Performance Designs PD Series Bedienungsanleitung

MAN-0012 Rev. I

Performance

Designs Ram Air

Reserve Parachute

Manual

Dear Customer

We’d like to thank you for your purchase of a new Performance Designs, Inc. reserve

parachute. We’re confident you’ll be pleased with it in every way. You’ll like its light weight

and small pack volume. If you deploy it, you’ll be pleased with its quick reliable openings,

good flight characteristics and great landings that Performance Designs canopies are

known for.

Whether new or used, we urge you and your rigger to carefully inspect your new reserve

to completely familiarize yourselves with its features and quality workmanship.

Again, thank you for choosing a Performance Designs canopy. With proper care, it should

provide many years of service.

Sincerely

Bill J. Coe and John LeBlanc

President Vice President

WARNING: COMPONENT INCOMPATIBILITY, OR INCORRECT CHOICE, INCORRECT ASSEMBLY OR

IMPROPER CONFIGURATION OF PARACHUTE SYSTEM COMPONENTS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY

OR DEATH. All components of a parachute system must be compatible with each other to ensure

proper functioning of the system. The user is responsible for determining the compatibility and

choice of all parachute system components and for ensuring the correct assembly and

configuration of all components used in the parachute system. Particular attention should be paid

to, but should not be limited to, compatibility of harnesses and containers, risers, pilot chutes,

bridles, cutaway systems, reserve static lines, M.A.R.D systems, main/reserve activation devices

and automatic activation devices (AADs)

MAN-0012 Rev. I Page | 0

WARNING

Each time you use this parachute you risk bodily injury and death.

You can substantially reduce this risk by:

1- Assuring every component of the parachute system has been assembled and packed in

strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

2- Obtaining proper instruction in the use of this canopy and the rest of the equipment, and

3- Operating each component of the system in strict compliance with the owner’s manual

and safe parachuting practices.

Parachute systems sometimes fail to operate properly - even when properly assembled, packed

and operated - so you risk serious injury and death each time you use the system.

Always know the entire life history of every single component of your parachute system.

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

The policies contained herein comply with the Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 21.

REVISION LIST

This manual may be revised at any time by Performance Designs Inc (PD).The only way to be

sure this manual is current for your canopy is to check periodically with PD or check

www.performancedesigns.com. PD welcomes suggestions of ways to improve this publication. If

you feel parts are incomplete or hard to understand, please let us know by writing or emailing

PD.

DISCLAIMER, NO WARRANTY

Because of the unavoidable danger associated with the use of this parachute, the manufacturer

makes no warranty, either expressed or implied. It is sold with all faults and without any

warranty of fitness for any purpose. The manufacturer also disclaims any liability in tort for

damages, direct or consequential, including personal injuries resulting from a defect in design,

material, workmanship or manufacturing whether caused by negligence on the part of the

manufacturer or otherwise. By using this parachute assembly, or allowing it to be used by

others, the user waives any liability of the manufacturer for personal injuries or other damages

arising from such use.

If the buyer declines to waive liability on the part of the manufacturer, buyer may obtain a full

refund of the purchase price by returning the parachute before it is used to the manufacturer

within 15 days from the date of the original purchase with a letter stating why it is returned.

MAN-0012 Rev. I Page | 1

CANOPY PACKING / DEPLOYMENT LOG

As any conventional ram air reserve is repeatedly handled and repacked, the fabric permeability

will increase over time. This increased permeability will affect opening, flight and/or landing

characteristics. To monitor this important issue, we have incorporated a tracking and inspection

program into our reserve canopies. Compliance with this program is mandatory. Each time

the reserve is aired, inspected and repacked, a single diagonal line / is to be placed in the next

open box on the label. In the event of an actual deployment, an X is to be placed in the next

available box.

The warning label should accurately reflect the repacks and uses on that reserve canopy. In the

event a rigger encounters a discrepancy between the packing data card and the warning label,

the label should be brought into compliance, just as the rigger would do with any other piece of

equipment. The owner of the reserve should be informed that the rigger is simply complying

with Performance Designs’ requirement for the label to accurately reflect the repacks and/or

uses on that canopy.

After 40 repacks or 25 deployments have been reached, the reserve must have its permeability

tested. This testing is performed to ensure that the fabric permeability has not reached a point

where the opening and landing performance would be unacceptable. Subsequent to passing this

testing, the canopy will be recertified by the factory and the canopy is then returned into

service. An additional label will be affixed containing additional boxes to be used as a

packing/deployment log. The specific number of boxes will be chosen according to the results of

the test.

