Fluggeräte ALFAcross 100

Other manuals for Fluggeräte ALFAcross 100

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Fluggeräte ALFAcross 100 and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

The ALFAcross series is a range of manually deployable rescue systems designed for paragliding pilots in emergency situations. These systems are constructed from high-quality materials and feature a quadratic canopy with a single middle line that pulls down the apex. The design prioritizes reliability and maximum material strength, aiming for the fastest possible inflation while maintaining moderate sink rates.

The rescue system's material is air-permeable, strong nylon. To enhance the canopy's durability, bands are sewn into the main seams, and the base and side edges are reinforced with additional bands. The apex is pulled, and the lines are grouped into a strap, which forms the connection between the rescue system and the harness. The manufacturing process adheres to NATO standards, ensuring that all rescue systems are professionally sewn and undergo thorough inspection and approval before delivery. A key design feature is the specially designed inner container, which prevents the lines from getting caught in the cap and accelerates the opening speed of the parachute.

In an emergency, pilots are instructed to pull hard on the deployment handle. This action opens the outer reserve container and releases the reserve parachute. The pilot should then forcefully throw the reserve package away from themselves. As the suspension lines tighten, the container will detach, and the reserve parachute will open. If the glider is rotating, throwing the reserve against the direction of rotation can speed up the inflation process. In the event of a collision and entanglement with another glider, pilots should ensure they do not throw the reserve into the entanglement, as this could delay opening. Pilots are advised to practice reaching the rescue handle to ensure prompt action in an emergency. If there is sufficient height, pilots should first attempt to resolve the problem and stabilize the glider; however, if height is insufficient, immediate deployment of the rescue is recommended, remembering to release the rescue handle.

The ALFAcross series is not steerable.

For installation, the rescue parachute should be folded by qualified and experienced folders, as correct folding is crucial for its effectiveness. If a pilot chooses to fold it themselves, they must carefully follow the instructions and seek professional help if in doubt. Before packing, the canopy should be spread out on the ground for approximately six hours, or ideally aired overnight by hanging it from the top lines. A release control must be performed before packing, with the release force set between 5 and 7 daN. Packing is often easier with two people and should be done on a clean surface using packing weights and a line to fix the packing loops. Mandatory tools include packing rubbers and the original inner container or the container belonging to the harness. Two fixing points are suggested to tension the lines.

The packing process involves several steps:

Packing preparations: Ensure the canopy is aired and the release force is checked.
Checking lines and fixing packing loops: Lay out the parachute, keeping it ruffled. Secure the main belt to a fixed point to keep it stretched. Check that the lines run freely from the main riser loop connection to the canopy edge, ensuring no tangles, knots, or twists. The lines should be divided into two sections, with the apex line in the middle. Sorting begins from the panel, with specific panel numbers for different ALFAcross models (10 for 80/100, 12 for 120/140, 14 for 220). The panels are held to the left, ensuring an equal number of "segments" on both sides. To aid packing, a short piece of old paraglider line is threaded through all apex fixing loops, which are sewn onto the canopy. The number of packing loops varies by model (8 for 80/100, 10 for 120, 20 for 140/220).
Sorting the panels: All panels are moved to the right side. Each panel is folded from the right side onto the left, similar to turning book pages, pulling the top of the opening outward. Panel 1 is the top panel on the left side, and panels with slots are laid out as a cone. A packing weight is placed on the last panel for fixation, allowing other panels to be shifted to that side. All panels stored above the packing weight are then folded to the right side. The bottom panel corresponds to specific numbers for different ALFAcross models (11 for 80/100, 13 for 120/140, 15 for 220). Both sides are checked to ensure an equal number of panels. The lines are re-checked, divided into left, right, and middle parts, ensuring they are straight and free of twists. Internal edges between panels must be neat and properly tensioned.
Folding the canopy into thirds: The left third is folded into the middle, and the right third is folded under the middle. This is repeated on top of the canopy, paying attention to the container size. The line from the fixing loops must be removed.
S-folding canopy into inner container: The riser is released from the fixing point, and the canopy is folded into "S" folds from the top right down to the base to fit into the inner container. This is the final check to ensure the line fixing the packing loops has been removed. An alternative refolding method involves folding the entire canopy into the container. Both sides of the inner container and the top pocket are closed with a rubber band, which is fixed with one loop of all suspension lines. Special rubber bands, available from the manufacturer, must be used and renewed with each repack. The suspension lines are sorted into three bundles, secured by rubbers, and stored in the container's pocket. The last 20 cm of suspension lines are used for the final closing of the inner container with a black rubber, ensuring the closing loop is not too large.

Once packing is complete, the packing tools should be checked, and the packing date recorded in the pack control booklet.

For installation on the harness, ALFAcross series rescue parachutes are compatible with all FLUGGERÄTE GMBH harnesses and most other manufacturers' harnesses, provided proper functionality is confirmed with an instructor/dealer. The harness manual instructions should be followed to place the rescue system inside the container.

