SIGMA TANDEM SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL
Page 2:X
Section 3: Instructor Techniques • Chapter 4 - Canopy Control 11301 - 00.00.0000
Tandem canopy openings are generally quite comfortable and smooth. The opening sequence usually begins as a
slight streamer with the slider high. The fall rate of the Tandem pair decreases steadily for several seconds in this
configuration. Then the slider quickly descends and the canopy opens to about 90% of its normal size, with end cells
open and the slider down almost to the links.
Upon opening
Steering the canopy
Landings
UPON OPENING
A. Canopy check.
B. Release toggles.
C. Check emergency handles and harness.
D. Instruct student to sit back in the harness.
A. Perform Canopy Check:
Watch the opening. Check canopy condition while locating the toggles. Release brakes using the lower student
toggles. Perform a controlability check, turn the canopy in both directions, then flare the canopy.
B. Release toggles:
Using the student toggle position, hand the student the steering toggles while saying “grab the toggles the same
way I have them." After the student has placed their hands in the toggle loop, remove your hands and pump down
the slider and tell student to check the canopy. (Tandem Instructor is checking sky for other canopies at this time.)
C. Stow and check handles and harness.
1) Check the cutaway and reserve handles (grip them to reinforce their location and security).
2) Look at the back of the main riser and check to see that the cables are routed properly and that they continue into
the channel as shown in illustration #3/4-115.
3) Check the top student attachment snaps.
4) Check the student harness for comfort.
5) Loosen the student’s chest strap if it is too tight.
6) Tell the student you will make the harness more comfortable. Do not tell them that you accomplish this by
releasing the lower attachment quick ejectors, pulling to loosen the webbing, and re-attaching.
7) If ground winds are high, release the reserve static line shackle incase you have to cutaway the main canopy to
avoid a drag situation after landing.
D. Instruct student to sit back in the harness.
Have student perform the sit back in harness drill as described in student briefing in Section 5 of this manual. Student
should lift each leg and ease the leg strap and pad forward several 1-2 inches to alleviate the pressure on the inside of
the thigh.
STEERING THE CANOPY
A Tandem system is the ultimate suspended harness. With it you can give the student actual hands on experience
controlling a ram-air canopy. How much can be accomplished depends on the student’s aptitude and previous
training or experience. Not everything can be covered on the first jump. Learning points that would be covered on the
first jump are listed in “Student skills for first jump” Chapter 1, Section 5 of this manual.
Once the student has a firm grip on the toggles, provide commands as to the direction that you would like them to
steer. Encourage them to pull down part way initiating a slow, flat turn and to pull down all the way performing a full
bank turn.
To Next Page
Loading...