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8. USING THE RESERVE
8.1 Preflight check
For maximal safety the following general checks should be carried out before every flight, in addi-
tion to the normal before-takeoff checks:
▶
Reserve handle correctly in place on the harness/external container,
▶
No visible damage that could affect airworthiness,
▶
Reserve compartment correctly closed/external (e.g. front) container closed and secured to the
harness.
▶
As soon as practical after take off, it is recommended that you put a hand on your release
handle. This reminds you where it is, and mentally rehearses the first part of the throwing
sequence
8.2 Releasing and throwing the reserve
In a real emergency, stick to the following steps:
▶
Take hold
of the reserve handle firmly with a hand,
▶
Pull it firmly in the correct direction
(sideways/upwards) to release the pins (or other kind of
release system) and pull the inner container completely out of its compartment or container.
