Doc.-No.: 01/EHTD400
Equipment Handbook
Date: 01.03.2003
TD400
Revision:
Rev. date:
Page: 23 of 40
FIREBIRD, Am Tower 16, 54634 Bitburg
17. Packing Instructions for Contrail 390
The modern, ram-air parachutes produced today are very reliable canopies. As long as
the parachute is packed with straight and untangled lines, it will usually open.
Nevertheless, we recommend the packing instructions illustrated on the following pages in
order to achieve consistently good, soft openings that are better for the fabric and the sky-
diver.
The parachute should be packed carefully and in the same manner after each jump. Part
of this careful procedure is to make sure that the packing area is clean and not in direct
sunlight. Ultraviolet light can cause irreversible damage to the canopy fabric. When it is
not possible to pack indoors at the dropzone, minimize the amount of time the canopy is
subject to direct sunlight and the corresponding ultraviolet rays. When it can not be im-
mediately packed, the canopy and harness-container should be covered and protected
from damage.
Packing on concrete or asphalt should be avoided, since rough surfaces like these can da-
mage the fabric, lines and hardware.
! Important !
Parachutes may only be packed by the jumper or a qualified individual
(rigger or equivalent). Contact the manufacturer immediately with any questi-
ons.
Pre-inspection Before Each Pack Job
The complete skydiving system should be checked for compliance with the manufacturer‘s
specifications. The harness-container and parachute canopy should be stretched out with
the lines taut. The lines should be checked that they are straight and not tangled and the
slider should be undamaged.
FIREBIRD recommends using a pro-pack method for the main canopy CONTRAIL 390
production series.
Should something unusual be noticed during the inspection,
contact the manufacturer immediately.
When it doubt - play it safe and contact us!
