|
|
|
|
Occasionally, you will notice a common characteristic of ram-air parachutes in turbulence called “end-cell closure”. This is when the forward outer-most cells roll under slightly. No cause for alarm, push firmly on both steering bars until it billows back out. If this happens on your take off roll, you must open the end cells prior to take off. If both end cells are closed and you take off and only one opens, you will have a sudden turn. Correct the problem before taking off. If you are running out of runway, stop, go back and start over.
Occasionally, you will be flying around at altitude and notice one or both en cells closed by the wind. Don’t panic, simply push both foot steering bars quickly and firmly until inflations occurs. You may not see the end cell closure. What you will notice is a loss of altitude and a turn, even though you were flying straight and level at the time. After flying through rough air, check the parachute for this occurrence. The only time end cell closure can be dangerous is if, for instance, you have the right cell closed and you start turning and spiraling to the right, the cells could (but probably won’t) continue to collapse further in toward the center. Level out and push both foot steering bars as before. Use the same procedure for the left side. End cell closure at low altitude can be hazardous.
Any time the parachute appears to be “flimsy” or slightly de-pressurized, simply push both foot steering bars until the parachute is normal again. If you are experiencing constant rough air and turbulence, continue holding pressure on the foot steering bars. This will prevent end cell closure and maintain a more rigid parachute. The obvious answer to the above problems is to avoid conditions that lead to flying in turbulence. |
|
Email Us at Joe@QuakerStatePoweredParachutes.com with any questions. Email webmaster@QuakerStatePoweredParachutes.com with any problems with the website. Copyright © 2007
Quaker State Powered Parachutes
|