In most countries, 40 repacks are usually performed over a 10 to 20 year period, but it is

possible that a canopy reaches over 20 years old before this permeability testing is required.

Unless the canopy is exposed to a degrading element, or sustains damage, it is considered

airworthy upon inspection until the 40 repacks or 25 deployments have been logged.

MAN-0012 Rev. I Page | 2

Table of Contents

SECTION 1....................................................................................................................................4

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL...............................................................................4

READ BEFORE ASSEMBLY OR USE.................................................................................................4

SECTION 2....................................................................................................................................5

CHOOSING THE CORRECT RESERVE SIZE ......................................................................................5

WING LOADING, CANOPY SIZE, AND SKILL LEVEL ..........................................................................6

HIGH TEMPERATURE AND FIELD ELEVATIONS ................................................................................6

WING LOADING DESCRIPTIONS....................................................................................................7

WING LOADINGS LESS THAN 0.45 LB/SQ.FT:..............................................................................7

WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 0.45 AND 0.7 LB/SQ.FT: ...................................................................7

WING LOADING BETWEEN 0.7 AND 1.0 LB/SQ.FT:.......................................................................7

WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 1.0 AND 1.4 LB/SQ.FT:.....................................................................7

WING LOADINGS ABOVE 1.4 LBS/SQ.FT, AND BELOW THE MAXIMUM SUSPENDED WEIGHT: ............8

FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS ..........................................................................................................8

BASIC INSTRUCTION FOR LOW WING LOADINGS ...........................................................................9

TIPS FOR FLYING AT HIGHER WING LOADINGS ..............................................................................9

SECTION 3..................................................................................................................................11

DEPLOYMENT BODY POSITION AND AIRSPEED .............................................................................11

DEPLOYMENT SPEED

......................................................................................................................11

HIGH FREEFALL SPEEDS

.................................................................................................................11

MINIMUM DEPLOYMENT ALTITUDES

....................................................................................................12

THE EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE ON AIRSPEED

.........................................................................................12

THE EFFECT TEMPERATURE HAS ON AIRSPEED

.......................................................................................12

IN SUMMARY.........................................................................................................................13

MAXIMUM CERTIFICATED WEIGHTS & SPEEDS

....................................................................................13

SAFE OPERATING GUIDELINES AND COMMON SENSE

...........................................................................13

SECTION 4..................................................................................................................................15

CANOPY CARE AND CONDITION

......................................................................................................15

DEGRADATION FROM USE

.............................................................................................................15

INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS

..........................................................................................................15

VISUAL INSPECTION

....................................................................................................................16

FABRIC TESTING

..........................................................................................................................17

STRENGTH TEST:...................................................................................................................17

PERMEABILITY CHECK:

................................................................................................................18

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS:

........................................................................................................19

MINOR REPAIRS: ...................................................................................................................19

MAJOR REPAIRDS: .................................................................................................................19

FACTORY REPAIRS:................................................................................................................19

MAN-0012 Rev. I Page | 3

WET CANOPIES:

..........................................................................................................................19

SECTION 5..................................................................................................................................21

Side and Frontal Views...............................................................................................................21

DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS

..................................................................................................................22

REPACK CYCLES

...........................................................................................................................22

SERVICE LIFE

..............................................................................................................................22

COMPATIBILITY CHECK..............................................................................................................22

ATTACHING THE RESERVE TO THE RISERS

...........................................................................................23

CONNECTOR LINKS

.......................................................................................................................23

STAINLESS STEEL LINKS

.....................................................................................................24

SLINKS

................................................................................................................................25

ATTACHING STEERING LINES TO TOGGLES

..............................................................................25

TOGGLE ATTACHMENT:MICROLINE STEERING LINE WITH FACTORY MADE LOOP

.................................................27

TOGGLE ATTACHMENT: MICROLINE STEERING LINE

............................................................................28

TOGGLE ATTACHMENT: DACRON/POLYESTER STEERING LINES

..............................................................29

PROPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

................................................................................................................30

APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................38

FLAT PACKING INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................................38

PD SERIES SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................................39

OPTIMUM SERIES SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................39

MAN-0012 Rev. I Page | 4

SECTION 1

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, you must obtain instruction in the use of

this parachute from a competent and appropriately rated instructor before using this

parachute for the first time. It is beyond the scope of this manual to teach you how to deploy,

fly, land or maintain this parachute. This manual is only a general guide about this canopy. It does

not replace or substitute proper training and instruction. If there is anything that you do not fully

understand, you must consult a properly rated instructor. Parachute associations around the world,

including the United States Parachute Association, publish recommended procedures on learning

to skydive and on using skydiving equipment. We urge you to learn and follow these procedures.

