FAQ2019-01-08T15:24:52+00:00
How will the repair look?2019-01-03T12:58:18+00:00

Our goal is to make repairs as inconspicuous as possible

A completely invisible repair is usually possible, but in some cases a more economical option is preferable. We’ll recommend what we think is most appropriate, but the choice is yours. Take a look here to get an idea of the different options for glider repairs.

We’ll always match the fabric as closely as possible, but bear in mind that colours fade through use, so after a couple of years the existing fabric will not longer match its original appearance.

Do you do harness repairs?2019-01-03T13:21:08+00:00

Yes we do

We can repair most aspects of harnesses. As with all other repairs, it’s best to send it in so we can take a look and let you know.

How much will a repair cost?2019-01-03T13:30:17+00:00

To answer that we really need to examine your kit first

You can email us photographs of the damage and we’ll do our best to give an indication of the likely cost, but it’s only when we can see it for ourselves that we can give you a quote. Take a look here to get an idea of the possible cost involved for glider repairs.

Will the repair be strong enough?2019-01-03T13:37:25+00:00

Yes

We match the original construction as far as possible, so your kit should be just as strong and perform in the same way as if the damage had not occurred.

Send your kit to us2019-01-03T09:55:41+00:00

We really need to see your kit to be able to give a quote

You can email us photographs of the damage and we’ll do our best to give an indication of the likely cost, but it’s only when we can see it for ourselves that we can give you a quote. Take a look here to get an idea of the possible cost involved.

You can arrange your own courier or we can arrange collection for you
Book collection

How do I order a line?2019-02-27T09:49:11+00:00

Order any replacement lines you need online

Order a line

Our lineplan database contained lineplans for almost every glider model. Using this you can identify the code of any replacement line you need

Why do reserves go out of date?2019-01-04T09:26:39+00:00

The manufacturer’s service life is the best guidance there is

It would be ideal if we could test reserves like we can paragliders to be able to conclude they remain servicable, but unfortunately that’s not possible. Given that the pilot’s life may depend on the speed and reliability of deployment, we follow the BHPA guidance to observe the manufacturer’s guidance on emergency parachute service life.

If you would like to know more, read this article

Article about service life
How much does a glider service cost?2023-01-23T17:01:03+00:00

A glider service can be either a Technical Service or a Full Service (what’s the difference?) and they are priced as follows:

Paraglider type Technical Service Full Service
Solo £105 £180
Tandem or paramotor £120 £200

These prices include all necessary testing. The test results may indicate that work is required to restore the safety and performance of your glider.

If the laser measure of all lines reveals that your wing is outside the manufacturers’ ±10mm tolerance of specification, then retrim work typically costs between £25 and £45, depending on how much work is involved.

Replacing any damaged lines or lines that are removed to test their strength costs £15.

We will usually patch small holes without charge unless they are too numerous. If we find more significant damage, we will contact you with a quote before making the repair.

How long does a reserve last?2019-01-04T10:20:57+00:00

Usually 10 years, but it can be up to 12 or 14

Most manufacturers specify a ten year service life. Examples include Gin and Ozone. But some others stipulate a longer period, such as Independence who stand by a 12 year service life for their reserves. We have seen other manufacturers extending that to 14. It’s worth factoring the service life length in to any consideration of the price of a replacement reserve.

How long does a glider service take?2018-12-21T13:03:29+00:00

We’ll carry out all the service work in the week you book

That means we should get your glider on its way back to you that week. Of course something unexpected may come up. For example, if your canopy needs a repair or a lot of lines need replacing, we’ll be in touch about the cost and timescale to put things right.

Arrange to get your glider to us no later than the Thursday before the week you’ve booked, and we will despatch back to you no later than the following Thursday.

To find out the soonest available service date and make a booking, go to Book a Service

Book a service
We assess the damage2019-01-03T10:21:53+00:00

We want to ensure everything gets fixed properly

We recommend a thorough inspection to ensure that all the damage has been identified. Once we know everything that needs to be fixed, we can assess how much work is involved and what materials are required.

