3-4
11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tel.: (407) 859-9317 Fax: (407) 850-6978 www.strongparachutes.com
Strong Enterprises Owner’s Manual. Dual Hawk Tandem System -
Revision L: 1/16
3.3.2.8 Freebag
Inspect all fabric, seams, bartacks, tapes, and attachment points for holes, tears, burns, stains, and
loose or missing stitching. Inspect the grommets for burrs and separation, reset if necessary. Grasp
the grommet with two fingers and try to spin the grommet to ensure that it is still set properly and
secured to the freebag. It should not move at all. Next make sure that a finger nail can not be slid
under rim of grommet (fingernail test), reset if able to slid nail under grommet. Inspect the shock
cord stows for missing chokers. Ensure shock cord is no longer than 3 1/4” (+/- 1/4”).
3.3.2.9 Bridle
Inspect entire length of bridle for any nicks or tears. Inspect all bartacks and stitching for loose or
missing stitches.
3.3.2.10 Reserve Pilot Chute
Inspect the mesh for rips and holes. Inspect the tapes for missing stitches. Inspect the fabric for
holes or tears. Inspect the spring shape and tension. There should be no excessive bend in the
length of the spring. When compressed to 1-inch on a scale the spring should be no less than 18
lbs. Ensure there are no kinks, sharp edges, or burrs in spring. Inspect the grommets for burrs and
separation, reset if necessary.
3.3.3 Main Inspection
In packing and maintaining this system, Strong Enterprises highly recommends you do a complete
main inspection as often as possible. This helps to keep minor damage and simple repairs from
becoming major and expensive issues. The checklist in Appendix C provides a useful tool when
completing the inspection. Feel free to make copies of the checklist in order to have a separate
sheet for each container and canopy in use.
3.3.3.1 Harness/Container
Hardware:
Inspect all hardware for rust that might inhibit the operation of the unit. Inspect for
proper hardware. Snap or “click” the gates open and closed on the B-12, butterfly and/or quick
ejector snaps to verify they are still operational. Inspect the student side attachment point on
the main harness to ensure ring is secure. Inspect the tacking/stitching on the snaps. Inspect all
friction adaptors and rings for rough edges, cracks or breaks.
Webbing:
Inspect all webbing on harness for cuts or fraying. Inspect all 4 -points and stitching
to ensure they are not unraveling. Look at the overall appearance of the harness and try to
locate any excessive fading in color by its dull dry look. This is an indication of over exposure to
ultraviolet rays which can weaken the webbing substantially.
Grommets:
Inspect all the grommets for rough edges, dents or bends in the metal. Rough edges
can be smoothed out with very fine emery cloth; large dents or bends in the metal require
replacement. Grasp the grommet with two fingers and try to spin the grommet in place to
ensure that it is still set properly and secured to the container. It should not move at all. Next
make sure that a finger nail can not be slid under rim of grommet (fingernail test), reset if able
to slid nail under grommet.
Drogue Riser:
Tighten the screws on the separable “L” link that attaches the drogue riser to
the diagonal back straps. Ensure the tackings that attach the ripcord cable housings to the
drogue riser are secure and have not come loose. Inspect the drogue riser for cuts or frays in the
webbing. Inspect rings to make sure all are free of dents, rough edges, cracks and are proper
shape (round).
Fabric:
Look at the overall appearance of the fabric and binding tape looking for any holes, tears,
or broken stitches in the fabric. Stains can be removed with a mild detergent like Woollite.
Never use products that contain bleach!