COMPANION SQR User Manual

1

V 2.3 EN

USER MANUAL

2

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the SQR reserve system. We are confident that you will be pleased with it in every
respect. You can find a downloadable copy of the current version of this manual under

www.companion.aero/manual.

In this manual you will find the essential details you need to know about re-packing, storing, maintaining
and - if needed - deploying your reserve. Please read the manual carefully before first use, to familiarize
yourself with the features of your reserve system.

You can improve the reliability for your reserve system if you

• pack or re-pack it according to the instructions given in this manual,

• use the correct procedure when deploying the reserve, and

• care for and maintain your reserve and your flying equipment according to the instructions given in

this manual.

We wish you safe flights and happy landings!

The Companion Team

www.companion.aero

3

myCompanion ACCOUNT

Register your product in order to benefit from the unique services of your myCompanion account:

• Thanks to the packing reminder by email, you will never miss your yearly packing due date.

• You will get a warranty extension of one year beyond the required warranty period of your country!

• You can not only download all the information about your product, get important product related

info/updates and make support inquiries, but you can also manage your repack, including a
download of your packing log as a PDF.

• Your packing log will be automatically updated and sent to you by email after a new entry is made.
You or your packer can simply record the packings, successful compatibility tests, inspections or
repairs in the cloud by scanning the QR-Code on the certification label, or on the back of this booklet.

To register and create your myCompanion account, you simply scan the QR-Code on the certification
label or on the back of this booklet. Alternatively, you can also register on our website

www.companion.aero/register

4

DISCLAIMER

Free flying sports calls for appropriate training and a sound knowledge of the subject, as well as, of
course, the necessary insurance cover and licence. A pilot must be able to correctly assess the weather
conditions before taking off. Before every flight all items of equipment should be checked for damage and
airworthiness.

Every pilot bears sole responsibility for their participation in the sport. Neither the manufacturer nor the
seller of the reserve system can guarantee or be held responsible for the pilot’s safety.

INTENDED USE AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

This reserve system is a specially designed, manually released, reserve parachute for Paragliding,
Powered Paragliding and Hang Gliding activities. The use of this reserve is not permitted in connection
with any other flying activity such as parachuting, skydiving and base-jumping!

TThhee SSQQRR rreesseerrvvee ssyysstteemm iiss cceerrttiiffiieedd aaccccoorrddiinngg ttoo EENN 1122449911::22000011 aanndd LLTTFF NNFFLL IIII 9911//0099 ssttaannddaarrddss!!

DDoo nnoott uussee tthhee SSQQRR rreesseerrvvee aabboovvee ssppeeeeddss ooff 111155 kkmm//hh ((3322mm//ss))!!

REPACKING AND INSPECTION DIRECTIONS

Every

1122 mmoonntthhs

s

the reserve must be opened and aired, then repacked. This packing should be recorded

in the reserve logbook. A complete inspection of the SQR reserve system must be carried out every

2244 mmoonntthhss,

,

and be recorded in the logbook.

5

The required repacking interval may be reduced by extreme environmental influences like humidity,
sand, water, salt and other factors. If you are unsure about the effects of these, please ask a qualified
professional. The way to track the maintenance/rigging history of the reserve is its online logbook, which
will be automatically created for you when register the product (www.companion.aero/register).

In case of a

wwaatteerr llaannddiinng

g

, the wet reserve system should never be packed until it has air-dried
completely. If the reserve parachute is dried unevenly (lines or canopy), asymmetric shrinkage may occur!
The best procedure is to hang-dry the canopy upside-down, in a symmetric position (any distortions
should be avoided). Do not use any heat source or machine to assist drying!

If the reserve gets wet with sea salt water, the parachute should be rinsed out several times immediately
in fresh water and then dried! If a reserve is allowed to dry after salt-water immersion, the salt crystals will
damage the fabric and the lines, and this will compromise its airworthiness!

IIFF TTHHEE SSAALLTT--WWAATTEERR CCAANNNNOOTT BBEE RRIINNSSEEDD OOUUTT WWIITTHHIINN 3366 HHOOUURRSS,, TTHHEE RREESSEERRVVEE PPAARRAACCHHUUTTEE

MMUUSSTT BBEE WWIITTHHDDRRAAWWNN FFRROOMM SSEERRVVIICCEE PPEERRMMAANNEENNTTLLYY!!

