______________________________________________________________________________
32
If you are storing your UP Trango XC
3
for
extended periods we recommend packing
using the ParaSleeve method.
Also, on rugged/abrasive surfaces we
suggest that you adapt the packing
method to be able to leave the wing on the
ParaSleeve all the way through, to avoid
mechanical abrasion.
Paraglider fabric
We use a top grade polyamide cloth to
build our paragliders, with a special
protective coating against UV radiation
and air permeability. The cloth will suffer if
it is exposed to large amounts of UV (i.e.
bright sunlight). Do not leave your glider
lying in the sun for any longer than is
absolutely necessary, only unpack and rig
right before launching and do yourself the
favour of repacking right after landing.
Modern paraglider textiles have improved
much in terms of UV durability but UV
exposure remains the deciding factor of a
paraglider's life expectancy. First the
colours start to fade, then the coating and
the structural integrity of the synthetic
fibres begin to deteriorate.
On UP gliders the coated side of the cloth
is facing inwards. This means that the
coating is subjected to less mechanical
abrasion while the porosity-limiting
capabilities remain the same.
When choosing an area to lay out the
glider before launching, try to find
somewhere that is relatively free of stones
and sharp rocks. Pay particular attention
to the top surface, where the canopy
touches the ground.
Never step on your glider
– stepping on it
will weaken the cloth, especially if the
surface beneath it is hard or contains
sharp objects. We recommend keeping an
eye on spectators on launch. Many,
especially children, do not fully appreciate
the fragility of the lines and cloth. It is
usually easy to explain this to
spectators and parents.
When folding your wing please make
sure that there are no insects caught
inside. Many insect species contain
acids that could damage the cloth.
Grasshoppers may use their sharp
mandibles to attempt to gnaw their
way out of a folded canopy, making it
full of holes in the process. Besides
they exude a dark and strong
colourant that will stain the cloth if
packed inside. Shoo them off before
packing. Note that, contrary to popular
belief, these particular insects are not
attracted to any particular colours.
If the glider gets wet, then dry it as
soon as possible, but not in direct
sunlight! If you pack you wing away
wet it may grow mildew and, if also
subjected to heat, the fabric fibres may
begin to decompose.
A new wing straight off the shelves is
often compressed hard. The
compression serves to reduce
shipping costs but should not be
repeated once the wing has been
unpacked and flown for the first time.
Also note that, in spite of it being a
comfortable seat, the glider bag should
not be used as such.
Should you accidentally put your UP
Trango XC
3
into seawater rinse it out
thoroughly with fresh water and dry it
slowly in the shade (see Chapter
Cleaning).
Paraglider lines
The lines used on the UP Trango XC
3
are high grade Aramid lines. Keep the
following points in mind:
The lines should be checked
regularly for damage,
