G4 Owner’s Manual – 21c – Maintaining Your Mirage – 3 Ring Reliability Check

September 22, 20170

3-Ring Release Maintenance

The 3-ring release is a simple and reliable mechanism that allows a skydiver to quickly jettison a malfunctioning main parachute.  In use for years with excellent results, it is one of the foremost safety advances in skydiving equipment to date.  Like all skydiving gear, the 3-ring release should be carefully inspected and tested regularly.

Anytime 3-ring release mechanisms are subjected to abuse, such as abrasion from dragging across a runway, it is important that a complete inspection be performed prior to the next jump.

It is also important to keep the mechanism clean at all times.  Mud, dirt, and dust can clog housings, damage components, and adversely affect the reliability.  If your Mirage becomes immersed in mud or muddy water, clean the mechanisms with mild soap and warm water, and dry thoroughly before use.

To ensure reliability in an emergency situation, operate the 3-ring release mechanism at least once a month while on the ground and inspect the components thoroughly.  Inspect more frequently in humid, muddy, desert or freezing climates.

Monthly Reliability Checks:

  • If an RSL is installed, begin by disconnecting the quick disconnect snap shackle from the left main riser, then pull the release/cutaway handle to extract the release cables completely from their housings.
  • Tug on the main risers to unfold the two small release rings and disconnect them from the large release rings on the harness.
  • Flex the risers – When disconnected from the harness, vigorously twist and flex the webbing of the risers where the two smaller release rings are attached.  This will help remove the natural tendency of the webbing to “set”, or deform, from use.
  • Check the grommets that the Type IIA loop passes through for burrs or sharp edges.
  • Check the Type IIA fabric loops – Carefully examine the two loops for wear, abrasion and cleanliness.  Check the security of the stitching attaching the Type IIA loops to the main risers.  Flex the Type IIA loops to help remove the “set”.
  • Check the housings on the back of the risers for damage and security of the stitching.
  • Inspect for wear – Closely inspect all components for any signs of wear or damage.

Note – It is normal for release rings to develop small dings and dents due to the opening forces generated by the main parachute.  As long as no sharp burrs are present, small dings and dents can be ignored.

  • Check the stitching – Check the security of all stitching holding the small release rings to the main risers, and check the security of stitching holding the release rings to the harness.
  • Check the cables – Inspect the yellow release cables for kinks, burrs, nicks, or any irregularities, paying particular attention to the last few inches of the cables that pass through the Type IIA loops.  Inspect the ends of the cables.  The cables are finished at the factory with a smooth, rounded end.  Before re-installing, clean and lubricate the cables with a dry, clean cloth and spray silicone.  Refer to the “Installing a Replacement Cutaway Handle ” in this section for complete installation details.
  • Check the handle – Inspect the release/cutaway handle for wear, damage, open seams or broken stitches.  Inspect the stitching that secures the hook velcro to the handle.  Check to make sure that the plastic insert and stiffening tab are not broken.
  • Check the pocket – Check the release handle pocket on the harness for the condition of the pile velcro.  If it is excessively fuzzed and does not hold the release handle securely in place, have a master rigger change it.
  • Check the housings – Check cable housings for dents, kinks, and corrosion.  Check the highstrength end fittings for burrs or sharp edges.  Each should have a dimple securing it to the end of the housing.  Check the handle ends of the housings for corrosion or burrs.  Check the security of the clamps holding the ends of the housings in place.