We carry extensive fabric stocks so we can often match exactly or very closely from stock. If it’s necessary, most manufacturers can supply fabric to order within a week or so.

How quickly can you send them?2019-02-27T09:52:06+00:00

We despatch replacement lines as soon as possible, usually within a week

If you need a large number of lines or if we have recently received a large number of line orders, it may take slightly longer. If you have a particular time constraint, please indicate in the order notes of the checkout shipping section

Is a square safer than a round PDA?2019-01-04T12:01:42+00:00

There’s not much in it, but a square may be slightly better

Modern PDA and square reserves are both quick in deployment and stable as they descend. But the flatter shape of the typical square reserve may make it slightly quicker to deploy, and stabilise faster.

Another aspect of square reserves is that they do tend to track in one direction or another. This has two consequences. The first is that the horizontal tracking creates lift, resulting in a slightly lower descent rate for the same size, allowing squares to be slightly smaller and lighter to achieve the same descent rate. The second is that the tracking could mean that there is a greater (or lower) horizontal speed on landing, since the direction of track is random, so it could add to or reduce effect of the prevailing wind.

How much does an inspection for a repair cost?2019-05-02T07:28:37+00:00

We recommend an inspection to make sure all the damage has been identified

A thorough inspection of the fabric of the canopy costs £40. We can also carry out an inspection of the lines for an additional £30.

If you’re sending in a harness for repair, we can inspect that for £18.

What’s involved in a servicing a glider?2018-12-21T17:39:19+00:00

We carry out tests in six key areas to check everything is as it should be:

  • Measure the length of all lines by laser
  • Assess line strength
  • Test fabric porosity
  • Examine the condition of the canopy
  • Check over the risers
  • Inspect lines for damage
Read more
Will it match the look of my existing line?2018-12-23T17:47:14+00:00

We make replacement line to match the original specification

That means that the material we use will always meet or exceed the technical requirements the manufacturer specified. Usually the material we use will also be an exact match for colour, but occasionally we may have to use the closest alternative if, for example, the sheathing is an unusual design with two colours. If that’s the case, we’ll be in touch

Air thoroughly2018-12-21T17:11:53+00:00

Layers of damp fabric can stick together, with a risk that the opening of the reserve may take longer. So we hang the reserve up to air until it is completely dry before repacking

Will it match the length of my existing line?2019-02-27T09:53:42+00:00

We make replacement lines the length specified by the manufacturer

As you may know, linesets can shrink, so you may find that the line we supply made to the manufacturer’s specification is longer than the one it replaces. If that’s the case, have a look at the article Fitting a replacement line to find out how you can fit your new line using different loops so it matches your other lines

Options, costs and timescales2019-05-02T07:28:43+00:00

You choose the most appropriate option

A completely invisible repair is usually possible, but in some cases a more economical option is preferable. We’ll recommend what we think is most appropriate, but the choice is yours.

For example, if only one panel is damaged on a fairly new wing, it may make sense to replace the entire panel exactly as is was when new. But if the damage is more extensive, or if the wing is older, then you may choose to have just the damaged sections replaced, even though that means that there may be additional seams visible.

Take a look here to get an idea of the different options.

When we give you a quote we’ll also let you know how soon we think your kit will be ready. The timescale for a repair can vary depending on how much work is involved, what materials might need ordering, and the level of demand from other pilots for repairs. In many cases repairs are completed within two or three weeks, but this can be longer particularly over the busy flying months of the year.

What happens if you find unexpected damage?2018-12-21T17:37:17+00:00

You’ll hear about any unexpected damage before we put it right. We’ll discuss with you the price of any different options there might be, so you can decide what should be done.

How do I organise a service?2018-12-21T13:03:18+00:00

You can arrange a service online at Book a service. Select either the next available service slot or a later week if that suits you better. You’ll be asked to provide your details including mobile number and email so we can acknowledge your booking and keep in touch. We’ll also need details of your return address.

