IMPRESS 3 Manual supplement Competition Speedbag

Transcription

1 IMPRESS 3 Manual supplement Competition Speedbag Edition: 04/2014 Contents Introduction... 2 Fitting the speedbag... 2 Closing the speedbag... 2 Cockpit and Instrument panel... 2 Installing this second reserve... 3 General... 3 Suitable reserves... 3 Steerable reserves... 4 Packing the second reserve in the IMPRESS 3 competition speedbag... 4 Connecting the reserve with the harness... 4 Connecting the reserve handle to the inner container... 4 Packing the inner container in the speedbag front container... 5 Carrying out a compatibility test... 6

2 Introduction A second reserve can be installed in the Competition Speedbag, in addition to the main reserve under the seat. The Competition Speedbag comes in the same sizes, S, M and L, as the original speedbag, and has the same zipping system so is easy to exchange with it. The container for the second reserve is on the speedbag, behind the cockpit. It can take light reserves with volumes between 2.5 ltr and 5.5 ltr (max. depends on the speedbag size) as the required secondary rescue system. This additional reserve means that the Competition Speedbag has a new closure system. The Competition Speedbag has a larger cockpit than the original, to suit the competition pilot s need for electronic equipment. Fitting the speedbag To fit the new speedbag first take the carabiners out of their red loops. Then open the two zips and take the speedlines off. Now you can take the old speedbag off and fit the new one by relocating the speed lines, aligning the Velcro and zipping up the two zips. Caution: Put the carabiners through all the red loops! If you leave the front one out you will destroy the speedbag zippers. Info: The footboard is part of the speedbag and provides significant support in the normal reclining position. The IMPRESS 3 only works with the speedbag. Closing the speedbag The IMPRESS 3 has the Closure Remember System. It s a safety measure, connected to the chest/leg straps, that reminds the pilot to check the chest strap when he closes the speedbag before takeoff. Even if he forgets to refasten the chest strap (but leaves the speedbag closed) after a walk up following a failed takeoff attempt, it prevents him falling out of the harness on the second attempt. To close the speedbag lie the left side over the right. The speedbag closing mechanism is based on a loop which you pull over a plastic ball. When you take up the flying position and stretch your legs the speedbag will automatically pull closed and the cockpit go into its correct place. Caution: Always fasten the chest strap first, then the Closure Remember System, and the speedbag after that. Check before every takeoff, especially after a failed takeoff, by a solid tug on the chest strap, that you have correctly closed both quick release chest strap clips. If the chest strap is not closed you could fall out of the harness with fatal results. Caution: Always make sure that the latches are clicked in correctly. Cockpit and Instrument panel The cockpit is fixed to the speedbag. You can attach the separate instrument panel directly to it. This panel has room for a vario and a GPS or two, and there are tape loops on the side for attaching safety

3 lines. The instrument panel, and instruments, can be secured by line to a loop on the cockpit itself. The second reserve goes behind the cockpit: Installing this second reserve General Every reserve/harness combination has its own peculiarities. It is essential that both pilot and packer are thoroughly familiar with the system and how it works especially with a new pairing (new reserve in existing harness, or vice versa): this is the only way to be sure that it will work reliably. Suitable reserves In general, the main reserve will stay in the IMPRESS 3 reserve compartment under the seat. The speedbag container is intended for a second (standby) reserve. This stowage is designed for a light reserve. The certified volume for the IMPRESS 3 competition speedbag reserve depends on the speedbag size: the upper volume limits for the S, M and L sizes are 4.5 ltrs, 5 ltrs and 5.5 ltrs respectively. The acceptable volume ranges are therefore: S = L M = L L = L A simple formula can be used for a very rough estimation of reserve volume, based on its weight (reserve weight in kgs x 2.7 = volume in litres). But packing quality and style can mean that a reserve of acceptable volume calculated by this formula may still not release properly, without problem. The only way to prove that a particular combination of reserve and harness will work properly is to carry out a compatibility test. Caution: A newly-folded reserve can take up to 30% more volume. ADVANCE strongly recommend that a compatibility test is carried out with every freshly-packed reserve.

4 Steerable reserves ADVANCE recommend that a steerable reserve goes in the main reserve compartment under the seat. Yet again a compatibility test will prove that the specific reserve will work with the IMPRESS 3. Caution: Steerable reserves tend to have greater volumes. Info: Quick-Out carabiners are not recommended for the IMPRESS 3 second reserve configuration because the speedbag reserve connections have to be hung in the carabiners afresh before every flight. Packing the second reserve in the IMPRESS 3 competition speedbag The IMPRESS 3 speedbag reserve pocket has room for reserves of volumes between ca litres, depending on the speedbag size. There follow instructions for connecting the reserve to the harness, and putting the reserve in the speedbag front container. To be sure this is done correctly we strongly recommend that you take your equipment to an expert or your ADVANCE dealer. Connecting the reserve with the harness Connect the supplied Y-connection to your reserve bridle using a quicklink (Maillon Rapide) of 2400 dan working load. Stabilise (with rubber O-rings) both webbing loops on the Maillon to prevent the webbing slipping round and side-loading it when the parachute opens in an emergency. A direct loop-to-loop connection of the two webbing connections should only done by the harness manufacturer or someone trained and authorised by them. If this is not done properly there s a risk that the connection site will slip under a parachute opening load, causing heating, melting and failure of the connection with disastrous results. Connecting the reserve handle to the inner container Connect the supplied reserve handle to the centre loop of the reserve inner container. Caution: Never fix the inner container to the reserve itself.

5 Packing the inner container in the speedbag front container The speedbag reserve compartment is similar to a front container, and will be referred to as such for convenience and clarity. First lay the reserve/harness connection in the front container, so that the two arms of the Y-connection lead out of the top left and right corners of the compartment the arm with the nylon clip must be on the side near the ball and loop speedbag closure. The thin bungee line in the container allows for greater freedom of movement for getting into the speedbag. This bungee line and ring should be fitted to the Y-connection as shown: Then put the inner container on top. Note that the reserve handle connection should face the front container closure flaps, so that when the handle is in its final position the distance between it and its inner container attachment is minimal. Close the front container with the closure loops and fix the reserve handle on the front with the velcro. The two yellow cables run through the loops and then into their buttonholes. The handle lies close to the front container, and is easy to see and reach. Always make sure that the yellow cables run cleanly, to guarantee a good reserve release. Before every takeoff the left and right ends of the Y-connection must be hung in the carabiners.

6 Carrying out a compatibility test Correct mounting of the reserve must always be checked with a test release. To do this sit in the harness hung in a harness hanger by its carabiners. The test does not count unless you are sitting in the suspended harness. Releasing the reserve must be possible from the flying position without problem, and in accordance with the requirements of this handbook. If you are not sure how to do this do not hesitate to contact a qualified person, or your ADVANCE dealer. This additional standby speedbag reserve can be released and thrown by right or left hand. The following factors can hinder or prevent a reserve opening, especially if they apply together: Reserve too big, i.e. too much volume for its stowage. Reserve not packed to the shape of the inner container. Reserve was OK in this harness, but has since been repacked and is too big. Info: Doing a successful compatibility test yourself gives you a lot of confidence in your rescue system. Caution: Before every flight check that the reserve handle appears to be in the right position and that the yellow cables run correctly. Tip: We recommend that during every flight that you take a light hold of the reserve handle with each hand (not necessarily at the same time) to remind yourself of its position. We also advise you to mentally rehearse the throw to the side.