If the canopy shows signs of mildew or mould its strength might be affected, so it must be sent to the
distributor or manufacturer for inspection.

The intended life period of the reserve is 10 years. Even if you have never thrown it, we advise that you
replace the reserve after this period.

In addition, if you reach any of the conditions listed below, you should send in the reserve system for a

ffaaccttoorryy iinnssppeeccttiioon

n

:

6

• 20 deployments or

• 40 re-packs or

• high speed deployment close to or above the intended maximum operating speed (115 km/h – 32

m/s – 71mph)

A factory inspection should be carried out only by a certified factory. Your local distributor will support
you in such a query. To ensure that the correct materials and techniques are used, any repairs should
only be carried out by the manufacturer.

STORAGE

The reserve should always be kept in a cool and dry place. Oil, grease, paint, solvents, acids and other
harmful substances should not be stored near the reserve parachute. For a long product lifespan avoid
unnecessary exposure to UV rays, heat and humidity. For maximum reliability throughout its entire
lifespan, always handle and maintain the SQR reserve with care. This advice applies whether the system is
mounted in your harness, or if you store it separately.

If you plan not to use your system for an extended period of time, you are advised to unpack the reserve
and store it loosely rolled up in a permeable bag.

After a long storage period (packed or unpacked) the canopy should be aired for 24 hours before re­packing. The same applies if you have stored the reserve in an unsuitable environment.

7

DESIGNER NOTES

SQR - Square Round: The best of two worlds

The Hybrid SQR founds a new generation of reserve parachutes, which merges the advantages of the
classic round canopy and the cruciform version, to create an innovative and forward-looking technology.

The SQR has been newly developed from the start, and is precisely directed to meet the needs of pilots
and packers. Countless computer simulations and practical tests have been an essential part of an
extensive development process.

Advantages of the SQR at a glance:

• Improved opening behaviour, low descent values and high resistance to swinging as the result of
comprehensive practical tests and an aerodynamically refined canopy with optimized Air-Jets.

• Light weight due to careful choice of ideal materials and structure stiffness.

• Straightforward, reliable packing - similar to a round canopy – with comparatively few lines for easy

sorting, using practical packing aids and coloured packing guides.

• Not trimmed to track in flight.

• Tested for water landings! A mix of traditional and new materials with new low-shrink webbings

means that repeated full function is guaranteed after wet landings.

• Certified to both flight standards EN 12491:2001 and LTF NFL II 91/09 simultaneously, with the same
technical specs. for both standards!

8

STRUCTURAL DESIGN

Picture 1 - General arrangement – Bottom view.

AAiirr--JJeett

BBaassee lliinnee

BBrriiddllee lliinnee

CANOPY

ATTACHEMENT
LINES

CCeenntteerr lliinnee

BRIDLE

PPaacckkiinngg llooooppss

oonn ttooppssaaiill

9

1. Bridle:

At one end this connects the reserve to the harness, at the other to the canopy attachment lines.

2. Attachment lines can be regarded as two main groups:

Base lines (all the same length for easy packing) connect the bridle to the edge of the canopy.

Centre lines connect the bridle to the apex (middle) of the canopy.

The two groups are made with different materials and diameters, so they can be easily separated.
The lines are sewn with different thread colours on the

lleefft

t

,

cceennttrre

e

and

rriigghht

t

side, so they are easy to

separate for packing.

3. Canopy:

Main canopy: made from several panels, with one red corner panel to make packing and sorting

easier.

Reinforcement webbings: at the edge of the canopy, and in some well-chosen places at the top.

Air-Jets: ideally placed at the four corners, giving the system active aerodynamic stability.

Packing loops: numbered and coloured blue on the top of the canopy (see picture 1).

Differently coloured attachment loops:

rreed

d

,

ggrreeeen

n

and

wwhhiitte

e

– these distribute the shock loading

at the canopy edge, and function as aids for sorting and packing, using the colours.

10

INSTALLING THE RESERVE

We recommend that you only allow a qualified person to install your reserve in a harness. To make sure
the installation will work a

ccoommppaattiibbiilliittyy tteesst

t

is essential!

Every reserve/harness/container combination has its own peculiarities. It is essential that pilots and
packers/riggers familiarise themselves with the system and how it works – especially if any part of it is
new (new reserve in existing harness or vice versa) – so that reliable operation can be assured.

