English

User manual

15/04/2014
Reserve Parachute
w w w.s up a ir.com START
Pull down APEX Rescue parachutes

SUP’AIR - VLD
34 rue Adrastée
Parc Altaïs
74650 CHAVANOD
FRANCE

45°54.024’N / 06°04.725’E

Copyright ©, All rights reserved

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Thank you for choosing a SUP’AIR reserve parachute! We are glad to be able to join you in a common passion : paragliding!

SUP’AIR has been designing, manufacturing and distributing accessories world wide since 1982. Choosing a SUP’AIR product is the right choice for
anyone to make, for it is supported by thirty year of expertise and innovating designs driven by customer feedback always taken into account.
Next, are explicit instructions to familiarize yourself with the products technical features. Please, carefully read the following content!
Visiting our website at www.supair.com , will also bring you the latest updates. Additionally, if in doubt, questions will be answered by contacting any
of our network representatives. Naturally the entire SUP’AIR Team will be at your disposal to quickly answer any additional question you may have by
contacting it at [email protected]

We wish you the best of flights.

The SUP’AIR team.

TABLE OF CONTENT :
Characteristics 3
Norm 4
Use 6
Setup 7
Packing 9
Measurement table 13
Maintenance – Warranty 14

After having read this manual, we will recommend you to conduct a reserve parachute extraction under a hang-test device before your first flight.

N.B. : The following three icons will help you to understand this manual

Advice Caution ! Danger !!

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Characteristics
SUP’AIR’S RESERVE PARACHUTE START.
The reserve parachute “START” was designed by the A basic, easy to pack and very stable reserve parachute.
SUP’AIR in-house Research and Development team.
Certification EN 12491 and LTF 35/03
Mainly, this model wants to be seen as a quality
product with an attractive price. Characteristics :
Sink rate below 5.5 m/s at maximum load ( tests and
We are using known products to guaranty quality measurements conducted in a laboratory ).
and high performance. Liros lines 10150-0450 (M and L) 00099-1628 ( Tandem).
Riser bridle : Length 28cm, Polyester bridle with 2500DaN.
Pull-down APEX type rescue parachutes with one color
per hemisphere to facilitate visualization during repac-
king.
Manual gore cutting, computerized stitching of the main
webbing.

Options
-(120 g ) 145 mm “Y” risers. - Two stainless steel 6 mm
square Maillons Rapides® ( for the connection harness
reserve/parachute ) - ( 84 gr. for the set ) - Lark’s head
knot connection on the reserve parachute side.

START Size M Size L Tandem

Tested minimum Total Hoo-

70 Kg - -
king Weight.*
Maximum Total Hooking
100 Kg 125 Kg 215Kg
Weight.*

Weight 1 750 g 2 150 g 3 650 g

Surface area 31,16 m2 38,94 m2 65,75 m2

Gore number 16 18 22

Total flying weigth without the glider.

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EN 12491 norm Flight test

European Norm 12491
This notice shows the information requested
by the EN 1291 norm. This European Norm
(EN) is required for all the paragliding reserve
parachutes. All our reserve parachutes are
conforming to the EN norm.
The reserve parachute certification code EN
12491 is described as follows:
- Flight proper sequence : during a straight flight, the Opening speed + Wing jettisoning
reserve parachute is deployed. In order to conduct
accurately reproducible tests by avoiding any interfe-
rence from the paraglider, the test-pilot releases his
paraglider at peak height during a roll to begin the
descent with an important instability factor.
•The maximum sink rate is measured during the last
30 meters, the paragliding wing is released, below or
equal to 5,5 m/s under maximum load.
•Stability is checked in a subjective visual way ( with
a rolling effect or not ), and is gauged against the
overall sink rate ( an unstable reserve parachute
usually demonstrates a higher sink rate). STABILITY
•The reserve parachute opening speed must be
inferior to 5 seconds.

- Structural tests ( resistance ): consists of verifying

the overall structural integrity of the parachute under
maximal load for a given horizontal 32 m/s speed.
There can not be any failure / damage taking place
on the riser / lines / canopy cascade during the
entire procedure.

Sink rate < 5,5 m/s at maximum load.

The certification results can be found at www.supair.

com
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STRUCTURAL TEST EUROPEAN Norm 12491

Horizontal speed 32 m/s or 115 km/h at maximum load.

