Paraglider, PPC Chute, Hang Glider, Fixed-Wing, and Kite Inspections
Due to age, exposure to the UV spectrum in sunlight, damage from wear, or simply the stresses of flight, used paraglider and other fabric wings can change their shape and lose their ability to perform as intended. A "Complete Paraglider, PPC Chute, Hang Glider, Fixed-Wing, or Kite Inspection" is a series of tests that will evaluate your used paraglider, PPC chute, hang glider, fixed-wing, or kites' ability to perform as designed. The overall safety of your used paraglider or other fabric wing can be determined during these procedures. Hang glider and fixed-wing fabric inspections can be performed with the wing on or off the airframe (airframe inspection extra).
A professional paraglider, PPC chute, hang glider, fixed-wing, or kite Inspection will reveal any weak spots in your used paraglider, PPC chute, hang glider, fixed-wing, or kite that compromises safety.
Such weak spots include:
- UV damage to fabric and lines (1,2,3,4,5)
- High Porosity - air is moving through the wings' fabric too easily (1,2,5)
- The outer sheathing of a line is worn or torn exposing the inner core (1,2,5)
- The inner core of a line is damaged or broken (1,2,5)
- Lines have stretched or shrunk, causing the wing to change its shape. Remember it is the shape of the wing that provides lift and control (1,2,5)
- Damage to risers or riser hardware, "webbing", "quick links", "pullies", "O" rings, etc. (1,2,5)
- Rips, holes or excessive wear of the wing (1,2,3,4,5)
- Damage of the stitched seams in the fabric (1,2,3,4,5)
- Damage of the line tabs or pockets (1,2,3,4,5)
- Deformities in the wing (1,2,3,4,5)
The following tests and procedures are performed during every Complete Wing Inspection...
- A Porosity Test is made of the wing's fabric to measure the amount of air that can pass directly through the fabric disrupting the ideal airflow for a paraglider wing (1,2,5)
- A Fabric Strength Test is performed to evaluate the material's ability to stop a small hole from becoming a large tear and a big problem (1,2,3,4)
- Line Strength Tests are performed and evaluated (1)
- Risers are checked for wear and specifications (1,2,5)
- Quick-Links/Maillons are checked for cracks & bends (1,2)
- Worn or missing "O" rings are replaced (1)
- Each line is inspected for outer sheathing and inner core damage (1,2,5)
- All tabs and pockets are examined for integrity (1,2,3,4,5)
- Main brake/steering lines are changed out if worn (1,2)
- Corresponding lines from the left and right side of the paraglider wing are checked for symmetry (1)
- Line lengths are measured and compared to manufacture's specifications using charts kept on file (1)
- The wing is hung vertically on a long rack and hoisted up with the leading edge down and backlit with bright lights (1,2,3,4,5)
- Stitching and seams are examined for integrity (1,2,3,4,5)
- Outer surfaces are examined for integrity (1,2,3,4,5)
- Inner structures are examined for integrity (1,2,5)
- Loose debris is shook out of each cell (You'd be stunned to know what things we have found inside wings) (1,2,5)
- A detailed "Wing Inspection Report" is prepared describing the test results and contains a summary of the wings' condition (1,2,3,4,5)
- The client will be contacted by phone and given a verbal report describing the test results and technician's summary of the wings' condition (1,2,3,4,5)
- Paragliders, Speed Wings
- PPC Chutes
- Hang Glider
- Fixed Wing
- Kite
Paraglider, PPC Chute, Hang Glider, Fixed-Wing, and Kite Inspection Pricing
Dacron Punch Test: $5 each
Ripstop Nylon Tear Resistance Test: $5 each
Ripstop Nylon PorosityTest: $10 each
Line Strength Testing (includes replacement line): $25 each
Paraglider or PPC Chute Canopy Inspection (exterior, seams, tabs, and interior): $40
Line Set Inspection (includes all lines & tabs): $40
Incident Inspection (recommended after an incident or accident, does not include safety testing): $80
Kite; Complete Inspection: $60
Speed Wing, Complete Inspection (less than 20m): $140
Paraglider or Chute; Complete Inspection: $160
Tandem Paraglider; Complete Inspection: $180
Hang Glider; Complete Inspection (does not include airframe): $80
UL Fixed-Wing; Complete Wing Inspection (does not include airframe): $80
Paraglider Line Trim Adjustments: $40 per hour
Paraglider and Upper PPC Chute Sheathed Replacement Lines: $20 each (includes installation or shipping)
Lower PPC Chute Replacement Lines: $30 each (includes installation or shipping)
PPC Chute Replacement Brake/Steering Lines: $110 each (includes installation or shipping)
Unsheathed Replacement Lines: $30 each (includes installation or shipping)
Line Installation: $5 per line
Complete Factory Line Set Installation: $250 ($200 with other service, does not include line set)
PPG/PPC/PWS Test Flight (only available after complete inspection): $50
Paraglider, Powered Parachute, Fixed-Wing, and Kite Fabric Repairs
All Repairs & Modifications: $40 per hour plus the cost of materials.
How long does it take?
This all depends on how much work your wing requires.
We are a first come-first serve operation and the volume of work in the shop can vary depending on the time of year.
If you are ordering individual replacement lines, expect one to two days.
If it's a complete inspection or damaged lines ONLY, expect a one to three week turn around time depending on the time of year.
If it has been determined that your wing needs a complete factory line set or other factory replacement parts, expect at least two to eight weeks.
If the canopy requires extensive repairs, a return date will be determined by the amount of repairs that have to be made, and the volume of repair work ahead of yours.
If you need your canopy back by a certain date to make an event or training, please let us know in the "Details of damages or other issues" text box of the Service Request Form. We can't make any guarantees, but we will do our best to accommodate your needs if possible.
!!! RETURN SHIPPING COSTS ARE NOT INCLUDED !!!
- Contact us via Email with any questions or concerns: Contact Drew
- If any concerns about the safety of the paraglider wings' condition are revealed during the Paraglider Wing Inspection, the client will be contacted with our findings and repair recommendations
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS AN ARTICLE ABOUT PARAGLIDER WING INSPECTIONS
SHIPPING YOUR WING
Please follow the instructions described below for shipping your paraglider wing to us for an inspection OR repair.
!!! IMPORTANT !!!
1. Click here:
Service Request Form and fill out the Service Request Form.
2. Click here: Printable Address Label. Fill out the bottom portion and include it inside your shipping box. The top portion with the Airtoyz address can be taped to your box.
3. Pack your wing in a sturdy cardboard box, as this is the box we will use to ship your wing back to you.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT use "styrofoam peanuts" when packing your paraglider wing!
4. Take your box to a UPS or FedEx shipping location (We no can no longer accept USPS shipments!). Insure the wing for what you need to receive IF the wing gets lost or damaged during shipping.
HINTS:
Pack your own box (shipping service companies will charge you labor for this).
Go to ups.com or fedex.com, create and purchase your label(s) directly online and print yourself, this will save you more than a few dollars.
A return label can be purchased at the same time and enclosed in your box, this will be greatly appreciated.
Insurance will add $12-$15 per $1000 requested! We have never had a wing lost or damaged with UPS or FedEx.
In most suburban areas, you can also request a home pick up while creating your label(s), or you can drop your box off at any pick up location without charge.
- We Support -
The United States of America
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United States Powered Paragliding Assoc.
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Aero Sports Connection
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United States Ultralight Association
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North American Blokart Sailing Association
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International Blokart Racing Association
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American Kitefliers Association
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Ivanpah Buggy eXpo
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Academy of Model Aeronautics
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Remotely Operated Auto Racers
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National Association of Rocketry
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