There are several ways to combine the reserve with a harness or external (front) container. Please ask a
qualified person if you are unsure about the best solution for your harness/container system. The harness
manufacturer provides reserve installation instructions in the harness/container manual.

Doing a compatibility test

When any part of a harness/reserve combination is new or different, correct installation and functioning
of your reserve in its harness/container

MMUUSST

T

be verified with a test release, known as a

ccoommppaattiibbiilliittyy tteesst

t

.

The configuration must be tested in the

iinn--fflliigghhtt ccoonnffiigguurraattiioon

n

– with the pilot sitting in the normal flying
position – and the harness suspended at its main carabiners. Any other test configuration is not
adequate.

11

For a successfully conducted compatibility test, you must be able to release and throw the reserve! For a
safe reserve release, the release force at the harness reserve handle should be between 4-8daN. If you are
unsure about your test results, please consult a qualified person.

Here are some factors which could prevent a safe reserve deployment, and so cause a failed compatibility
test:

• The volume of the reserve doesn’t match the allowed volume specifications for the
harness/container compartment, i.e. the reserve is too big or too small to fit safely into the system.
On the certification label attached to the reserve bridle you will find the packed volume for each SQR
reserve model. In your harness or container manual you will find information about its permitted
volume ranges.

• The reserve has been installed in a wrong layout/direction in the reserve compartment space. Please
refer to the harness/container manual!

• The reserve is not released/thrown using the correct technique.

• The reserve passed the compatibility test when first fitted into the new reserve/harness system, but

now it’s too big after a repack.

CCAAUUTTIIOONN:: tthhee ppaacckkeedd vvoolluummee ooff tthhee rreesseerrvvee ccaann vvaarryy ddeeppeennddiinngg oonn ppaacckkiinngg qquuaalliittyy aanndd

ppoossssiibbllee ccoommpprreessssiioonn tthhrroouugghh tthhee hhaarrnneessss.. AA rreesseerrvvee iinnssttaalllleedd iinn aa hhaarrnneessss ffoorr aa lloonngg ttiimmee
ccaann bbeeccoommee mmoorree ccoommpprreesssseedd,, ssoo tthhee vvoolluummee wwiillll bbee lleessss tthhaatt ooff aa ffrreesshhllyy rreeppaacckkeedd oonnee!! SSoo
iitt iiss eesssseennttiiaall tthhaatt tthhee ccoommppaattiibbiilliittyy tteesstt iiss aallwwaayyss ccaarrrriieedd oouutt wwiitthh aa ffrreesshhllyy ppaacckkeedd rreesseerrvvee,,
ddeelliivveerreedd ffrroomm tthhee ffaaccttoorryy oorr rreeppaacckkeedd bbyy aa qquuaalliiffiieedd ppeerrssoonn..

12

• The pilot’s arm length can be a factor for successful reserve throwing. Small people with short arms
might sometimes not be able to release a reserve. Therefore, it is essential that the pilot flying the
harness makes the compatibility test. Testing different harness types – with different body positions
during flight – can help to find a solution, so that a successful compatibility test can be carried out.

• Throwing is attempted under high g-loading (> 3G, e.g. in a spiral).

SSUUCCCCEESSSSFFUULL CCOOMMPPAATTIIBBIILLIITTYY TTEESSTTSS CCAARRRRIIEEDD OOUUTT BBYY PPIILLOOTTSS,, PPRROOMMOOTTEESS CCOONNFFIIDDEENNCCEE IINN

TTHHEEIIRR EEMMEERRGGEENNCCYY SSYYSSTTEEMMSS!!

When the SQR reserve is installed in the harness, a suitable connector link should be used (minimal
breaking strength of 2500daN advised) for connecting the reserve bridle to the harness attachment
lines/webbing. These connections should be secured with a rubber ring, a neoprene socket or fixing tape,
against fraying. We advise to use the quick-link connectors Maillon Rapide from Peguet, please ask your
school or distributor where how to get them. Check if the connection link is tightened according to the
specification of the link manufacturer.

Direct connection between the bridle and the harness attachment webbing is not recommended, as a
wrongly installed knot could significantly weaken the system depending on the configuration!

