System information
Maintaining Your Mirage
YOUR MIRAGE IS MANUFACTURED MOSTLY FROM NYLON. NYLON IS VERY
DURABLE, BUT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE FROM SEVERAL SOURCES:
1 Sunlight. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight quickly and permanently weaken nylon. Keep your
Mirage out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
2 Acids. Nylon is also damaged by acids. Keep your Mirage away from hangar floors, dirty car
trunks and similar areas where acids may be found. If such contamination does occur, immediately
and thoroughly wash
the rig with plenty of warm soapy water. Until a rig can be washed, baking
soda will quickly neutralize most
acids. If acid damage occurs or is suspected, a rigger should thor-
oughly inspect your Mirage. When not in
use, your Mirage should be stored in an appropriate stor-
age bag.
3 Oils and Grease.
Most petroleum compounds do not weaken nylon; they simply stain it. Such
stains
should be promptly removed by a rigger using the proper petroleum solvent. Dry cleaning
fluid works well.
4Water.
Water will not structurally damage your Mirage, but prolonged agitation in clear water
weakens
webbing or may cause some fabric and tape colors to run. Salt water may damage nylon
and rust hardware if not promptly and thoroughly washed off with plenty of fresh water. Your rig will
maintain its new appearance longer if it is kept dry. When washing your rig, be gentle with it. Use
Woolite or similar mild soap and warm water.
5 Soil. Soil may damage your Mirage. Brush off the soil after it has dried and gently wash with
warm soapy water. Be sure that the soil is not in the housings, snaps, 3-Ring release or reserve rip-
cord pins or loops.
Consult a rigger if your rig is heavily soiled.
6 Sand.
Fine sand will weaken and cut webbing and fabrics of all kinds. Prolonged exp
osure to sand
will shorten the life of the entire parachute assembly.
7 Abrasion.
Nylon quickly frays if dragged over concrete or other rough surfaces. Do not drag your
rig
on the concrete while packing.
Mirage Systems suggests having the container washed every 500 jumps to remove any sand
particles. Sand has sharp edges and accelerates wear.
Remember: A well maintained container means a safer container.