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RESERVE PARACHUTE OWNER’S MANUAL

Guideline procedures to follow with our - Due to its central line design, the canopy will easily To be noted:
reserve parachutes: : and quickly inflate.
- Once the reserve parachute is deployed, the pilot An EN12491 certified reserve parachute must theo-
To begin with, we must stress that using a re- must disable the paraglider by symmetrically pul- retically have a touch-down speed, equal or inferior
serve parachute should never be taken for granted ling as much as possible on the « B « risers to stabi- to 5,5 m/s, which corresponds to a 1,80 meter jump.
or considered to be without risks to the pilot. A re- lize the descent. This impacting speed can greatly vary due to a few
serve parachute is only there to deploy in case of NB : Our tandem reserve parachutes are delive- relevant factors: The air mass, the overall hooking
an emergency situation. red with the « Rose System « which automatically weight, the paragliding wing configuration / design,
The pilot’s weight must conform to the parachute deflates and disable the paraglider while minimi- and the density altitude. Two recent flight incidents
manufacturer’s recommended load limitations to zing any possible interference with the parachute with use of similar reserve parachute models ( X-
be fully operational. Any intent to use a reserve during the descent. This system is not available for Light ) during similar circumstances, demonstrated
parachute below or above the manufacturer’s re- solo reserve parachutes at this time. significant different results:
commended weight limitations is dangerous and - Upon landing, the pilot must be ready to cushion - One pilot touched-down with a 5,2 m/s sink rate
must totally be avoided. the impact by flexing his legs and roll sideways; with his paraglider disabled.
- Any reserve parachute riser connection to the har- exercising what is called a PLF landing ( Parachute - The second pilot touched-down with a 9 m/s sink
ness must result with the pilot landing on his legs Landing Fall ). rate without a neutralized paragliding wing, or a
and standing. free-fall jump from a 4 meter elevation
The parachute must be left unmodified to keep RECOMMENDATION AND CARE FOR THE
it aligned with the certification procedure it went PARACHUTE AFTER A WATER LANDING: The paragliding wing’s influence on the overall set-
through to assure a proper deployment sequence In case of a water landing, the parachute must be up ( paraglider / reserve parachute ) is important
to take place. dried, followed by line stretching and reconditio- and not predictable nor quantifiable. The scenario
- It is very important to learn how the parachute ning, following the manufacturer’s guide lines. can not be reproduced during the tests.
works, and only during a dedicated ( SIV - Simula- Let the parachute dry outdoors in a shaded area,
ted Flight Incident ) or equivalent course. away from direct sunlight
Pre-stretch the lines with a 30 kg., and 50 kg. load
Deploying the Reserve Canopy : for the Apex in order to limit Nylon shrinkage due to
In spite of the positive statistics showing the
moisture and humidity. It is preferable to check the
- Find the deployment handle. obvious benefits of using a reserve para-
lines length with a 10 kg. load (see measurements
- Hold it firmly and pull it away from the outer chute in case of an emergency, the later
chart on page 13).
container or harness. can not be taken for granted at any time
- Proceed with the repacking procedure according
- Using the deployment handle, jettison the inner or place.
to the manufacturer’s guide line manual.
pod forcefully into open air and AWAY from the pa- - Ensure a correct reserve parachute installation
raglider. The reserve parachute pod will automati- inside the harness by doing an extraction during a
cally open upon reaching maximum line and riser hang-test. Repeat installation procedure afterward.
length under tension.

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SETUP
To install the reserve parachute inside the « Y « risers. Split risers.
harness or front mounted reserve parachute Use the Maillons to connect the risers to the Use a Maillon to fasten the reserve parachute to the
container, please refer to the harness or the harness. Our reserve parachutes are pre-equipped risers.
front container owner’s manual. for this model.

1. Use a 7 mm Maillon Rapide® to connect the reserve 1. 1 / Fasten the risers to the harness shoulder
parachute on the low end of the “Y” vertical stroke. attachment points using a « loop to loop « connection (
Add the toric rings to lock the bridles onto the Maillon tighten well ).
A HANG-TEST AFTER INSTALLATION Rapide®.
Toward the reserve
IS MANDATORY Toward the harness side. parachute side.
1

After installing the reserve parachute

in its container, it is mandatory to
conduct a hang-test. Be certain 2
for the handle to open all the
container flaps prior the parachute extraction 2. Connect the riser split side to the harness’s shoulder
while evaluating the force amount exerted attachment points using the provided stainless steel (
during the pull to jettison the rescue system. Inox ) 6 or 7 mm.
After a conclusive outcome, reinstall the reserve
parachute by following the same procedure as 3. Use the toric elastic rings to secure the bridles to
before. the maillons ou Maillons Rapides. Pas besoin de M
majuscule si tu utilises maillons seul car ce n’est une
référence à la marque Maillon Rapides®.

