34
Maintaining Your Mirage
INTRODUCTION
Your Mirage will last longer! look better and function correctly if it is maintained properly" A
Mirage actually requires very little maintenance unless it is subjected to unusual conditions such as a
jump into salt water or a muddy landing"
INSPECTING YOUR MIRAGE
The best approach to maintaining your rig is to periodically spend a few minutes examining every
detail on it" This inspection should be done at least every month" If any wear or damage is found! have
it repaired immediately by a qualified rigger" Delaying repairs may result in a malfunction"
PARTICULAR ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THESE AREAS:
# Breakaway
System"
Refer to the $%Ring maintenance section (pg"$&) in this manual for detailed
information on inspecting the canopy releases"
' Reserve
System"
This includes the reserve ripcord! locking loop! pins! handle! housing! container and
associated stitching" You should not attempt any repairs or modifications to any of these items unless
you are a master rigger" You can! however! spot little problems before they become major"
$ Harness"
The harness should be inspected periodically for broken stitching or frayed webbing" Main
risers! in particular! are subject to wear" See the $%Ring maintenance section of this manual" Type #(
mini risers should be replaced every '))%*)) jumps depending on wing loading"
* Main
Container
" Inspect the plastic stiffeners in the container flaps and replace any that are bro%
ken" Immediately replace any grommets that are badly deformed or are pulling out of their setting"
Replace a worn out spandex pilot chute pouch! which could result in a premature deployment"
+ Main
Pilot
Chute"
Check the center line (the length of nylon tape inside the pilot chute that extends
from the handle to the base) of the main pilot chute" It must be firmly sewn at each end; there must
be no broken stitches or torn fabric" Inspect the seam that joins the pilot chute mesh to the pilot
chute fabric" If the mesh is torn or badly frayed! replace the pilot chute" If your Mirage is equipped
with a collapsing main pilot chute! refer to the instructions that came with it for maintenance pro%
cedures" Pay particular attention to stitching holding the curved main pin to the bridle"
& Closing
Loop"
The main and reserve containers are held shut with closing loops that are subject
to wear" If the main loop wears out and breaks! the main container may open prematurely and a seri%
ous malfunction may result" If the reserve loop breaks the reserve will open without further ado"
Replace worn loops with a duplicate if wear is noticed"
CAUTION:
Never
jump
a
Mirage
with
a
frayed
main
or
reserve
closing
loop"
MIRAGE SYSTEMS
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