2.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK
Before each flight, check that:
• There is no visible damage that could affect its airworthiness.
• The rescue parachute container is correctly closed with the safety
pin(s) in place.
• The deployment handle is correctly and securely fastened and all
parts are in good condition.
Any part of the harness/reserve/handle using Velcro must regularly
have it separated and re-attached to prevent 'bedding in' over time
which could impede a successful reserve parachute deployment
sequence.
3. RESCUE DEPLOYMENT
It is vital to periodically guide your hand toward the rescue handle
and feel its location in flight. Memorizing the gesture to the point of
becoming second nature will become an asset in case of an emergency.
In the event of an emergency, the pilot must quickly evaluate the AGL
(Altitude Above Ground Level) and decide whether or not to deploy
the emergency parachute. Deploying the rescue when the glider is
recoverable may increase the risk of injury. If there is sufficient elevation
(AGL), you have sufficient height and the glider is in a flat spin, it is
preferable to first try to stop the spin (e.g. full stall), due to the risk of
entanglement. On the other hand, a second hesitation in deploying the
reserve could prove costly if there is insufficient height.
3.1 DEPLOYMENT PROCEDURE
If the rescue must be deployed, the procedure should be as follows:
• Look for the rescue handle and grasp it firmly with one hand.
• Pull firmly upwards/sideward on the handle to unfastens its Velcro
and releases the safety pins keeping the reserve parachute container
closed. The pod extraction from the container will then take place.
• Look for a clear area, then throw and let go the reserve parachute
handle with the pod attached to it away from harness and paragli-
der. Throwing the reserve parachute in the downwind direction will
speed-up its opening sequence. Throwing it opposite to the spinning
direction will also help prevent tangling with the glider.
• After deployment, avoid entanglement, pendulum motions and pos-
sible downplaning, by pulling the glider in as symmetrically as possible
with the B, C, D or brake lines.
• On landing, do a PLF (Parachute Landing Fall) to minimize the risk of
injury if the terrain surface permits it.
• Once on the ground, deflate the canopy by pulling one of the reserve
parachute lines to avoid the possibility of being dragged.
4. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
4.1 MAINTENANCE
The OCTAGON 2 rescue parachute will be repacked at 180 day inter-
vals to insure airworthiness. When necessitated by climate, storage, or
condition the equipment maintenance specialist may require additional
maintenance.
We always recommend for this rescue parachute to be inspected
and repacked by a trained and certified professionals. Additional
inspections should be performed if there is any suspicion of damage
or excessive wear.
After a deployment, the reserve parachute should be checked by the
distributor or manufacturer. Always seek professional advice whenever
in doubt.
The materials used in the OCTAGON 2 rescue have been carefully
ENG
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