Connecting the reserve parachute

to the harness.
Two ways to install your parachute, 2. 2 / Connect the risers to the parachute with a
rectangular 7 mm stainless steel ( Inox )Maillon Rapide.
depending on the riser type « Y « or Use the toric elastic ring to secure the bridles to the
separated. Maillons as indicated below.

Toward the harness.

Toward the reserve
parachute.

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Installing the tandem reserve

parachute.
1. Connect the risers to the parachute using 2. Connect the risers atop each spreader- 3. On both sides, push the small recoil « André
a rectangular 7 mm stainless steel ( Inox )Maillon bar ( main hooking location ), with the rectangular Rose « strap / webbing, through the main paraglider
Rapide®, then use toric elastic rings to secure the Inox ( stainless steel ) Maillon Rapide® + use toric carabiner riser, and connect it to the « B « or « C «
bridles to the Maillons as indicated below. elastic. paraglider riser using a triangular Maillon Rapide®.
Maillon and riser denomination can vary from
Toward the « B « or manufacturer to manufacturer.
Toward the reserve « C « wing risers.
parachute.
« Rose «
System.

Parachute riser.

Pilot. Passenger.

Toward the spreader-bars.

Pilot. Passenger.

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Packing a reserve parachute is not

PACKING
very difficult but requires a methodi-
cal and precise folding procedure. If 2. BKeep the parachute unruffled with the 5. Successively overlap all the red panels to
you feel uneasy about repacking the lines running freely from the bridle «loop to loop» the right. Repeat the procedure with the white panels
reserve parachute yourself, it will be connection to the canopy’s leading edge. to the left, starting with panel number one ( 1 ).
advisable for you to seek professional assis-
tance to do the job correctly.
Tip: take advantage of having to repack your
3. Tension all the lines from the riser. Push
a string through the packing buckles located at the
parachute, to deploy it on the ground and center of the panels stitching and balancing point
vent it for a while, prior proceeding to folding it between the lines and the central cord.
again.
Before each repacking procedure, the following
sequence must be observed : 16
9

- Carefully check each line from the canopy to the

riser for any possible damage. 1

- Aerate the parachute for at least twelve ( 12 ) hours.

Not in direct sunlight nor in a room filled with pollu-
ting chemical agents ( sprays ).
- Check the fabric for damage or soiling of any kind.
- Inspect the pod and parachute pocket for wear
and tear to ensure a clean extraction using a pro-
perly fastened reserve parachute handle to the 6. Be certain to have an equal panel ( gore
pod. ) count on each side ( the panel numbers may vary
- Inspect the elasticated loop keeping the pod flaps
securely closed.
4. Control both lower and upper lines, en- with other parachute models ). Be precise and verify
that the bottom of the skirt ( leading edge ) is per-
suring that they run freely from the canopy to the
- If you notice something unusual, send your para- fectly aligned and tidied..
riser(s).
chute to be inspected by a professional specialized
certified outfit.
1 .Make a selective list of the following items
needed to complete the repacking procedure :
- Elastics to keep the lines in place.
- Sand ballasts weights or books.
9

- A small thin piece of line about 30cm long.

10

POD

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7.Lift the upper line to keep the folds tidied 9. S-fold the left side of the canopy under 11.“S” fold the fabric.
up along the entire panels length, and the wind the centre of the parachute, then S-fold the right
channel unobstructed right up to the canopy’s apex. side of the canopy onto the centre of the chute.
Keep the canopy neatly folded in place using
sandbags or books.

12. Place the pod at the top, then flip it all

9
upside down with the “S” folded parachute. Keep
a small space at the front of the parachute’s lea-
ding edge to later fold and tuck away the lines.

8. Be certain for the upper and lower lines 10. WARNING! Release the tension on the
to freely run from the canopy to the risers. canopy and IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THE TIE
holding the folding loops together. Not conforming to
the described procedure would prevent the parachute
from opening! ( See check list ).. 13. Close the container’s rear flap and
two lateral flaps.
9

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14. «S» fold the lines into the accom- 16. «S» fold the coil the remainder of
modating space left for them, leaving about 1m the lines on the outside of the reserve parachute
length of lines outside for the outer coils. container.

1m

NOTE : Videos pertaining to our reserve para-

1m
chutes use and packing are available, and
can be viewed at www.supair.com

15. Close the fourth flap and insert about 17. Verify that you have in your
4 cm of folded lines through the elasticated loop possession all of the listed items in step 1,
to keep the container closed. as confirmation that none of them have
been left inside the folded parachute.

