WHEN TO PERFORM

The dimensions of lines tend to move more during the first part of their life. Therefore, it is recommended to have a performance trim check within the first 50 hours of use and every 100 hours thereafter.

All lines shrink for the most part. Aramid lines may slightly stretch, where heavily loaded (central A's), and will shrink, where less loaded (Stabilos, B's & C's). Whereas, dyneema lines will all just shrink with the less loaded lines shrinking more than the heavier loaded lines. Thus, a paraglider's angle of attack will inherently increase to unsafe levels (+>10mm) when exposed to outdoor environments (UV rays, humidity, dirt, abrasion, salty air and heat).

When we first started to laser line check paragliders in 2014, we were totally shocked to see how far lines go out of trim in such short periods of time.

Logically speaking, it made sense, though, because the lines of today are fewer and extremely optimized for the best performance and least drag. Each line has become more unique with its own minimal diameter based upon its placement's workload (lower vs. upper, center vs. outer, front vs. back).

Thus, when line checks are not done within the recommended intervals, it promotes a couple of things. One, it increases the likelihood of flying an unsafe glider. And two, the amount of replacement parts increases greatly (e.g., new main lines or a completely new line set). 

BENEFITS 

Being "in" factory trim is required to compete in PWC because being "out" can affect both safety and performance, as well as, pleasure. Minor variations, outside of factory trim, can cause a glider to do one, or more, of the following; harder to inflate overhead, fly more slowly, handle poorly, delayed collapse recovery and loose height, more quickly, on glide.

The greater the deviation, from spec, the more likelihood of a stall, spin, or hindered collapse recovery. This loss of trim often goes un-noticed by pilots but restoring a glider to specification can be quite dramatic. 

PROCESS

During our performance trim check service, we follow strict *Precision Laser Measuring and *Controlled Line Loading protocols. And, after measuring, our Excel spreadsheet compares the actual measured lengths to factory lengths and creates a pre-trim report.

Then, we trim your glider by removing or adding the industry's approved maillon loops to each riser branch. And, occasionally, by making up a new main line.

This procedure lengthens or shortens, specific lines, properly, to factory trim without the expense of making up all new main lines. The lines are then re-measured for quality assurance and a post-trim report is created.

Paragliders are trimmed to within +/- 10 mm of factory specifications with a +/- 50 mm offset considered acceptable. The result is a refreshed paraglider that handles and performs enjoyably like new. Not to mention, it will have a better re-sale value.

After all is completed, we will provide you with 3 reports (Before, After and a Summary). A small example of our Before and Summary reports are shown way down below. 

PRECISION LASER MEASURING

The basis of any Paraglider Line Check is the laser measurement of its line lengths between the canopy and risers. Previously, the consistency and accuracy of this type of work was a function of the checker’s personal touch. A certain leeway and individual workshop style couldn’t be discounted. Our Paraglider Line Check is a distinct improvement. Each line level is tensioned to its working length over a fixed base-rail and laser measured according to standardized load/time-requirements. Errors due to a faulty set up or operator manipulation become a thing of the past. 

CONTROLLED LINE LOADING

Even with "Precision Laser Measuring" protocols in place, experience has shown us that four (4) measurements, performed in a row, on one line under 5 kg tension, will regularly elicit four (4) different results with the last two being 10-20mm longer. Thus, we, additionally, implemented a "Controlled Line Loading" procedure (that's prescribed by one factory), and now found the four (4) measurements have better matching stability. 

Controlled Line Loading consists of pre-tensioning each line under a 7.5 kg load for 3-seconds and, then, again, tensioning each line under a 5 kg load for 1-second while taking a measurement. The resultant measurement is sent via Bluetooth to the computer. This procedure, although very time consuming, reduces wrong data, substantially, because we are not "under loading" (not enough pre-tension to set the loop knots, etc.) or "over loading" (too much stretch) the lines. We are convinced that our Paraglider Line Check procedure and Excel spreadsheet format represent a distinct advantage for our customers. 

TESTIMONIALS: 

"I had Craig do a glider of mine recently. Super good value and exceptional work!!!!!" Charlie Beaudoin

"I just had my wing tuned up by Craig and, wow, what a difference! My wing has over 300 hours on it and I will be replacing it soon. I assumed the sluggishness I was feeling was just part of an aging wing but it felt like new after he adjusted it. I had a great 2 hour session at Cayucos yesterday. It was pretty strong up top so I was a little nervous about launching but when I did, my glider cut right through it and I got ahead of the lift band with no problems. There was a noticeable difference in the speed. Well done!" John Timble

"Last weekend I spent 3+ hours with Craig measuring and adjusting the lines on my wing. I was amazed at both the total shrinkage and the variations across my lines. Craig has a great setup in his garage and the Grand Daddy of all spreadsheets that measures everything to the mm from his trusty, wireless laser. It was a great experience and I totally recommend doing this if your wing is a couple years old." Kurt Colvin