The total time for
deployment and how far you travel from pulling the ripcord to a full open canopy depends very much
on your airspeed. Generally, opening times are from 2 to 3 seconds and the distance fallen would
be from 150 feet to 300 feet. This does NOT mean that you should plan on jumping or pulling your
ripcord at 300 feet.
1.8 Care of your 311 Wedge Emergency Parachute System
Parachutes are simultaneously very rugged and quite delicate. They are pieces of life saving equip-
ment and should be treated with care. Parachutes are made of nylon, a very strong and durable
material, but even nylon has enemies. Small amounts of acid will eat it and ultra-violet sunlight
weakens nylon rapidly. This is a surface effect so that thicker material, such as webbing or pack
material are not seriously affected, but canopy cloth is very vulnerable. If your Para-Cushion is
opened or used, it should be taken to a certified parachute rigger, parachute loft or returned to the
manufacturer for airing, drying, inspection and repack. FAR 65.129 requires that no parachute be
packed, maintained, or altered in any manner that deviates from procedures approved by the manu-
facturer.
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