Book a service
Should I get a steerable reserve?2019-01-04T11:14:21+00:00

Is the extra cost worth it?

There are two different types of steerable reserve available: the established Rogallo design; and the newer steerable square.

The Rogallo is particularly quick to open, so can be faster than a square. However, the design is much more complex, and as a consequence there is a greater risk of a complication in deployment than with a standard square or round PDA type. The steerable square is simpler, and not as prone to this risk.

Before steerable control can be established, the main canopy needs to be disabled, brought in and secured in some manner. This can be difficult and take some time. Keeping the main secure may require the use of one hand, reducing control to the use of just one hand. Have a look at some example test deployments online to understand the practical issues that need to be overcome before a reserve can be steered.

Pilots who fly with two reserves will have a back up should the deployment of a Rogallo fail. Those who fly extensively in remote mountainous areas may see significant benefit in being able to glide on descent to a more appropriate landing area. In these cases, it is easier to see that the additional risks of a steerable have been mitigated, and the benefit justifies the additional cost. In other cases, it may be worth reflecting further to determine whether or not the advantages of a steerable design are worthwhile.

How do I get my kit to you?2020-10-24T14:39:55+00:00

You’re welcome to drop your kit in with us during our working hours, but most pilots use a courier. You can do that yourself, or we can arrange one for you. Let us know when you book in and we’ll make the arrangements.  Our courier can collect from either your home or work address, and the charge for most UK addresses is £25. Alternatively you can drop your kit off at one of 2,500 DPD shops (find one here) for £15.

To use either service you must box up your kit to minimise the risk of damage or loss in transit. Equipment send by our courier is covered in transit up to £3,000 by our insurance.

How do I know it’s compatible with my harness?2019-01-04T11:21:24+00:00

Compatibility is best checked by a BHPA qualified packer

The most significant risk is that the reserve is the wrong shape or size to easily come out of the harness compartment. There can be other risks associated with the handle attachment point, and the length of the handle or bridle.

For these reasons, we recommend that you seek advice and help from someone who has been trained and qualified through the BHPA programme. There may be someone in your local club who can help, or you can ask a professional packer to check compatibility and install your reserve.

Pay when the repair is complete2019-05-02T07:27:40+00:00

We’ll complete your repair as quickly as possible

We normally only bill when the job is complete and ready to be despatched back to you. We may ask you to pay an element up-front if there’s a significant amount of material that we have to order in especially.

How much does a replacement line cost?2020-05-18T15:31:41+00:00

Replacement lines cost £15 each, with a  few exceptions

A very small minority of lines are more expensive because of their material or construction. If this affects any line you order, we’d be in touch about the additional cost, and you’d be free to cancel your order for a full refund

Postage charges are as follows:

Region Up to 5 lines Each extra line
UK £3.85 £0.75
Europe £12.50 £1.00
Rest of the world £14.50 £1.25
How does the Aerofix courier collection work?2019-07-18T11:21:49+00:00

We use DPD Local to collect from and deliver to addresses in the UK. If you ask us to collect your kit, we can make arrangements for DPD to collect from your home or work address on any working day. Alternatively you can drop your kit off at one of 2,500 DPD shops (find one here).

You will need to put your kit in a cardboard box no larger than 1.0m x 0.7m x 0.6m for protection in transit. The maximum weight for one box is 20kg for collections from a DPD shop, and 25kg otherwise.

On the day of collection from your home or work address, DPD should email and text you to let you know the one hour window within which they will make the collection. Their driver will arrive with a sticky label to go on the box and ask for a signature.

Should I install a reserve myself?2019-01-04T12:04:10+00:00

We’d recommend you ask for advice from a qualified packer

You can follow the manuals for your reserve and harness carefully if you like, but take particular care to ensure that the reserve is compatible with the harness. If you’re in any doubt, seek advice and help from someone who has been trained and qualified through the BHPA programme. There may be someone in your local club who can help, or you can ask a professional packer to check compatibility and install your reserve.