13

Installation of the reserve in its own SQR container

The reserve is delivered from the factory in its SQR container. If your harness does not have its own inner
container for the reserve compartment, this could be the way to fit the reserve into the harness. There are
two different attachment points for attaching the SQR inner container to the harness reserve handle. The
choice depends on the shape and position of the reserve compartment in your harness. Please refer to
the harness manual. On the certification label attached to the reserve bridle you will find the datum
packing volume for each reserve model.

Picture 2 - Reserve handle attachment loops and bridle.

Handle attachment loops

Harness attachment
point

Certification label

14

The connection between the harness reserve handle and the inner container should never be under
tension when the reserve is in its installed position! Enough travel must be allowed for the reserve handle
to first freely release its closure loops before applying a pull on the container.

AA CCOOMMPPAATTIIBBIILLIITTYY TTEESSTT IISS EESSSSEENNTTIIAALL,, TTOO MMAAKKEE SSUURREE TTHHEE SSYYSSTTEEMM WWIILLLL WWOORRKK!!

Installation in a built-in harness compartment

If the manufacturer of your harness provides an inner container for the reserve compartment this could
be the best way to install the reserve in the harness. This manual (Closing the container section ) and your
harness manufacturer provide reserve installation instructions for correct fitting.

In this case the packed reserve is removed from its own inner container and fitted into the new harness
inner container. If this is not done carefully the reserve system may not function correctly, or conform to
its airworthiness requirements! Please ask a qualified person if you are unsure about the proper
installation process.

AA CCOOMMPPAATTIIBBIILLIITTYY TTEESSTT IISS EESSSSEENNTTIIAALL,, TTOO MMAAKKEE SSUURREE TTHHEE SSYYSSTTEEMM WWIILLLL WWOORRKK!!

15

Installation in an external (front) container

If your harness doesn’t have a reserve compartment, or you want to use an alternative method, you could
use an external (front) container to carry the reserve. In this case the outer-container has to be checked
for airworthiness and compatibility: it has to be certified, and be the right size for the SQR reserve. On the
certification label attached to the reserve bridle, you will find the suggested packed volume for each
reserve model.

Please ask for information from the container’s manufacturer or from a qualified professional.

AA CCOOMMPPAATTIIBBIILLIITTYY TTEESSTT IISS EESSSSEENNTTIIAALL,, TTOO MMAAKKEE SSUURREE TTHHEE SSYYSSTTEEMM WWIILLLL WWOORRKK!!

USING THE RESERVE

Pre-Flight check

Before every flight the following should be inspected for maximum safety:

• Check that the reserve handle is correctly attached,

• Check for any visible damage that can jeopardize the airworthiness of your equipment,

• Check that the container or reserve compartment cover/closure is closed/secured correctly,

• It is recommended, early in each flight, that you briefly put a hand on the reserve handle – to remind

yourself of its location, and mentally rehearse the release/throwing action.

16

Deployment

In the event of emergency, please follow these steps to successfully deploy the SQR reserve:

• Grab the reserve handle with one hand vigorously.

• Pull the handle out firmly in an upwards/sideways direction to release the handle closure (or any

other type of handle securing system), and pull the inner container and reserve out of the harness
compartment or external (front) container.

• Throw the reserve

aawwaayy ffrroomm yyoouurrsseellff aanndd tthhee ppaarraagglliiddeer

r

as quickly and as forcefully as possible –

remembering to let it go! The reserve will then open!

•

IItt iiss ssttrroonnggllyy rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt aa ppiilloott aaccttiivveellyy pprreevveennttss tthhee ppaarraagglliiddeerr ffrroomm iinntteerrffeerriinngg wwiitthh tthhee
rreesseerrvvee iinn fflliigghht

t

. The best way to do this is to stall the glider by pulling both brake handles down,
taking wraps as necessary. This will help to stabilize the combined system, and minimise
disturbances of reserve behaviour such as swinging, scissoring, downplaning, or drifting sideways.

• To avoid risk of injury, make sure that you do a parachute landing fall on landing, if possible.

• If landing in water you should be aware that the air volume inside the harness back protection

system can cause the harness to float and turn your head down in the water.

• After landing, make sure you control the reserve by pulling the apex of the canopy in with the central
lines if required. Strong wind can keep the reserve canopy inflated after landing and drag you across
the ground, perhaps causing injuries. Don’t forget to find and collect the reserve inner container - you
cannot repack the reserve without one. If you loose the container, please contact the reserve or
harness manufacturer to get a container that fits your system. Using a wrong container will affect the
airworthiness of your flying gear!

