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Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion
www.strongparachutes.com
1.8 Service Life
FAA FAR 65.129 requires that “No certificated parachute rigger may pack a parachute that is not
safe for emergency use”. The continued airworthiness of an assembly is at the discretion of the FAA
licensed parachute rigger’s inspection during re-pack. While proper care can no doubt extend its
usefulness, an older parachute should be examined more closely for signs of deterioration. Your
parachute is a sensitive piece of life saving equipment and should be treated as such. However, it
should not be expected to last forever, even with proper care.
1.9 Preflight Inspection
The parachute must be inspected by the wearer prior to each use. Check it visually for any unsafe
condition. Be sure the harness is not twisted or misrouted. Be sure the fittings are not rusted. Be
sure the ripcord handle is securely in its pocket (under the fabric pocket covering). Lift the Velcro
on the back pad and check the ripcord pins. Be sure they are properly seated in their loops. All
pins should extend at least 1/2-inch beyond the fabric locking loop. Be sure the rigger’s seal and
thread are still intact around the last pin. That’s your assurance it has not been opened since it left
the rigger’s packing table. Check the packing data card in the nearby pocket to be sure that the
parachute is current and has been repacked in accordance with regulations.
1.10 Fitting the Parachute Harness
The parachute system designed for the L-39 is unique to the aircraft it is installed in and once
installed is locked in position. Therefore to wear the parachute, you must climb into it while it is
installed on the seat. If you are putting the parachute on for the first time; unsnap the straps, and
loosen all adjustment points. Sit down and slip your arms through the main lift web (the vertical
straps in front), much like putting on a jacket. Next, reach between your legs, pick up each leg strap,
untwist them if necessary, and snap them in place on each side of the lower portion of the main lift
webs (Right strap snaps into the right side hardware). Pull the leg strap webbing below your hips,
tightening them snugly yet comfortably around your thighs Next adjust the vertical straps, one on
each side located below the ripcord handle, and pull upward until the straps are snug. Adjust the
horizontal straps, the ones behind your lower back, and finally snap the belly-band, and the chest
strap hardware, and adjust. Fold and stow all loose webbing ends in the elastic keepers. Be sure the
ripcord handle is accessible. Resist the urge to excessively tighten the harness. This could restrict
your escape from the cockpit.
1.11 Plan Ahead
Be prepared in the event of an emergency situation. Know and rehearse your emergency
procedures before they are needed. With the parachute on, sit in your cockpit and fasten your lap
and shoulder belts. Be certain these are over your parachute harness. Wear gloves, helmet and
goggles, even headphones if you normally use them. Mentally organize your bailout procedure.
Inspect your cockpit for projections or sharp edges that may damage the parachute, or injure you.
Consider canopy ejection, oxygen disconnect, or other requirements that you may be faced with.
All these things take time, and an emergency leaves you little time for errors. Generally, you are
better off staying with the aircraft if it is controllable. However, your margin of safety is reduced
as time passes evaluating your situation. With time many situations can get worse. Make your
decision quickly because all these actions consume altitude.
