July, 2016
Cascade Rescue Company Confidential
4
If this is the first time the rescuer has ridden a Cable or Hang Glider, we strongly
recommend that the Rescuer riding the Glider is tied to a belay point on the tower and
the rope is managed by another Rescuer. The belay line must be managed so that the
line is parallel to the cable, first attached to the back belay point of the Glider and
then to the Rescuer. This allows the rider to gain experience with the use of the Glider
and its braking and travel characteristics and maximizes safety and security and will
build confidence in use of the Glider. Using this technique, the rider can make short
descents in a controlled environment and be retrieved by their partner above. This
process can be repeated as many times as necessary to ensure proper operation and
rider comfort. Only when the rider is comfortable making a solo descent should the
belay be removed. The user accepts any and all liability if this recommendation is
ignored.
7.
Do not “over-throw” or push the brake handle as far forward as it will go. A slight
amount of pressure will release the brake. There is significant leverage available on the
Brake Release Lever. Pushing forward excessively can cause the front wheel to leave
the cable and potentially derail the device. DO NOT allow the Glider to travel down the
cable at excessive speeds.
8.
As you move closer to the subject (gondola, tram, chairlift or rider), begin to slow your
descent by gently reducing forward pressure on the Brake Release Lever. When the
subject is reached, gently release all pressure on the Brake Release Lever to stop.
9.
Before dismounting the Glider, ensure that the Brake is SECURELY LOCKED by securing
the Brake Safety Cord into the Cam-Cleat and that one lanyard is on the cable and one
lanyard is attached to the Gondola, Tram or Chairlift, (Subject) and the Glider is attached
to you or otherwise anchored via tether to the Subject. Only then is it safe to dismount
and begin rescue or repair operations.
10.
To traverse around the point where the Grip (gondola/tram/chair) is attached to the
cable, remove the lanyard attached to the cable behind the Glider and reattach it to the
cable on the other side of where the Grip is attached to the cable. At this point, one
lanyard is attached to the downhill side of the Grip, one lanyard is attached to the Grip
and the Glider is attached to the rescuer. The Glider may then be moved around the
Grip attachment point and locked into place on the downhill side. Once the Glider is
reattached and fully locked, the rescuer may remount the Glider and follow the same
procedures outlined above, beginning at Step 3.
11.
Tower dismounts are accomplished in basically the same way. Stop at the tower, Lock
the Glider Brake, attach one lanyard to the tower, dismount the Glider, unlock the
Glider Brake and remove it from the cable and set it aside on the tower platform or
Sheave Train. Only then is it safe to remove the last lanyard from the cable and attach it
to the tower.
