Doc.-No.: 01/EHTD400
Equipment Handbook
Date: 01.03.2003
TD400
Revision:
Rev. date:
Page: 12 of 40
FIREBIRD, Am Tower 16, 54634 Bitburg
The equipment should be re-examined every 12 months.
The main parachute canopy and the container system should be thoroughly examined
every 50 jumps or every 120 days after assembly, whichever comes first.
This examination is considerably more detailed than the inspection that is to be carried
out each time the parachute is packed.
Every 365 days the reserve parachute must be opened, aired and thoroughly inspected
before it is re-packed by a rigger or equivalent specialist.
The inspection can be carried out according to the following directions.
The container should be examined in place that is clean, dry, well lighted and large
enough that the parachute can be completely laid out.
The following inspection sequence is systematic and meaningful:
1. Drogue Chute, Drogue Chute Bridle and POD
Check the drogue chute and its bridle for secure attachment to the top skin of the canopy
as well as for damage.
The parachute fabric and the reinforcment tapes, as well as their stitching, should not be
damaged. Check for perfect function of the drogue-chute kill line. If the kill line is twisted,
straighten it. The grommets on the POD (Pack Opening Device—also known as the
deployment bag), including the grommet at the bottom of the POD, should be free of da-
mage, have no sharp edges and be firmly attached to the POD material. Replace old pa-
cking rubber bands.
FIREBIRD prescribes TandemTube Stoes for the POD.
2. Canopy Top Skin
The canopy should be completely spread out. Pay attention to all seams, potential tears,
burns and separations.
3. Canopy Bottom Skin
Turn the canopy over and check it in the same manner the top skin was inspected. In
addition, pay special attention to the suspension line attachments.
4. Interior Ribs
Each rib of the canopy, from the nose to the trailing edge, should be examined. This re-
quires crawling into each cell. Pay special attention to the reinforcement tapes, the sus-
pension line attachment points and the pilot-chute attachment. Also check that the cross-
ports are not frayed.
5. Outer Side of Canopy
Lay the canopy on its side, so that the cells are stacked one on top of the other. In this
way the condition of the stabilizers and slider stops can be examined.
6. Suspension Lines
The entire length of the lines should be examined for damage. Pay special attention to
the cascades and the connector links. Check that the connector links are securely faste-
ned.
12. Periodic Inspection Instructions
Doc.-No.: 01/EHTD400
Equipment Handbook
Date: 01.03.2003
TD400
Revision: 1
Rev. date: 01.12.05
Page: 12 of 40