17

• After each deployment an inspection and correct re-packing of the reserve is mandatory! If the
possibility of damage to the reserve system cannot be excluded, a detailed inspection should be
carried out before repacking. If in doubt, please ask a qualified person.

RE-PACKING, RIGGING

Sorting the lines, preparing the canopy

Picture 3 – Loose canopy prepared for airing.

18

Extend the lines and shake out the canopy loosely. Remember that airing the canopy for 24 hours before
packing is always desirable (see picture 3).

Now is the time to check for obvious twists, line-overs etc., and it should be obvious if the bridle has
flipped through the lines. Now is the time to sort this out.

Arrange to have the red corner split panel on top. The line of symmetry for folding runs through the centre
of this panel and its white opposite number.

Find the packing loops at the top outside of the canopy, numbered and marked in blue.

Check that you have all the accessories and parts needed to pack the canopy: means of securing the
bridle end, packing line, container, line holder, packing sticks/clamps, new rubber bands (two different
sizes needed), etc.

19

Picture 4 - Packing line and loops. Red panel on top.

Use a packing line and lace up the packing loops in their number order. No.1 can be found just above the
red corner panel. Do not tension this line yet.

Make sure you have laced all the loops from 1 to 8 (SQR 100, SQR 120) or 1 to 12 (SQR 160, SQR 220) in the
correct sequence.

20

Picture 5 - Left and right base lines at the bridle. Four middle lines in the centre.

Secure the end of the bridle. Pick up the base lines for the left and right hand sides.

RReedd ffoorr lleefftt,, ggrreeeenn ffoorr

rriigghht

t

. Keeping the lines under tension and parallel, walk along them to the canopy, keeping left and right

sides separated. This will separate the canopy as shown in picture 6 on the next page.

While you run the lines through your fingers, you can inspect them (the lines) for damage, dirt, etc.

The base of the canopy should look like this:

21

Picture 6 - Left, centre and right lines at the canopy base. Red half panel on top, white half panel underneath.

When reaching the canopy make sure that the lines at the canopy loops are all

rreed

d

oonn tthhee lleefft

t

,

ggrreeeenn oonn

tthhee rriigghht

t

. At the same time, the central lines

MMUUSST

T

pass up the middle between the base lines and the

edge of the canopy (top panel red – bottom panel white). If it doesn’t look like the picture . . .

22

WWAARRNNIINNGG:: AANNYY OOTTHHEERR CCOONNFFIIGGUURRAATTIIOONN IISS SSTTRRIICCTTLLYY FFOORRBBIIDDDDEENN,, AANNDD WWIILLLL RREESSUULLTT IINN AA

PPOOSSSSIIBBLLEE LLIINNEE--OOVVEERR OORR LLIINNEE--TTWWIISSTT!! TTHHIISS IISS AA HHAAZZAARRDDOOUUSS CCAANNOOPPYY MMAALLFFUUNNCCTTIIOONN AANNDD

WWIILLLL PPRREEVVEENNTT TTHHEE CCAANNOOPPYY FFRROOMM OOPPEENNIINNGG.. TTHHIISS MMUUSSTT BBEE AAVVOOIIDDEEDD!!

Picture 7 - Ready to start.

Adjust and lay out the canopy so that the red panel is on top. If the layout for packing is correct, and the
lines remain parallel from the bridle, the

rreedd ssuussppeennssiioonn lloooopp

will be on the top of the red lines, and the

green loop from the opposite side of the canopy on the bottom of the green lines.

23

This arrangement is how the base lines should go into the left and right slots of a line holder (the four
centre lines go in the middle slot).

For easy work, tension the packing line with a suitable tensioner (around 1-2kg load).

TTHHEE BBRRIIDDLLEE SSHHOOUULLDD AALLWWAAYYSS SSTTAAYY UUNNDDEERR TTEENNSSIIOONN SSOO TTHHAATT IITT DDOOEESS NNOOTT GGEETT LLOOOOPPEEDD

TTHHRROOUUGGHH TTHHEE SSUUSSPPEENNSSIIOONN LLIINNEESS BBYY MMIISSTTAAKKEE,, TTHHUUSS SSEETTTTIINNGG UUPP AA LLIINNEE--OOVVEERR SSIITTUUAATTIIOONN!!