Jumping this parachute without first receiving thorough and personal instruction increases the risk

of serious injury or death.

Sport parachuting technology and procedures continue to advance rapidly. Although a great deal

of care has been taken in the preparation of this manual, Performance Designs cautions that it

may contain information that may not be correct or behind the current state of the art of parachute

use.

For these reasons, you must use qualified experts - riggers and instructors - to help you inspect,

assemble, pack, use and maintain this parachute. Performance Designs recommends that you stay

abreast of current techniques and procedures. One such way of keeping updated is to log onto

www.performancedesigns.com

READ BEFORE ASSEMBLY OR USE

Since parachutes are manufactured and inspected by people, there is always a

possibility this parachute contains defects as a result of human error. Therefore, the

entire parachute system - main and reserve canopies, harness, container and other components

– must be thoroughly inspected before their first use and before each subsequent use.

Parachutes get weaker through time for a number of reasons. They are subject to wear

during packing, deployment and landing. Exposure to many agents, including but not

limited to- sunlight, heat and household chemicals, significantly weaken parachutes.

The damage may or may not be obvious. To help minimize the risk of parachute failure and

possible serious injury or death, the entire parachute system should be thoroughly inspected at

least every year. Parachute associations around the world have laws regarding repack and

inspection cycles. Make sure that you are aware of the laws pertaining to you. Inspections must

be done by a certificated rigger who has previous experience with this type of parachute.

Your parachute should be immediately inspected if at any time it has been exposed to

a degrading element. Remember that some chemicals will continue to degrade the parachute

long after initial exposure. Regular and thorough inspections are necessary to maintain the

structural integrity, reliability, and flight characteristics of the parachute.

Always know the entire life history of every part of your parachute system. That way you

will know that no part has been exposed to an agent that may seriously weaken or damage it.

MAN-0012 Rev. I Page | 5

SECTION 2

CHOOSING THE CORRECT RESERVE SIZE

Performance Designs reserve canopies are built in different models that span a wide range of sizes

and operating limits. There is a specific reserve to match almost any combination of deployment

altitudes, weights, skill levels, and landing elevations. When selecting a reserve there are certain

factors to take into consideration. Some of these are legal limits that must be respected.

It is important for your safety and enjoyment that you match your canopy with your ability and

weight. If a canopy is too small for you, safe and comfortable landings will be difficult to obtain,

even for experienced jumpers under ideal conditions. Less experienced jumpers should be more

conservative on canopy size.

The explanations about canopy flight characteristics below are based on landing elevations at sea

level. If you’re landing at elevations of more than 2000 feet above sea level, you should

consider getting a canopy at least one size larger than what you would normally jump

at sea level.

Determining the wing loading of the parachute you intend to jump or buy is a good guide to

matching your weight to a particular canopy. Wing loading is easily calculated by dividing a

total suspended weight in pounds by the surface area of the parachute in square feet.

Total suspended weight is the weight of the jumper plus all his/her clothing and gear, including all

components of the parachute system.

For example, a jumper who weighs 165 lbs (74.8kg) with his/her jumpsuit on and who jumps a

packed rig that weighs 25 lbs (11.35kg) would have a suspended weight of 190 lbs (86.1kg).

Here’s an example of how to calculate wing loading of a 210 square foot canopy and the jumper

used in the example above:

190 lbs

210sq.ft = 0.9lb./sq.ft.

Compare the wing loadings of your main and reserve parachutes. Generally, if the wing loadings

are similar and the canopies are both of reasonably similar design, the speeds and skill level

requirements will be close enough for most experienced jumpers to handle. Always keep in mind

that your reserve may handle and fly quite differently than the main you are used to.

Another factor to consider is the wing loading that you are used to flying. This is particularly

important when downsizing your main canopy. Downsizing a canopy usually means that this is

highest wing loading a jumper has experienced. If the reserve canopy is even smaller than the

newly acquired main canopy and therefore an even higher wing loading, this can be a dangerous

situation. Often times when we need to deploy our reserve it is at a lower altitude and there is a

good chance you may not make it back to the landing area. A canopy that is too small may feel

very fast, or have a high rate of descent, and can be tricky to flare. This situation can be very

dangerous, therefore we recommend restricting a change in any wing loading to less than 15%.

With higher wing loadings comes a lower margin for error and a smaller time window for decision

making.

