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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
1.13 how to open the parachute
The ripcord handle is located near the chest strap on the wearer’s left front of the harness. The key
is to LOOK at the ripcord handle, rather than fumble or tug on a harness fitting. Beneath the fabric
cover, the handle is held in place by a pocket but it may have been dislodged by your exit, so look for
it first. REACH over and grab it with both hands (or typically with your right hand and left thumb),
and PULL: YANK IT HARD.
This is no time to be gentle! Actually pulling, which uses the muscles of your forearms, is not as ef-
fective as pushing, which takes advantage of your upper arm strength. If it doesn’t come free on the
first pull, check to make sure you have the handle in you hand, back the handle up to the housing to
create slack in the cable, then punch it out again. The entire cable assembly should come completely
out of the housing. To reduce the pull force, push it in the direction that the protective ripcord rather
than straight out from your chest.
The Para-Cushion Seat container has a housing coming from under you, so pull the handle straight
up, over your head. The Para-Cushion Back and Para-Cushion Chair both have housings coming
over your shoulder, so push the handle down toward your feet. By having both hands together on the
handle, you also reduce the chance of the canopy or lines entangling with an extended limb. Keep
your feet together for the same reason. Body position is secondary to pulling.
Remember to
LOOK-REACH-PULL.
1.14 how to steer
Having a steerable parachute reduces your rate of descent, increases your stability, and allows you
to avoid obstacles (buildings, trees, water, power lines, etc.). The parachute drifts with the wind and
has a forward speed of about 6 MPH, which can be directed with or against the wind using the built-
in steering vents in the rear.
The canopy may be turned by pulling down on the steering line rings or webbing toggles, located on
the rear of the risers, just above your head. An 8-12 inch pull will produce a slow rotation, but exces-
sive pulling will not improve the performance.
1.15 how to Land
Like birds and smart pilots, you want to reduce your landing speed by facing into the wind, or quar-
tering slightly. Avoid all but very slight turns below 200 feet.
Push your feet and knees tightly together, with your toes slightly pointed so you don’t land on your
heels. The tension caused by keeping your ankles and knees pressed tightly together increases their
individual support, reducing your chance of injury. Keep your elbows in and try to look at the hori-
zon, not down at the ground. This will give you a better idea of your altitude (much like looking out
the side, rather than over the nose during a landing flare).
Maneuver the canopy as necessary to avoid all obstacles. In event of a tree or power line landing,
keep your feet together so you don’t straddle a limb or wire, and be prepared to slide through and hit
the ground afterwards. You should be able to avoid power lines, but if not, throw away the ripcord