Use a flat and clean surface for packing the reserve - no contamination or foreign objects packed inside. If
you are packing outdoors, use a canvas sheet as a suitable packing floor.

The use of a line holder, packing clamps/sticks and packing weights can help you make packing safer,
faster and easier.

Folding the canopy

Fold all the panels from the right side on top of the left side. This procedure in this manual assumes
starting with right over left. The direction can be reversed as you wish.

24

Now, starting with the white split (half) panel (on top), begin by neatly returning the panels one on top of
the other, one at a time. The green suspension loop will confirm the starting point (underneath the
finished pile).

Picture 8 - Right side over left and folding begins.

Picture 9 - Colour layering.

You should be beginning with the one short white panel as seen above, followed by longer orange ones,
then 2 short whites, longer oranges and one short red to finish the first side (see picture 9).

SSQQRR 110000 SSQQRR 116600

SSQQRR 112200 SSQQRR 222200

25

Picture 10 - Pulling out bottom and top corner.

Picture 11 - Keeping a straight bottom.

When laying out the panels, make sure the lines remain in the middle (line holder / packing line) and that
the panels are pulled out flat. Make sure that the folds in the canopy base lie neatly on top of each other. It
is advisable to first pull out the outer bottom corner ( picture 10/I.) of each panel, hold it in place and then
pull out the top corner and smooth the panel (picture 10/2.).

If you keep a check on the bottom edge the canopy with your hand, you can avoid mixing up the panel
order.

26

Picture 12 - Clamps to hold the prepared side.

Repeat the same procedure with the other side.

You can use packing clamps or weights to fix the edge of the prepared half together, this will keep things
tidy during the following steps.

27

Picture 13 - A prolapsed apex.

Picture 14 - Remedied apex and centring the centre lines.

The unloaded apex of the canopy makes a square pocket between the four lines. Sometimes it falls away
(prolapses) from the centre during folding (picture 13). This pocket should be pushed back up inside
between its lines – towards the packing loops, the top of the gathered canopy (picture 14).

The attachment points of the centre lines should lie along the middle of the canopy. If a centre line
becomes pulled to the side between the panels, readjust it to the centre (picture 14).

28

Picture 15 - Measurement of inner container widths.

Make sure the bottoms of the panels are all in line. Measure up 7 container widths (around 22cm – same
for all SQR sizes) along the edge of the canopy (3 1/2 containers from the centre to each side).

29

The next step is to S-fold one side of the canopy 31/2 times underneath, to the width of the container.

This procedure in this manual assumes right as lower half. The direction can be reversed as you wish.

Picture 16 - Lower half (right) folded over.

30

This is not so easy to do if you lack the practice, so it is advised that you fold the lower-part of the S-folds
on top (picture 17), and then carefully flip and slide it back underneath (picture 18). A helper helps.

Picture 17 - S-folding lower half on top.

Picture 18 - Rotating s-fold under.

You can see the procedure on the pictures above – with a figure below of how the underneath S-fold
should look when finished. The red dot is the axis of symmetry from the reserve.

31

Picture 19 - Ready to S-fold left side on top.

Picture 20 - S-folds complete.

S-fold the other side 31/2 times, on the top. This is much easier to do, since you don’t need to flip the
folded canopy part underneath.

Now all the S-folds should be complete, like shown on the figure below.

32

Picture 21 - Measuring container depths– from canopy base.

Picture 22 - S-fold canopy and remove packing line!

The canopy is now ready to be packed into the container. Measure off container lengths starting from the
canopy bottom edge, continuing towards the top (picture 21 on the left).

At each point, there will be an S-Fold (positions of the clamps – picture 21). You can use weights, packing
clamps or packing sticks to simplify this process. Do not leave any of these inside!

WWAARRNNIINNGG:: DDOONN’’TT FFOORRGGEETT TTOO RREEMMOOVVEE TTHHEE PPAACCKKIINNGG LLIINNEE!!

OOTTHHEERRWWIISSEE TTHHEE RREESSEERRVVEE WWIILLLL NNOOTT OOPPEENN!!

33

Picture 23 - Canopy into inner container.

Put the S-folded canopy into the container. You should adjust the container flaps to form a neat and tight
package, by keeping the folded canopy edge in shape.