Connecting the reserve parachute to the harness bridle requires a screw-lock karabiner with a breaking strength of at least 2,400 kg. Elastic bands should hold the bridles in position within the karabiner to prevent rotation and lateral strain. The karabiner's screw-lock must be tightly shut. Bridles can also be looped into each other if one has a large enough loop.

Installing the rescue handle involves connecting it to one of the three loops on the ALFAcross inner container (one in the middle, two on the sides), following the harness manual's instructions. If the harness handle is incompatible or missing, the harness dealer or paragliding school should be consulted. The handle must be firmly connected to the inner container loop.

For external container installation, if a harness lacks a built-in container, an optional front rescue container from FLUGGERÄTE GMBH can be used. Instructions must be carefully followed, and the bridle connected to both main carabiners. Compatibility with other manufacturers' front containers depends on their size.

For tandem reserve parachutes, a V-line for tandem use is required, connecting to the main or exclusive rescue attachment point at the top of each spreader bar. If the V-line has auxiliary suspenders, it must connect to risers B and C of the glider after passing through the main carabiners. This setup ensures a B-C-stall upon emergency parachute opening. Tandem harness manual instructions must be followed.

Important points for installation:

Only use the original release handle provided with the harness.
The container must have a suitable volume.
If using an inner container with an asymmetric attachment loop, it must be placed to keep the attachment loop close to the release handle and prevent twisting during deployment.
The connection between the release handle and safety pin must be shorter than the connection between the release handle and inner container.
The release handle should be installed without tension on the connecting line and without pulling out the safety pin from the closing loop.
After each packing, a test deployment from the flying position must be performed to ensure proper operation.
The rescue parachute should only be inserted into the harness after its back protection has been installed.

A compatibility check is required for every new combination of rescue system and harness/outer container, performed by the producer, an authorized person, or a flight instructor. The activation in flight position must be correct and conform to construction guidelines. This check must be documented, and the throwing movement practiced every time the rescue system is repacked.

Regular checks include:

Connection of the rescue system to the harness.
Connection of the harness and deployment handle.
Compatibility of the rescue system and harness. Before every takeoff, the rescue container must be correctly closed, and the release handle properly placed. If the V-line is removed after flights, its correct attachment must be checked.

Maintenance and repair:

Store the rescue system away from acids, grease, oils, or paint.
Avoid extreme temperatures or humidity (above 30°C or 55-65% humidity).
A humid or wet canopy requires repacking.
UV exposure deteriorates the fabric.
Clean with only clean, fresh water.
Wet cloth stored in warm conditions can mold and lose structural strength; such systems must be checked by the manufacturer.
Do not fold or store the rescue system unless completely dry.

Repairs must use original parts to preserve the seal of approval. Damaged parts that impede deployment should be sent to the manufacturer for repair, as only the manufacturer or authorized persons can perform repairs.

Use limitations, packing, and check intervals:

No adjustments should be made to ALFAcross rescue parachutes.
Packing interval: 6 to 12 months, with recurrent airing.
Check interval: 2 years, or immediately if opened after a flight accident.
Without regular certified inspections, the rescue system loses its pattern test result and guarantee.
Use limitation: 15 years, provided packing and checking regulations are observed. Certification is no longer valid thereafter, though the lifespan can be extended by three years with a manufacturer check.
Packing and checks must be documented, otherwise the guarantee is canceled.

Spare parts, such as rubber bands and the deployment bag, can be purchased from local dealers or Fluggeräte GmbH.

Responsible disposal: The materials require special waste disposal. At the end of its operating period, the rescue parachute should be sent to FLUGGERÄTE GMBH for proper disposal.

Regulations for behavior in natural environments: Pilots are urged to respect the environment, avoid littering, staying on marked trails, and minimizing noise.

Terms of Guarantee: Fluggeräte GmbH guarantees proper processing, operation within allowable limits, and fulfillment of eligibility criteria. The guarantee does not cover:

Self-made changes.
Purchases from unauthorized dealers/flight schools.
Failure to meet required inspection intervals or verification by a Fluggeräte GmbH authorized person.
Damage due to improper treatment (e.g., storage in humidity, heat, direct sunlight).
Damage caused by solvents, salt water, insects, sun, sand, humidity, or force majeure. In case of a concluded claim, the guarantee period continues but is not prolonged, remaining valid until the original expiry date.

Fluggeräte ALFAcross 100 Specifications

General

Adjustable leg loops	Yes
Back D-ring	Yes
Side D-rings	Yes
Material	Polyester
Standards	EN 361, EN 358
Type	Full-body harness

Related product manuals

Fluggeräte ALFAcross Series

24 pages

Fluggeräte ALFAcross 100 - User Manual

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Fluggeräte ALFAcross 100

Overview

Fluggeräte ALFAcross 100 Specifications

Related product manuals