Deterioration: A Few Tips - Nova RA Betriebshandbuch

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Deterioration: a few tips!

The NOVA RA is mainly made of NYLON, cloth which, like any synthetic mate-
rial, deteriorates through excessive exposure to UV. Hence, it is recommended
to reduce UV exposure to a minimum by keeping the paraglider packed away
when not in use. Even when packed in the bag do not leave in the sun.
The lines of the NOVA RA are made of an inner core Polyethylene (Dyneema)
and an outer sheath of Polyester. Any over stretching of lines apart from the
strain imposed during normal flight, should be avoided as over stretching is
irreversible.
Ensure that the lines are not folded tightly. It's extremely important to avoid any
sharp bending of the lines, especially the main lines.
Prevent lines from catching on anything as they may be over stretched.
Do not step onto the lines.
POLYETHYLENE (line core) has a low melting point and can be easily dam-
aged by heat influence. So never burn loose thread ends with fire and avoid the
contact with hot surfaces!
The NOVA RA is equipped with thin, unsheathed competition lines.
Compared with normal, sheathed lines, these unsheathed Technora lines are
thinner (less drag: more performance) and more easily damaged. Therefore
one must pay careful attention to these lines to avoid damaging them.
The brake line can chafe badly if tangled with another line.
Uncontrolled strong wind takeoffs or landings can result in the leading edge of
the canopy hitting the ground at high speed which may cause rips in the profile
and damage the rib material.
Keep the canopy and lines clean as dirt may penetrate into the fibre and
shorten the lines or damage the cloth.
Check line length after tree or water landings. They can stretch or shrink lines.
Clean the paraglider with fresh water after contact with salt water. Salt water
crystal can weaken line strength, even after rinsing in fresh water. Replace
lines immediately after contact with salt water. Also check canopy material
after water landings, as waves can place uneven forces and cause cloth to
distort in specific areas. Always remove gliders from the water by holding only
the trailing edge.
A line plan is enclosed in this operators manual or may be requested from the
manufacturer or importer.