You can use a temporary method (pin) to stop the container flaps opening.

34

Stowing the lines

Picture 24 - Lines, pins and S-turns.

MMAAKKEE SSUURREE TTHHAATT TTHHEE BBRRIIDDLLEE DDOOEESS NNOOTT GGEETT MMIIXXEEDD UUPP WWIITTHH OORR GGOOTTHHRROOUUGGHH TTHHEE
AATTTTAACCHHMMEENNTT LLIINNEESS DDUURRIINNGG TTHHEE NNEEXXTT SSTTEEPPSS!!

Release the bridle. For stowing, the best practice is to use a line stowing base with pins. The distance
between the pins should equal the width of the inner container. The best measurement for the SQR
system is to use

aapppprrooxx.. 2200ccm

m

pin distance

The lines are wrapped around the pins in S-curves (figures of eight), as shown in the picture above. This
procedure in this manual assumes right as starting corner. This can be reversed as you wish.

35

Picture 25 - S-curving the lines.

After finishing a stowed group, secure it with rubber bands. Please ask the manufacturer or your
distributor to get rubber bands of the right quality. Don’t use old and porous rubber bands. You should
renew the rubber bands at each packing.

You should stow the lines in three groups for putting in the container. In the table above (6 pins, 3 levels)
you will find the number of corners to make (by model) at each pin, to have enough line-length left for
closing the container (using

2200ccm

m

pin distance.) Turn direction alternates at each pin to make figure of 8s.

After the lines are stowed, there should be around 90cm of lines left before reaching the bridle, for closing
the container safely.

SSQQRR 110000

SSQQRR 112200

SSQQRR 116600

SSQQRR 222200

33 –– 33

33 –– 33

44 -- 44

55 -- 55

33 –– 22

33 –– 33

44 –– 33

55 –– 44

22 –– 22

33 –– 33

33 -- 33

44 –– 44

36

Closing the container

If you put the reserve into a different container, this should be the point where you should pick up the
new packing process. If – when re-packing – the stowed line loops come open (lost a rubber band, etc.) or
you want to adjust the stowed line length, please go back to the chapter Stowing the lines, and re-stow
the whole line length.

To continue put the line bundles on top of the folded canopy (picture 26).

Picture 26 - Bundles inside, ready for final cover.

Picture 27 - Closing the SQR container.

Close the final container leaf and secure it with a line loop (picture 27).

37

Picture 28 – Put line bundles inside and check the closure loop length.

Put the line bundles inside the container. The closure loop should be around

55--66 ccm

m

(approx. 3 finger

width) long!

DDEEVVIIAATTIIOONN FFRROOMM TTHHEE LLOOOOPP LLEENNGGTTHH CCAANN CCAAUUSSEE MMAALLFFUUNNCCTTIIOONN AATT OOPPEENNIINNGG!!

38

Picture 29 - 2 line loops close the container.

Close the outer flap of the container with 2 line loops of the same length (5-6cm) as used to close the
inner flaps. Use the two rubber bands to secure the closing loops, by lacing the rubber bands through the
grommets on the closing flap. If your container has a different closing system, please refer to the harness
manual.

WWAARRNNIINNGG:: TTHHEE CCLLOOSSUURREE RRUUBBBBEERR BBAANNDDSS OONN TTHHEE SSQQRR CCOONNTTAAIINNEERR AARREE SSTTRROONNGGEERR
((DDIIFFFFEERREENNTT SSTTRREENNGGTTHH//DDIIAAMMEETTEERR)) TTHHAANN TTHHOOSSEE UUSSEEDD FFOORR SSTTOOWWIINNGG TTHHEE LLIINNEESS!!

39

Picture 30 - Finished.

Now your SQR reserve is (re)packed and ready to be (re)installed. 

Don’t forget to record the packing in the logbook.

40

INSPECTION PROCEDURES

The periodic inspection of the system is a visual inspection. The inspection should be carried out in a
clean, well-lit facility by a qualified person.

Canopy surface inspection

Spread out the canopy – at best after airing for 24 hours – and begin the inspection by walking around the
edge of the canopy. Look for rips, stains, snags, burns, abrasions or failed seams. If the canopy shows
signs of mildew or mould, its strength could be compromised, so it must be sent to the manufacturer for a
factory inspection.

Go around the canopy in a circular pattern ending at the apex (centre). Inspect the packing loops, and the
area around them carefully.

