G4 Owner’s Manual – 21a – Maintaining Your Mirage – Inspection

September 22, 20170

Your Mirage will function correctly, look better, and last longer if maintained properly.  Like any piece of sporting equipment that is subject to wear and tear, it will last longer with routine maintenance.

 

Inspect Your Mirage Regularly

It is a good idea to inspect it before each use.  It only takes a few minutes to inspect it for any obvious signs of damage, contamination or unusual wear.  Check the entire outside, front and rear.

Each time the main parachute is repacked, the canopy, suspension lines, deployment bag, pilot chute, bridle, risers and toggles should be inspected by the packer.

Once a month, examine the rig closely, making note of every detail.  Small problems can turn into costly repairs if not corrected early.  Delaying repairs could result in further damage, or even a malfunction.

Report any minor problems to your rigger before they become major.  Never attempt to repair any problems yourself, unless you are a certified rigger.

Your rigger is responsible for determining the airworthiness of the entire approved assembly when he/she repacks the reserve parachute.  The approved assembly part of your Mirage is everything except the main parachute and its components.  This is an important part of maintaining the safety and reliability of your Mirage, and is accomplished every 180 days in the U.S.

If you have any concerns about your main parachute, talk to your rigger.  He/she can answer your questions and probably perform any required maintenance.

 

Pay Attention To These Items When Inspecting Your Mirage

  • Breakaway System – Inspect the 3-Ring release mechanism, which includes the harness rings and main risers, the release handle with cables, and the release housings.  Check for proper assembly, damage or wear.  Pay particular attention to the Type IIA fabric loops on the main risers and the condition of the yellow release cables.  Refer to the 3-Ring Release Maintenance instructions at the end of this section for detailed inspection requirements.
  • Reserve System – You obviously can’t inspect what is inside your reserve container, unless you are a certified rigger.  However, there are several critical checks on the outside of your reserve that you should get in the habit of making.
    • Check the reserve ripcord handle and exposed cable for any sign of damage.
    • Check to make sure the ripcord pin is properly seated and not bent.
    • Make sure the ripcord pin and grommet are free of soil or debris.
    • Make sure the ripcord pin protector flap is secure.
    • If installed, check the RSL and quick-disconnect snap shackle, and check the stitching securing the RSL guide rings for broken stitching.  Make sure the ripcord cable passes through the first guide ring, the RSL ring, then the second guide ring.
    • Check the reserve closing loop for fraying or wear.
    • Check the packing data card to determine if the reserve repack is in date, and check to make sure the rigger’s seal is in place and not broken.

CAUTION! – Report a frayed closing loop immediately to your rigger!  Never jump your Mirage if the reserve closing loop is frayed.  A frayed closing loop could break which would immediately deploy your reserve parachute!

  • Harness – Check the harness for signs of contamination, abrasion, cut or frayed webbing, and broken stitches.  Check the metal hardware for abrasion or corrosion.
  • Main Container – Check for damage, wear, or broken stitches.
    • Check plastic stiffeners and replace any that are broken.
    • Check the velcro tab that retains the bridle for broken stitches.
    • Check grommets, and have any replaced that may be damaged or pulling out of their setting.
    • Check the condition of the spandex pilot chute pouch and replace if torn or worn out.  A loose pouch could lead to a premature deployment of the main parachute.
    • Check the main closing loop and replace if frayed.
  • Main Pilot Chute – Check for any signs of torn fabric or broken stitches.
    • Check the bartacks that secure the handle to the canopy for broken stitches.
    • Check the bartacks securing the centerline to the canopy and the bridle.
    • If collapsible, check the condition of the kill line.
    • Inspect the bridle for damage, frayed webbing, or broken stitches.
    • Check the curved pin for damage, or corrosion and security of attachment to the bridle.  Replace if bent.  Do not attempt to straighten a bent pin.
    • Repair or replace pilot chute if mesh is torn.  Some separation of the weave of the mesh is normal with use.
  • Automatic Activation Device (Optional) – Inspect according to the AAD manufacturer’s instructions.