G4 Owner’s Manual – 12 – Installing A Reserve Closing Loop

Mirage reserve containers are shipped with Cypres ® reserve closing loops installed.

If a different brand of AAD is installed, remove and replace the Cypres® closing loop with one recommended by that AAD manufacturer.

Note

The Cypres® loop and disc system, (with or without silicon treatment) is not to be used in combination with other AADs.  See Cypres® Safety and Rigging Notice 20110421, April 21, 2011.

Closing Loop Length

The correct closing loop length needed is always a balance between the proper compression of the reserve pilot chute and the ability to pull the ripcord.  The loop needs to be short enough to compress the pilot chute so that the spring can’t tilt or move inside the packed reserve, but yet long enough that the pull force required to move the ripcord pin remains under the 22 lb. maximum, as required by NAS 804.

The actual closing loop length required is affected by several factors, such as the size of the reserve canopy and the size of the Mirage reserve container, the experience of the rigger packing the Mirage, distribution of the canopy bulk within the reserve deployment bag, and even the climate where the reserve is being packed.  A longer closing loop may be required if packing a reserve in a desert location, if the last repack was done in a humid location.

Before installing a rigger seal, we recommend that a ripcord pull-force test be done to verify that the ripcord pin can be moved with less than 22 lbs. of force.

Follow instructions from AAD manufacturer to secure the disc on the closing loop, and to determine the proper size for the loop opening.

Closing loop lengths vary for a variety of reasons that can include humidity, size of the canopy, and rigger experience.  Average closing length is between 4.0″ to 5.0″

Use the suggested starting lengths from the list below and adjust as needed.  Measurements are from the end of the closing loop to the disc.

If packed correctly (not over stuffed or too long of a loop) the reserve pin cover tongue will be fully inserted and laying flat, not bent.

Helpful Hint

The proper closing loop length can be verified before the reserve container is closed.

• Install a closing loop and thread the long pull-up cord through it.  After placing the packed bag in the reserve container and V-folding the bridle, thread the long pull-up cord through the No. 1 flap grommet.
• Push down on the No. 1 flap and the packed bag with one hand, and pull up with maximum effort on the long pull-up cord with the other.  If the closing loop is the correct length, you should be able to pull 3/4” to 1” of the loop past the No. 1 flap.
• At this point if a length adjustment is needed, fold the No. 1 flap back and reach under the packed bag inside the reserve container to pull the closing loop disc and knot from under the retaining elastic and out the top of the reserve container.  This can be done without disturbing the risers or packed parachute.
• Make the length adjustment needed, then use the still attached pull-up cord to return the closing loop to the reserve container.  Make sure the disc is reseated on the grommet under the retaining elastic.  Recheck the closing loop length in the same manner.