Look very closely at the line suspension points. Attachment points must be completely free of any
damage or defect!

Suspension line inspection

Fix the bridle line and walk along the suspension lines (both base and centre lines). Check the full length
of the lines for damage and wear. Check that all lines are sewn and that the seams are functional. Check
the bottom loops (also inside) for damage and fraying.

41

Bridle line inspection

Check the bridle line for damage and wear. Look for fraying (outside and inside) at both ends! Any fraying,
either on the suspension line end, or at the harness end, means that your flying gear is no longer
airworthy!

Connecting link inspection

Check the link and its condition. Check if the link has sufficient strength (minimal breaking strength of
2500daN advised) according to specs of the link manufacturer. If the link is deformed, cracked or
damaged it

MMUUSST

T

be exchanged. We advise to use the quick-link connectors Maillon Rapide from Peguet,
please ask your school or distributor where and how to get them. Check if the connecting link is tightened
according to the specification of the link manufacturer.

The connection link should be secured with a rubber band, a neoprene socket or fixing tape against
fraying. Any possible looseness of this connection, will result fraying and/or abrasion at a possible high
speed opening. This could compromise the strength of the connection, and so the airworthiness of your
system.

Direct connection between the bridle and the harness attachment webbing is not recommended, as a
wrongly installed knot could significantly weaken the system depending on the configuration!

AANNYY DDAAMMAAGGEE FFOOUUNNDD IINN TTHHEE PPRROOCCEEDDUURREESS OOFF TTHHEE PPEERRIIOODDIICC IINNSSPPEECCTTIIOONN MMUUSSTT BBEE
RREEPPAAIIRREEDD!! TTOO EENNSSUURREE TTHHAATT TTHHEE CCOORRRREECCTT MMAATTEERRIIAALLSS AANNDD TTEECCHHNNIIQQUUEESS AARREE UUSSEEDD,, AANNYY
RREEPPAAIIRRSS SSHHOOUULLDD OONNLLYY BBEE CCAARRRRIIEEDD OOUUTT BBYY TTHHEE MMAANNUUFFAACCTTUURREERR!!

42

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

MMooddeell

SSQQRR110000

SSQQRR112200

SSQQRR 116600

SSQQRR 222200

AArreeaa

2255,,44 mm

2

2

3322,,44 mm

2

2

4422,,00 mm

2

2

6611,,99 mm

2

2

MMaaxx.. TTOOWW

110000 kkgg

112200 kkgg

116600 kkgg

222200 kkgg

SSiinnkk rraattee aatt MMaaxx..

TTOOWW

55,,44 mm//ss

55,,44 mm//ss

55,,33 mm//ss

55,,22 mm//ss

WWeeiigghhtt

11225588 gg

11553344 gg

11992277 gg

22337700 gg

PPaacckkiinngg vvoolluummee

33,,00 -- 55,,22 LL

33,,55 –– 55,,44 LL

44,,00 –– 66,,55 LL

66,,00 –– 99,,44 LL

TToottaall lleennggtthh

66776600 mmmm

77555500 mmmm

88339900 mmmm

1100221100 mmmm

CCeerrttiiffiiccaattiioonn

EENN//LLTTFF

EENN//LLTTFF

EENN//LLTTFF

EENN//LLTTFF

43

SUPPORT

If you have any questions or struggle to find a qualified professional, please contact us at

[e-mail].

CERTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

44

THINK ABOUT IT!

Many pilots don't give their reserve a thought. Often they have no idea what device is packed away in their
harness. In addition, reserves do not always get repacked at suitable time intervals; or they may just grow
too old.

We have set ourselves the task of promoting an information campaign for our customers in order to raise
awareness of this important subject, and interest them in relevant information. We would like to
encourage our customers to make friends with their reserves; not necessarily by throwing one, but their
lives could depend on this relationship.

We wish you safe flights and happy landings!

The Companion Team

www.companion.aero

45

PRODUCTION:

EVOTEC Ltd.
Munkácsy Mihály Str. 8, H 7695 Mecsenknádasd, Hungary

DISTRIBUTION:

ADVANCE Thun AG
Uttigenstrasse 87, CH 3600 Thun, Switzerland

SERVICE AND INFO:

www.companion.aero
[e-mail]

Companion is a Joint Venture between