Pro Workshop CONTROL & REPAIR, France, December 9-15, 2024 Manu Bonte (10914)
28 December 2024INFO | paragliding Technician
The professional maintenance workshop organized in France in December 2024 brought together participants of excellent caliber from very different backgrounds: USA, Iran, Moldova, France, Ireland, Argentina, and Spain. Most had solid experience and professional inspection workshops for many years, like David and Giancarlo from Team Kasana in Alicante Spain, Mohammad from XagrosClouds in Isfahan, Iran, or Muriel from Parapente Attitude in Gensac France.
The spacious workshop where the training took place was superbly equipped with a variety of sewing machines, various paraglider inspection systems, wing trim measurement tools, and line strength testing equipment. Participants who brought their own tools were able to compare them with those on site, evaluate their dispersion and measurement accuracy, and consider areas for improvement. The training was delivered by Manu Bonte, Thomas Geli, and Mika Grisey, assisted by Gregory Di Leo from the Revis'ailes workshop, Accous, France.
The theory/practice ratio of 20/80% gave considerable time to exploring different measurement and repair methods (60 hours). Participants were able to refine their inspection techniques, understand their limitations, and discover new ones.
The methods for effectively and appropriately inspecting and repairing flight equipment were presented, including: efficiently establishing relevant diagnoses, logical steps for general inspection, trim measurement and corrections using various methods, production of sewn and spliced lines, qualification of line strength through destructive and non-destructive methods...
The ACT (APPI Control Tool), which guides technicians through each step of their work, was central to the training, with the goal of participants mastering it completely.
They also acquired solid wing repair skills with Thomas's help. The broad scope covered everything from repairing small tears to reconstructing torn anchor points, including partial or complete replacement of ribs or outer surface panels. The most advanced students completed the course by performing particularly delicate repairs, as required by modern wings with their complex architecture. A wing with major damage (multiple destroyed cells) requiring the reconstruction of several ribs was also addressed.
Mika and Greg, in charge of inspection, repacking, and integration of various reserve parachute technologies, shared some specific tool tips such as the holding sock or folding template, which allow for real gains in quality and productivity.
The theoretical part of the course (15 hours) presented the concepts necessary for a good understanding of aging-related problems and APPI airworthiness criteria. Advanced concepts dealing with materials, as well as paraglider design and certification, were presented.
Special thanks to Olivier Houbron who opened the doors to the world of sewing machine adjustment, revealing the secrets of needle and shuttle hook synchronization.
In conclusion, this training allowed participants to strengthen their operational skills in all areas of paragliding equipment inspection and repair.
They will be followed up by the training team for as long as necessary to help implement APPI methods and criteria, which will lead to their APPI maintenance expert qualification. This qualification also allows them to display their control and repair center on the APPI platform's interactive map.
APPI maintenance training is officially recognized by 7 paraglider manufacturers, with more to come.
With these seminars, APPI continues to contribute to pilot safety and the professionalization of maintenance technicians. Paraglider maintenance is a critical point. Many operators set themselves up as inspection workshops but have very basic, partial, or even incorrect knowledge on the subject.
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