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Measurement table
START Size M reserve parachute line chart.
* Measurements made under a 5 kg. tension.
Lines num- Line mate-
Line Cut Sewn
ber rial

2 times 155 mm extra

lenght ( 35 mm buc-
Liros
Main lines 5110 4800 16 kle + 120 mm splicing
10150 - 0450
- stitching lenght = 90 seam 90 mm
mm) splice 120 mm loop 35 mm

2 times 250 mm extra

lenght ( 50 mm buc-
Liros
Apex 6070 5570 2 kle + 200 mm splicing
10150 - 0450
- stitching lenght = 150 seam 150 mm
mm) splice 200 mm loop 50 mm

START Size L reserve parachute line chart .

* Measurements made under a 5 kg. tension.
Lines num- Line mate-
Line Cut Sewn
ber rial

2 times 155 mm extra

Liros lenght ( 35 mm buc-
Main lines 5810 5500 18 10150 - kle + 120 mm splicing
0450 - stitching lenght = 90 seam 90 mm
mm) splice 120 mm loop 35 mm

2 times 250 mm extra

Liros lenght ( 50 mm buc-
Apex 6880 6380 2 10150 - kle + 200 mm splicing
0450 - stitching lenght = 150 seam 150 mm
mm) splice 200 mm loop 50 mm

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START Tandem reserve parachute line chart .

* Measurements made under a 5 kg. tension.
Lines num- Line mate-
Line Cut Sewn
ber rial

2 times 155 mm extra

lenght ( 35 mm buc-
Liros
Main lines 7330 7020 22 kle + 120 mm splicing
00099-1628
- stitching lenght = 90 seam 90 mm
mm) splice 120 mm loop 35 mm

2 times 250 mm extra

lenght ( 50 mm buc-
Liros
Apex 8650 8150 2 kle + 200 mm splicing
00099-1628
- stitching lenght = 150 seam 150 mm
mm) splice 200 mm loop 50 mm

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MAINTENANCE & WARRANTY

STORAGE : RECYCLING
When not in use, you must stow away your re- Our materials have been specifically selected
serve parachute in a dry, cool, clean and UV for their exceptional resilience on the field and
rays free environment. environmentally friendly abilities. None of the
components used in the manufacturing of our
MAINTENANCE reserve parachutes is environmentally harmful.
5 If wet, you will have to immediately dry your The majority of our materials used is recyclable.
parachute to avoid any bacteria / fungi buildup. We will ask you not to dispose of your old para-
Gasoline contact, or any other solvent / chemical chute with the regular trash but approach a spe-
agent, can considerably decrease and compro- cialized recycling facility instead. You can also
mise your reserve parachute’s structural integrity. bring it back to your SUP’AIR dealer who will send
If the case, the parachute will have to be control- it back to us .
led and checked by a professional specialized
outfit. The outer container ( pod or also called
diaper ), can be washed independently from WARRANTY
the parachute, with water and mild soap, rin- SUP’AIR takes great care in its product design
sed and dried. As for the parachute itself and its and manufacturing. SUP’AIR guaranties its pa-
lines, use water only. rachutes two years from the date of purchase
against any defect or design flaw that would
REPACKING FREQUENCY arise under normal use. Product mishandling,
In order to guaranty a quick opening speed and excessive exposure to aggressive factors (such
a sound structural integrity, your reserve para- as over heating, intense sunlight (UV), high humi-
chute must be repacked every six months. dity, aggressive chemical agents and such) that
would become harmful and damaging to the
merchandise, would void the warranty.
LONGEVITY
Your reserve parachute was designed to last maxi- DISCLAIMER
mum ten years if properly maintained as per ma- Paragliding is an activity requiring attention, spe-
nufacturer’s recommendations. Pass that period, cific knowledge and sound judgment. Beware!
we will recommend you to have your parachute Learn your skills under the supervision and gui-
inspected at a professional certified outfit. The pro- dance of certified approved structures. Contract a
cedure should be implemented regularly through personal insurance, become a licensed pilot. Be Caution !
out that ten year period. humble when evaluating your proficiency level in
respect to weather conditions before deciding on The SUP’AIR reserve parachutes are exclusively de-
whether or not to fly. SUP’AIR’s liability coverage is signed and made for the free flying sports ( Para-
for its product line only. SUP’AIR can not be rende- gliding, Powered-Paragliding, and Hang-Gliding ).
red responsible for your own actions. Fly at your Using this product in Skydiving, Base-Jumping and
own risk. such activities, is totally prohibited.

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 SUPAIR-VLD
Parc Altaïs
34 rue Adrastée
74650 Chavanod, Annecy
FRANCE

[email protected]
+33(0)4 50 45 75 29

45°54.024’N / 06°04.725’E