How much is the courier charge for collection and return?2020-10-24T14:46:51+00:00

We can arrange a collection to get your kit to the workshop, and there are two options:

  • Our courier can collect from your home or work address during working hours. This costs £25 for most UK mainland addresses for shipments up to 25kg

  • If you drop off your kit at one of the 2,500 DPD shops across the country (find one here), the cost is £15 for a box weighing up to 20kg

Return to you once the work is complete costs £20 for most UK mainland addresses for shipments up to 25kg

UK home or work address: collection and delivery charges

Area Weight limit (kg) Timing Collection Return
Most of the UK 25 Next day £25.00 £20.00
Highlands 10 Two days £37.50 £25.00
Isle of Wight 10 Two days £37.50 £25.00
Scottish islands 10 Two days £44.50 £27.25
Isle of Man 10 Two days £44.50 £27.25
Norther Ireland 10 Two days £44.50 £27.25
Channel Isles 10 Two days £44.50 £27.25

Scottish Highland postcodes are AB36-38, AB55-56, FK17-21, IV1-39, IV52-54, IV63, KW1-14, PA21-40, PH19-26, PH30-41 and PH49-51

Scottish Islands postcodes are HS1-9, IV40-51, IV55-56, KA27-28, KW15-17, PA20, PA41-49, PA60-78, PH42-44 and ZE1-4

Can I send in my reserve for a repack at the same time?2018-12-21T12:55:48+00:00

If you’re booking a glider service, you can also book to send in your reserve at the same time.

You can also send in your harness and we’ll check the installation at the same time. We can also inspect the harness and check it over if you want. Just select the appropriate options when booking.

How often should I get my glider serviced?2018-12-21T13:02:15+00:00

How frequently you should get your glider serviced depends mostly on how much you fly and what kind of flying you do. Most manufacturers recommend a number of hours that equates to either one or two years flying for most pilots. Bear in mind that some situations are more harsh than others: if you fly a lot in hot countries, from rocky locations or near the coast, these conditions can be more challenging for a wing.

Some manufacturers recommend a service after the first 25 hours, after the lineset has settled down, to make sure the glider is in trim. Once this is done in the first year, the next service scheduled service may well be two years later.

As a glider approaches the end of its service life, the line strength and fabric porosity may indicate that more frequent servicing is appropriate. If that is the case, we will tell you when we’ve completed your service.

Might my glider fail the tests?2018-12-21T17:34:47+00:00

It’s possible that if your wing is older and had a lot of use, then it may be that the lines are no longer strong enough or the canopy fabric may have become too porous. If that is the case, we’ll contact you as son as this becomes apparent. We carry out the tests in an order that is designed to minimise costs should a glider prove no longer to be airworthy.

How do I pay you?2018-12-21T13:03:02+00:00

When we’ve completed the work on your kit, we’ll email your service report and invoice. Your invoice will detail how you can pay online by card or bank transfer. Once you’ve paid we’ll finalise arrangements to get your kit back to you.

If you’re planning to pick up from the workshop, you can pay when you’re here either by card or cash.

If we have to order anything in specifically for you, we may ask you to pay for that item in advance.

How much does a reserve repack cost?2022-01-24T19:44:09+00:00

To repack a square or PDA (pulled-down-apex or round) reserve and reinstall it into your harness or front mounted container costs £65. For a Rogallo the cost is £95. If you detach your reserve and send only the inner container, the cost is £10 less.

What’s involved?

Measure the length of all lines by laser2019-02-19T22:00:48+00:00

We check your wing is in trim using a laser and software to compare actual line lengths against specification.

