The tennis ball that has been used up to now
as a pilot protection measure at the weaklink of the line is to be replaced, as follows:
- A flexible plastic tube is to be slid on the
front rope, and in the case of hangglider towing also on the fork rope, to absorbe
the rebound energy in the event of a break of the weaklink.
- All front ropes are to be modified in
this way.
This airworthiness instruction comes into
force when published in the News for Paragliders and Hanggliders (NfGH). The safety
measures must be carried out before the equipment is used again.
Background reason for issuing this
instruction:
The pilot protection measure introduced in
1994 in the form of a tennis ball attached at the weaklink has only been partially
successful. The hoped for protection effect by the fast rebound of the defect weak link
was not sufficiently guaranteed.
An distance rope or fork rope that is
fitted with a plastic sleeve can absorb the rebound energy of the weaklink if it breaks.
In this way the end of the weaklink does not come anywhere near the pilot and accidents
will be avoided.
Gmund, 13. November 1997
Martin Jursa - Head DHV Technical Dept. | 