MAN-0012 Rev. I Page | 6

WING LOADING, CANOPY SIZE, AND SKILL LEVEL

We no longer publish one single value for “maximum exit weight”, but rather a table including

maximum exit weight limits in pounds and kilograms according to canopy pilot skill level. An

example of this table follows:

MODEL

MINIMUM

STUDENT

NOVICE

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

EXPERT

MAXIMUM

PD 143R

VLC

N/R

122 lb

(55 kg)

143 lb

(65 kg)

165 lb

(75 kg)

200 lb

(91 kg)

254 lb

(115 kg)

VLC = Varies with landing conditions. N/R = Not recommended

How are the different categories defined? Although a skill level category system with rigid

definitions for each level is not possible, we can say that the range starts from the STUDENT level

(first skydive) and goes beyond EXPERT (some of the best pilots in the world), of which there are

only a handful. Numbers of jumps is one factor, but not necessarily the dominant one. The type

of equipment being used on those jumps is an important factor, as is how frequently these jumps

are being made. An important rule to consider is to limit any change to a smaller canopy size to

no more than a 15% size reduction from what you are used to. In the final evaluation, it is the

type and quality of canopy experience that really determines a person’s preparedness for a given

canopy.

One way to use this chart is to find where you are on the chart, and ask yourself if you should be

in that category. For example, if you have a PD143-R and have an exit weight of 195 lbs, we feel

you should be an expert. If you consider yourself a novice, then this canopy is probably not

suitable for you. You should check this with your main canopy as well. It is important to note that

the weights listed under each category are only a maximum for each category, and not a

requirement. Many expert skydivers prefer to jump at lower wing loadings than the level

shown on the chart, for a variety of reasons.

HIGH TEMPERATURE AND FIELD ELEVATIONS

The location of the dropzone facilities should always be taken into consideration. Landing

performance degrades with increasing temperature and altitude. To compensate for this, a larger

size reserve/lighter wing loading than what you would jump at sea level in standard temperature

conditions should be considered to give yourself a little more margin.

MAN-0012 Rev. I Page | 7

WING LOADING DESCRIPTIONS

This section describes how canopies typically perform at various wing loadings. Since your recent

experience will affect your frame of reference, this section is only a general guide. It is still

preferable to compare the wing loading of your new reserve to the canopy you have been jumping.

WING LOADINGS LESS THAN 0.45 LB/SQ.FT:

The parachute is too large for you. The canopy will fly very slow, and may not have sufficient

penetration, even in light winds. Turbulence will have a greater influence on the canopy. Light

turbulence or wind gusts that canopies with higher wing loadings fly through easily may be

sufficient to stall or collapse your canopy. We recommend that you do not use this canopy if the

wing loading is below 0.45.

WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 0.45 AND 0.7 LB/SQ.FT:

This is a lightly loaded parachute. This is a good area for low experienced jumpers, for ultra

conservative jumpers, and pilot emergency systems since they may be used by a pilot with very

little training. The canopy will be relatively slow and docile. It will be easy to land and will not

require the very precise flare timing and technique that canopies at higher wing loadings require

to get an acceptable landing. However, proper instruction in the use of this canopy is required.

When jumping at this wing loading, you will be more limited as to wind speed, wind gusts, and

turbulence than jumpers using canopies at higher wing loadings. Even if other jumpers are

jumping, the conditions may not be safe for you to jump.

WING LOADING BETWEEN 0.7 AND 1.0 LB/SQ.FT:

This is a lightly to moderately loaded canopy. If this is a higher wing loading than you are used

to, the canopy will fly and turn faster than you are used to. It will require more skill to land well

but in most cases is more than forgiving enough for student and novice use, particularly in larger

canopy sizes. Errors in flaring technique that were unnoticeable on a larger canopy will be more

noticeable on this one.

WING LOADINGS BETWEEN 1.0 AND 1.4 LB/SQ.FT:

This is a moderately to highly loaded canopy. The skill level required for this wing loading range

varies greatly depending on the canopy size needed to achieve this wing loading for a particular

body weight. The largest reserves that we make are suitable for novices in the moderate end of

this range. However on the smaller canopy sizes, high experience level is required to get an

acceptable landing, even under ideal landing conditions. If this is a higher wing loading than you

are used to, the canopy will fly and turn very fast. A precisely timed flare will be required to get

the rate of descent to an acceptable level. Your forward speed may be higher when you actually

land. On the smaller canopy sizes, a stall may occur at a higher flight speed than you may expect.

It will be more difficult to land this parachute in confined areas or at high altitudes. Be sure your

skill level is up to the demands of this situation.

Because the skill level required will vary from smaller to larger parachutes at a given wing loading,

please consult the Warning Label and the Wing Loading Chart for additional information to help

you choose the best reserve for your weight and experience level.

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