Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

Dear friend,

we’re giving you the following info so that you can spread the word among your customers.

Unfortunately we are experiencing unwanted openings of some of our light automatic buckles located on the main chest strap of our paragliding harnesses.

So far we haven’t experienced any such problem on our hang-gliding harnesses, most likely because these buckles aren’t subject to constant stress during flight.
However, we reckon it’s a good thing you can read the attached safety published by DHV that explains the procedure to make sure your buckle is full working.

The problem is only with some the chest buckles of our paragliding harnesses because these buckles are under constant stress due to the continuous oscillations of the glider. Our buckle has been designed to work even with just one side button closed and therefore it has been tested with one side button open for several thousands oscillation cycles in order to simulate the continuous work typical of the chest strap.
We are working with our buckle manufacturer to understand why, despite all the successful test results, one open side button determines the opening of some buckles.
we found out that the side button rarely jams irreversibly and most of the times it moves back to its original position simply by pressing on it slightly and, once there, the buckle will remain safely closed till the next opening/closure..

We apologize for the inconvenience you may have and we thank you in advance for your precious cooperation.

BR,
Woody Valley Staff

The problem is recognizable if one of the two release buttons is stuck or has a tendency to stick in the open position. Please make sure both buttons on each buckle are fully extended outward before each and every flight. Contact your dealer if one of your buttons is sticking.