Safety Notes
SAFETY ALERT: Finsterwalder CLICK-LOCK and T-LOCK buckles in the chest strap
12 October 2021
there have been two incidents involving older paraglider harnesses equipped with CLICK-LOCK buckles (HSi10) in the chest strap.
The buckles had opened unintentionally during flight while they were under load.
The hooks of the metal tongue can wear out through the frequent diagonal load changes the chest strap is subject to.
Finsterwalder calls on all owners of harnesses equipped with CLICK-LOCKs (HSi10) or T-LOCKs in the chest strap to determine their buckles’ previous usage time by checking the routine test date.
SAFETY ALERT: Unsheathed upper cascade lines on Ozone Alpina 2
12 October 2021
Lines becoming knotted and tangles in flight whilst the glider was flown in big-ears mode with the speedbar being operated.
This incident occured when the lines were dry and in good condition.
Pilots are urged to be vigilant about this issue, and visually check their gliders carefully after using big ears or after recovering from a collapse, especially when in accelerated mode with the speedbar.
Where possible the use of an alternative method to lose height is recommanded.
SAFETY ALERT: Rescue handles from Kortel design
12 October 2021
We invite all the pilots to check their rescue handle.
The harness’s models are Karma II and Krashbox Module Kuik II
SAFETY ALERT: Potential problem on forged rings on the Kolibri harness
12 October 2021
Description: A potential failure has been fund on the forged rings used on the Kolibri harness.
It may break under usual load.
There is no major risk because this ring is not used in the main structure of the harness.
In case of breaking, there is only the lumbar setting that is concerned.
Process to follow: Harnesses that can be concerned are those with the following serial numbers:
- Size SM:
- A1410-KL-M-10
- A1410-KL-M-16
- A1410-KL-M-21
- A1410-KL-M-23
- A1410-KL-M-24
- A1410-KL-M-25
- A1410-KL-M-28
- A1410-KL-M-29
- Size ML:
- A1410-KL-L-1
- A1410-KL-L-2
- A1410-KL-L-3
- A1410-KL-L-4
- A1410-KL-L-5
- A1410-KL-L-7
- A1410-KL-L-26
- A1410-KL-L-27
If you are concerned with these serial numbers, please contact Kortel Design at +33(0)9.50.10.73.27 or by email at info@korteldesign.com.
We will give you the process to follow.
Safety information: Carbon fiber seat plate inspection
12 October 2021
- What is the purpose of this safety warning?
We have noticed that a few pilots have been unknowingly flying with bro- ken or damaged carbon fiber seat plates, due to wear and tear, impacts, etc... Carbon fiber is very abrasive sharp; it could injure the pilot or abrade/ cut/damage the webbing and overall harness structural integrity. - Which product models could be affected ?
All harness models equipped or accepting carbon fiber seat plates. - What should I do ?
Check and inspect carefully your carbon fiber seat plate for damage once every 50 flights or once a year.
If the seat plate is damage in any way, it must be replaced immediately.
If the harness webbing is frayed or damaged in any way, it is imperative to contact your local Sup’Air dealer for advice prior using your harness again.
SAFETY ALERT Kuik II
12 October 2021
We have recently discovered a potential random manufacturing default in our Kuik II models, it is nothing serious but it is necessary for you to inspect your harness to ensure that everything is in order.
The problem observed is the following:
The lower part of the shoulder strap of the harness is connected to a metal buckle located at the “thighs - back” junction behind a small piece of protective neoprene. This buckle is used to connect two sewn straps.
There is no major security, problem since this strap has a multitude of connections within the harness and even in the case of rupture of this seam there is no risk of the pilot falling out of the harness or of the strap breaking upon the deployment of the emergency parachute.
However, a visual inspection of the seams on both sides of the buckle must be made in order to potentially detect the following situation :
There are 4 seams, but they fray easily and the thread can easily be removed with your fingers.
Recall harnesses GIN Gingo Airlite for inspection
12 October 2021
Gin Gliders Inc. recalls the last model Gingo Airlite (released in 2012) to perform a precautionary inspection and check after a few months of use the harness is still consistent with our quality standards.
We ask owners of harness Gingo Airlite (Serial No. which the 3rd and 4th digits are "12". Exp xx12-xxxx) to contact their dealer for a return to a factory inspection.