A gradual loss of trim often goes unnoticed, but restoring a glider to specification can be quite dramatic. Both Kevlar and Dyneema lines change in length over time, particularly if they get damp or exposed to heat. Being out of trim can affect both safety and performance. Minor variations outside the ±10mm tolerance can make a glider harder to launch, handle poorly, fly more slowly and lose height more quickly on glide. Greater deviation from specification can increase the likelihood of a collapse, stall or spin. Corrections are made by taking various different loops at the maillon or in the upper cascade to shorten individual lines and bring the glider back into trim without the expense of making new lines. This can refresh the handling and performance of a wing to the way it was when the glider was new.

Send your kit to us2019-01-03T09:55:41+00:00

We really need to see your kit to be able to give a quote

You can email us photographs of the damage and we’ll do our best to give an indication of the likely cost, but it’s only when we can see it for ourselves that we can give you a quote. Take a look here to get an idea of the possible cost involved.

You can arrange your own courier or we can arrange collection for you
Book collection

Check deployment2018-12-21T17:46:05+00:00

The first step is to carefully deploy the reserve and make sure everything works as it should:

  • Do the pins release easily?

  • Does the reserve come out without needing too much force?

  • Are the bridle and lines long enough to allow a good swing without the mouthlock releasing?

  • Do the lines slip out of the mouthlock easily?

  • Does the deployment bag fall off readily?

If we encounter difficulty at any stage, we fix it

You identify the line2018-12-23T11:52:26+00:00

Use our online database of lineplans

The suspension and brake cascades are made up of typically between 30 and 50 different individual lines. Each has a code to enable accurate identification

Check our lineplans and order a line
Assess line strength2018-12-23T10:36:29+00:00

Depending on the age of your wing, we may remove an upper and main line to test their breaking strength.

Gliders may cease to be airworthy if their lines are no longer strong enough. Line strength reduces with age and use. We sample test Kevlar lines if your glider is more than two years old, and Dyneema after four. We may test younger gliders if the condition of the lines indicates significant use. Under European standard EN 926-1, the lineset must carry 14 times the maximum flying weight.

We assess the damage2019-01-03T10:21:53+00:00

We want to ensure everything gets fixed properly

We recommend a thorough inspection to ensure that all the damage has been identified. Once we know everything that needs to be fixed, we can assess how much work is involved and what materials are required.

We carry extensive fabric stocks so we can often match exactly or very closely from stock. If it’s necessary, most manufacturers can supply fabric to order within a week or so.

We refer to the manufacturer’s specification2018-12-23T11:25:42+00:00

Every line for each size of wing is different

Using the line code and the glider size, we can refer to the detailed specifications provided by the manufacturer to determine the length, material, and any special construction method needed

Examine for damage2018-12-21T17:52:04+00:00

Before hanging the reserve out to air, we carefully examine the lines and canopy to make sure there’s no evidence of damage or contamination. Reserves can inflate very sharply, creating a significant shock loading, so any signs of weakness are taken seriously. We also check the condition of the bridles, maillons, O rings, deployment bag and handle, and the harness compartment or front mounted container.

How much does an inspection for a repair cost?2019-05-02T07:28:37+00:00

We recommend an inspection to make sure all the damage has been identified

A thorough inspection of the fabric of the canopy costs £40. We can also carry out an inspection of the lines for an additional £30.

If you’re sending in a harness for repair, we can inspect that for £18.

Manufacture using our extensive stocks2018-12-23T11:39:57+00:00

Every line order is made up individually

We don’t hold stocks of individual lines because there are thousands of combinations of length and material. Instead we hold extensive stocks of the line material – Dyneema, Kevlar and Vectran, unsheathed and sheathed in all the main colours. Very occasionally we will have to use the closest match, and that is the case, we’ll contact you first, and you can be sure that the technical specification will match or exceed the original

Air thoroughly2018-12-21T17:20:22+00:00

Layers of damp fabric can stick together, with the potential to delay the opening of the reserve. We hang the reserve up to air until it is thorougly dry before repacking

Test fabric porosity2018-12-23T10:36:35+00:00

We check that the fabric of your wing will keep the internal pressure high enough to maintain normal resistance to collapse and parachutal tendencies.

