Pre-flight check
To maximise safety, the following should be checked before each flight in addition to the general pre-flight check:
- Reserve handle correctly in place on the harness/external container,
- No visible damage that could affect airworthiness,
- Reserve compartment correctly closed or external container closed and secured to the harness.
- As soon as practical after take-off, it is recommended that you put a hand on your release handle. This reminds you where it is, and mentally rehearses the first part of the throwing sequence.
Releasing and throwing the reserve
In an emergency, follow these steps:
- Grasp the reserve handle with your hand,
- Pull it firmly in the correct direction (sideways/upwards) to release the pins (or other release system) and pull the inner container completely out of its compartment or container.
- THROW THE RESERVE OUTWARDS AWAY FROM YOU AS FORCEFULLY AS POSSIBLE, AND DON’T FORGET TO LET GO!
Achieving the fastest possible deployment is the priority in most emergency situations!
Emergency situations near the ground can become critical very quickly. If high g-loads and rotation or airspeed build up, throwing the reserve becomes much more difficult. It is best to react before high g-loads and critical speeds build up. An immediate reserve-throw is the best decision if you are low over the ground.
Throw the reserve outwards. Do not throw towards the paraglider and its lines (even if that’s where you hope to see it take its parachute form), or into the centre of the rotational movement. By throwing it outwards, the centrifugal force will help the reserve to open, and at the same time reduce the risk of the reserve getting caught in the paraglider’s lines.
Throw as hard as you can! If the reserve stretches the suspension lines with force when thrown, the canopy will open faster. In an emergency, a high release force can speed up the opening process considerably.
Descending
After the reserve opens there is a short time window (typically 3-5 seconds) when the paraglider is unloaded. If the paraglider is allowed to fly again and regains airspeed, it becomes increasingly difficult to control it. The forces increase and the risk of a line twist, and the resulting loss of canopy control, increases.
The best way to do this is to wind in both brakes with symmetrical wraps until the wing is completely stalled. This helps to stabilise the system and minimises the risk of oscillations, scissoring, down-planing or lateral drifting.
While a reserve’s performance and behaviour are important, stopping the paraglider from flying, all the way down to the landing, is also very important. The previous paragraph describes the simplest way to prevent the paraglider from flying. If the paraglider is allowed to start flying again, any force from it would elicit a counter-reaction in the SQR, resulting in oscillations or scissoring. Once the paraglider has been successfully disabled by symmetrical brake wraps, the pilot should ensure it remains disabled all the way to the ground. If the brakes are released before touchdown, the interaction of the paraglider with the reserve can cause severe oscillations. Oscillations cause greater sink rates and increase the risk of injury on landing.
Landing
Landing technique
To minimise the risk of injury as you hit the ground, the pilot should adopt the Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) position where possible. The basics: legs and feet together – knees not locked; slightly bent, with modest bracing. Feet aligned 90 degrees to the ground track (whether backwards or forwards). Don’t look down or anticipate touchdown; look at the horizon – let the ground hit you, crumple and roll progressively – feet, knees, hips, back, shoulders.
Water landing
If you land in water you must be aware that the air in the harness protector will try to float and may turn you head down. Get out of the harness immediately. You can use it as a swimming float.
Actions after landing
After landing you may have to control/pull in your reserve by pulling the centre lines. Strong wind can keep the reserve inflated and drag you over the ground, causing injury.
Don’t forget to look for your inner container, and collect it. Without it you cannot pack the reserve again. If you do lose it, contact the reserve or harness manufacturer for a compatible replacement. An incompatible inner container compromises the airworthiness of your flying equipment.
Checks after deployment
After any deployment, a check and repack is mandatory. If there is any possibility that your reserve system has been damaged, a complete inspection and check must be carried out before the reserve is packed again. If there is any doubt you should contact a qualified person.