How to choose your reserve parachute

Weight: the lighter the less the worse

In a configuration without acceleration, the extraction movements are facilitated but if you are centrifuged the force G complicates the situation by increasing the weight of the parachute and the arm.

Under 5G, your arms weigh approximately 25-30 kg and the weight of your parachute is also multiplied by 5 (a rescue that weighed 2kg will weigh 10kg), it is then impossible to make a lateral movement of extraction. The only possible movement is that of pulling up.

The form: there is something for everyone

The rounds :
	The first appeared on the market were round. It does the job, its folding is easy but its opening time is not as good as the more recent parachutes.

The squares :
	They are part of a new generation of rescue which opens on average 1 second earlier. Some square parachutes are however complicated to fold.

Les triangulaires :
	The first triangles of the market were Rogalo steerable, a little heavy and complicated to fold. Some triangular reserve parachutes are currently lighter while remaining semi-steerable.

The price: who does not buy expensive buys twice

The lifespan of a parachute is estimated at 10 years (even when it has not been used). Relative to the number of hours flown, the price is not negligible and naturally leads some pilots to seek opportunity.

The price is an important criterion but the most important is to fly with an aid in which you do not trust.

Tips on maintaining and folding the emergency parachute

Drop and Folding Experiences :

Our experiments in folding and drop tests have accumulated since 1995 and we know that all the parameters and gestures during the folding, the storage and the dropping are as important as the others.

The maintenance :

Unlike paragliding, the parachute is not in contact with the external elements (sand, sun, morning dew). Its lifespan is therefore supposed to be longer especially if it is not used.

After use it is preferable to inspect the seams and in case of doubt send it to a professional of the control.

The folding :

The folding frequency :

Based on the observations and measures we have taken since 1995, opening times vary considerably depending on the time elapsed since the last bending date.

A new parachute, stored for months in a store, can thus take much longer to open than the one (old or not) that has just been ventilated and folded.

Manufacturers do not deceive themselves and advocate a folding every year!

Factors aggravating the opening time :

- Moisture that tends to stick the fabric.
- The aging of elastics which break down and stick on the lines.

Like linens :

The deeper the parachute tissue is dry, the less chance it will be to stick once folded and compressed in its pocket.

Do not hesitate to leave it hanging one or more days in a dry and ventilated place and, in case of ditching, make sure that all the hems are dry.

Folding method :

Each type of parachute corresponds to a folding method. It even happens that the method changes according to the manufacturer. In case of doubt, do not hesitate to consult and follow scrupulously its recommendations of the manual supplied with your parachute or downloadable on the website of the mark.

Storage method :

Storing the parachute in the harness or in a parachute bag is perhaps the most important and the most rigorous phase (checking the passage of the elevators, the direction of mounting the pod and the needles).

If in doubt, do not hesitate to call our service and send us your set + parachute.

Replacing :

Unlike freefall parachutes, those mounted on your paragliders or paramotors are not equipped with retarders (a system that slows down the opening of the parachute). This solution, adopted by all the current manufacturers, reduces the opening times but prevents a progressive slowing down of the pilot sail assembly and generates greater shocks.

It is therefore advisable to replace its emergency parachute. After 2 or 3 openings in flight.

One last tip

Avoid buying used parachutes without technical control.