4
Strong Enterprises owner’s manual. Para-Cushion model 311 Wedge
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: (407) 859-9317 Fax: (407) 850-6978
www.strongparachutes.com
open your parachute in the field for demonstration purposes. Foreign objects can damage the canopy
which will require repairs at your expense.
When your Para-Cushion is in the aircraft care must be exercised to assure that it is not damaged.
Be sure that it does not come in contact with any sharp or loose metal surfaces, or any objects within
the plane which might cut or snag it. All metal edges and exposed nuts and bolts, etc. should be
taped or covered to prevent wear on the parachute container. Be sure that your parachute does not
come in contact with water, oils, acids, grease, dirt, agricultural or fire retardant chemicals. When
not in use, store your Para-Cushion in its carrying bag in a clean, dry, protected area. If in doubt as
to its condition, consult your nearest parachute rigger, parachute loft, or Strong Enterprises.
! WARNING !
LEAvING yOuR PACkED PARAChuTE SySTEM ExPOSED
TO ThE SuN WILL GREATLy DECREASE ITS SERvICE LIFE.
1.9 Service Life
Strong Enterprises and other members of the Parachute Industry Association (PIA) are currently
discussing guidelines for a recommended service life. FAR 65.129 requires that “No certificated
parachute rigger may pack a parachute that is not safe for emergency use,” so until guidelines are
established, the continued airworthiness of an assembly is established by the licensed parachute
rigger who inspects it as part of his repacking procedure. While proper care can no doubt extend
its usefulness, an older parachute should be examined more closely for signs of deterioration. Your
parachute should be treated as the sensitive piece of life saving equipment that it is, but it should
not be expected to last forever, even when proper care is taken.
1.10 Preflight Inspection
Prior to each flight the parachute should be inspected before it is put on. Check it visually for any
unsafe condition. Be sure the harness is not twisted or misrouted. Are the fittings rusted? Did it get
oily on the hanger floor? Is the ripcord handle secure in its pocket (under the fabric pocket cover-
ing)? Lift the Velcro® on the back pad and check the ripcord pins to 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 thread is 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 has been repacked within the previous 120 days.
1.11 Fitting the Parachute harness
If you are putting the parachute on for the first time, unsnap the hardware on the straps, loosen
the
three adjustment points, 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. Lean
forward, pull the leg straps below your hips, and tighten them snugly, yet comfortably around your
thighs. Finally snap and adjust the chest strap. Fold and stow the webbing ends in the elastic keep-
ers. Be sure the ripcord handle is accessible.
Many Para-Cushions have adjustable main lift webs, (vertical straps that come down over your
shoulder) and back straps that will allow you to adjust the fit of your harness. To adjust these
