3-6
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: (407) 859-9317 Fax: (407) 850-6978 www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises Owner’s Manual. Dual Hawk Tandem System -
Revision L: 1/16
Lines:
Check for stretch or shrinkage. The tolerance for line length deviation is plus or minus
1-inch. Symptoms include slow openings and tension knots. Use line trim chart (Appendix A)
to check for deviations, re-trim if necessary. Inspect the lines for excessive wear and replace
if necessary. When looking at a frayed line that is questionable take into consideration that
tandem systems are subject to heavier loads than solo systems. Inspect the bartacks at the links,
at the cascades, and at the canopy attachment points. *We have found that at about 3 ft down
from the lower canopy surface is where the lines tend to show the greatest wear.*
Slider:
Inspect the fabric for holes or burns, replace as necessary. Inspect the grommets for burrs,
grooves caused by the lines, and separation. Grasp the grommet with two fingers and try to spin
the grommet to ensure that it is still set properly and secured to the slider. It should not move at
all. Reset if necessary.
Fabric:
Check the seams and line attachment points for stitch integrity. This can be done by
turning the canopy face up and standing on a chair, hold the top leading edge (nose) of the
canopy at shoulder height, spreading each cell apart to look inside. Inspect each panel for
damage. Inspect the canopy for holes, tears and burns and repair as needed. Inspect the bridle
attachment point for wear.
Note!
Using a fan to inflate cells allows an easier and more thorough
inspection.
3.3.3.4 Drogue and ALS Bag
ALS Bag:
Inspect all fabric, seams, bartacks, tapes, and attachment points for holes, tears, burns,
stains, and loose or missing stitching. Inspect the grommets for burrs and separation, replace
or reset if necessary. Grasp the grommet with two fingers and try to spin the grommet in place
to ensure that it is still set properly and secured to the ALS bag. It should not move at all. Next
make sure that a finger nail can not be slid under rim of grommet (fingernail test), reset if
able to slid nail under grommet. Inspect the Rapide Links for cracks and tightness. Inspect the
rubber bands and replace if warped or broken. Ensure shock cord loops are not broken or frayed
and are no longer than 3”.
Bridle and Deflation Line:
Y-line Style
- Inspect the entire bridle for loose stitching and signs of wear. Inspect drogue
3-Ring attachment and main closing pin attachment, replace or repair as necessary. Check for
wear at the cotton wrapped end of bridle. Hockey tape can be used to wrap end of bridle, this
will help prevent wear. Ensure plastic bumper is in place over Rapide Link, and neither are
damaged. The plastic bumper helps to keep the Rapide Link nut from wearing at the bridle.
Inspect bartacks on Y-deflation line for unraveling and deflation line itself for wear. Most wear
is found at the point where the two pieces of tubular come together in the Y, so check carefully.
When replacing the Y-deflation line the new deflation line can be pulled through the bridle, from
the top, using the old deflation line by attaching the two together.
1. Cut existing line and lark’s head new line to apex attachment point.
2. Tie old line to one end of new line. There is no need to tie both ends. Ensure both are out
when finished.
3.
Using the bridle opening pull new deflation line through bridle.
Drogue:
Starting at the top of the drogue and working down, ensure drogue pud is secure and in
tact. Inspect the canopy fabric for holes or tears. Check stitching and bar tacks inside the drogue
where deflation lines is attached. Inspect the reinforcing tape for missing stitches. Inspect the
mesh for rips and holes. Ensure the zigzag stitching at fabric base is complete.