This is the first test we do on a service. It’s particularly important for an older glider that may be approaching the end of its serviceable life. The porosity meter measures how long it takes to draw a given volume of air (0.25 litres) through a small (38.5 cm2) area of fabric. For a new glider, this will take over 275 seconds, but reduces with age, use and the conditions the wing is exposed to. We examine much more closely if the result is less than 20 seconds. Poor results in conjunction with weaker fabric strength revealed by a Bettsometer tester may indicate that a glider is no longer safe to fly.

Repack carefully2018-12-21T17:14:07+00:00

Care is taken to follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously and reproduce the packing method used when the reserve was certified

Delivered by First Class Signed For mail2018-12-23T11:53:41+00:00

Making sure delivery is fast and reliable

We want to make sure that you get your lines as quickly as possible and that they don’t go astray. Signed For is used unless you ask us to send by normal First Class mail, in which case we ask you to bear the hopefully very small risk of them going astray

Examine the condition of the canopy2018-12-23T10:36:42+00:00

Hanging the glider up in the workshop allows us to examine the canopy really closely to find any damage.

Minor damage to the fabric, stitching or line tabs easily overlooked on the hill can be identified and repaired. Most damage revealed on a service is minor and can be quickly patched without charge. If more significant damage is identified, we would discuss the repair with you first.

Options, costs and timescales2019-05-02T07:28:43+00:00

You choose the most appropriate option

A completely invisible repair is usually possible, but in some cases a more economical option is preferable. We’ll recommend what we think is most appropriate, but the choice is yours.

For example, if only one panel is damaged on a fairly new wing, it may make sense to replace the entire panel exactly as is was when new. But if the damage is more extensive, or if the wing is older, then you may choose to have just the damaged sections replaced, even though that means that there may be additional seams visible.

Take a look here to get an idea of the different options.

When we give you a quote we’ll also let you know how soon we think your kit will be ready. The timescale for a repair can vary depending on how much work is involved, what materials might need ordering, and the level of demand from other pilots for repairs. In many cases repairs are completed within two or three weeks, but this can be longer particularly over the busy flying months of the year.

Reinstall2018-12-21T17:49:35+00:00

It’s vital that the reserve is compatible with the harness or front mounted container to ensure a swift and easy deployment. So we check to make sure that:

  • The reserve folds comfortably into the deployment bag

  • The lines slip out of the mouthlock easily

  • The bridles and maillons are in good condition

  • The bridle and lines are long enough to allow a good swing without the mouthlock releasing

  • The reserve comes out easily without needing too much force

  • The pins release readily

Check over the risers2018-12-23T10:36:48+00:00

We check the risers, maillons, brake handles and speed system are all as they should be.

Webbing can become damaged through wear such as line burn from brake lines when ground handling. Brake and speed systems need to run smoothly. Maillons must be secure, and movement of the main line loops around the maillon should be restricted by maillon inserts or O rings.

Pay when the repair is complete2019-05-02T07:27:40+00:00

We’ll complete your repair as quickly as possible

We normally only bill when the job is complete and ready to be despatched back to you. We may ask you to pay an element up-front if there’s a significant amount of material that we have to order in especially.

Inspect lines for damage2018-12-23T10:36:55+00:00

We examine every line carefully to check they are not damaged.

A careful and thorough inspection of the lines is important to confirm there is no physical damage that might reduce individual line strength. If we find extensive damage to the lines, we would let you know before making replacements. We carry a wide range of line material, so can usually match the original line exactly. Occasionally we do not have the identical colour or pattern, but you can be confident that the technical performance will always match or exceed the original specification.

QR Code2020-10-24T14:17:10+00:00

Rapid access to the latest service report applied to the inside of your wing.

After completing your wing service, a unique QR code will be generated containing a link to the latest service report for your wing.

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