Make four or five folds from the trailing edge up to the leading edge so that the bundle is
approximately the size and shape of the Firebird paraglider rucksack.
Making sure not to pack the glider too tightly and taking care that the leading edge is folded carefully
will increase its life. Always pack as loosely as you can, while still being able to fit it in the rucksack –
every fold weakens the cloth on any paraglider. It is best not to keep folding the glider along the same
lines- Do not worry if it isn’t tidy every time!
Velcro Opening – Dirt Hole
Firebird gliders all come with a velcro opening situated on the wing Tip. Build of sand, small stones,
etc. can be removed with ease at regular intervals to prevent internal abrasion of material.
Storage
Moisture is the enemy of a glider. Always store all equipment in a dry room, and do not store it wet. A
damp paraglider can be dried by hanging it over a washing line preferably out of the sun. Allow it to
dry naturally, never use a hair dryer, etc. Even when the glider is dry, leave the rucksack zipper open
when possible to allow residual moisture to evaporate. Do not store the glider in the company of
chemicals such as dyes, paints or gasoline.
Important: Wet gliders will extremely change their flying characteristics. Never fly your glider when
wet.
Cleaning
Any abrasion or water will age the cloth of your glider, even if only slightly. Therefore we recommend
that stains or marks which have dried into the cloth should be left unclean. The glider may not be
cosmetically as nice but it will certainly last longer. If you still feel that the wing must be cleaned, then
use only a soft cloth moistened with water on small areas and remember that the most sensitive area
of the wing is the leading edge and the top surface which should on no account be cleaned. Never put
the glider into a washing machine or have it dry cleaned.
Insects
Take care that no insects get packed away with your glider. Some insects decay into an acidic
substance which can burn holes into the sailcloth.
Wing Repairs
Amateur repairs can do more harm than good. Always let a registered dealer or manufacturer carry
out glider repairs.
Very small holes in the wing can be repaired using sticky-back sail cloth as long as the tear is not on
the stitching of the wing and a large over-lap is used. Stick repair tape on the inside and outside of any
area your are repairing. Make the patches rounded with the inside patch larger than the outside one-
this reduces the chance of weakening the material between them. If in doubt, consult your dealer.
Line Repairs
Any damage to the lines (even if it is only the outer sheath) means a new line should be ordered
immediately. Ideally a dealer should replace the line. Before fitting a replacement line, check it for
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