Owner´s manual vers. 12.06.2013 ref 1.0
Harness Matador
With the Matador you got one of the most comfortable and most functional harnesses, which is available on the market
at present. We thank you for the confidence, for buying the Matador harness.
Please read this operating instructions carefully and consider, that Independence can not be made liable for accidents
and damage, which result from disregarding of the operating instructions.
-Type certified back protector
-Passing-trough shoulder belts for optimal comfort
-maximum pilot weight: 120 kg
-unloaded weight: 4.5 kg
-seat position in flight adjustable
Technical description:
Overview:
Fly-market GmbH & Co. KG
Am Schönebach 3
D-87637 Eisenberg
Tel.: 08364-98330
Fax: 08364-983333
e-mail: info@independence.aero
gliders for real pilots
independence
www.independence-world.com
f)
g)
b)
c)
f)
a) Rescue system container
b) Lateral chest-belt
c) Safety device lateral chest belt
d) Safe-T-System
e) Fixing loop for leg-strap (optional)
f) Main suspension
g) Rescue system release-handle
h) Rings for speed-bar-line
d)
f)
h)
h)
g) a)
d)
e)
g)
f)
h)
h)
g)
f)
b)
c)
f)
e)
f)
h)
h)
a)
d)
g)
e)
1. Adjustment possibilities:
Adjustment possibilities exist at the shoulder belts, the chest belt, the lateral chest belts and the leg loops. By the
versatile adjusting possibilities of the Matador we recommend in any case that all adjustments are done in a simulator
before the first flight to guarantee an optimal seat comfort.
Adjusting of the chest belt:
The chest belt is closed with the Click-Lock-buckles. If the chest belt is closed, also the falling out safety device (Safe-T-
System) is closed. The Click-Lock-buckles must be closed audibly! The chest belt should not be tightened too closely.
Unintentional opening of this buckle is not possible, because both buttons at it´s side must be pressed at the same time to
open.
Adjusting of the shoulder belts:
Please note that with correct adjusting the shoulder belts are felt with light pressure on the shoulders. With the shoulder
belts you adjust the harness on the pilot´s height, but also you adjust the seat position between sitting and lying.
Adjusting of the lateral chest belts:
Adjusting the lateral chest belts takes place as third step and offers on the one hand again the variation of the seat position
between sitting and lying, on the other hand you adjust with the lateral chest belts the most comfortable seat position.
During adjusting it should be paid attention to the fact that the body load is distributed evenly on shoulder belt and lateral
chest belt. Please take care that the lateral chest belt is attached correctly to the main suspension´s carabiners as shown
at point c).
Adjusting of the leg loops:
When you put the harness on, please take care that the Click-Lock-buckles are closed correctly and audibly. The leg loops
should be fastened tight but should leave still enough space, for the starting and landing phase, where the legs should
have still some space to move.
Attaching the speed-bar:
The speed-bar runs from the riser as follows: rear ring at the lateral cover, rear pulley-roll at the seatboard, frontal pulley-
roll, frontal ring at the cover, small ring at the frontal edge of the seatboard.
You have to take care in any case, that the length of the speed-bar is adjusted so short, that the release of the
rescue-system is not hindered in any way (see illustration). Out of this reason the length of the speed-bar-line
have to be adjusted in a simulator before flight!
Attention: If you use an additional fixed leg-strap, you also have to take care, that the function of the rescue-
system-container under the seatboard is not hindered in any way!
If not in use, both the speed-bar and the leg-strap can cause the problem that they can be blown behind the
rescue-system-container, what makes a release of the rescue-system impossible!!
WRONG!!!
Leg-strap too long!
Speed-bar
too deep!
Upper step
max. 5-8cm
under the frontal
edge of seatboard
Now the separable side of the legstrap is put through the upper, bigger metalring on the right side at the frontal
edge of the harness. The white loop runs first through the lower ring (a), and then through the upper ring (b) of
the legstrap. Then it gets fixed with the single yellow cable (c).
Attaching a fixed leg-strap with cut-away-system:
By attaching a leg-strap with a cut-away-sytem, a release of the rescue-parachute cuts off the connection of the
legstrap automatically on one side. Thereby the rescue-parachute can be released correctly even if the length
of the legstrap is adjusted long.
Attach as follow:
First the rescue-system has to be built-in as mentioned under point 2.
Description rescue system release-handle:
This single yellow cable runs from the rescue-system´s release-handle to the cut-away system of the legstrap
inside of the harness, as you can see in the picture.
Finally the neopren-cover has to be put over the end of the cable, and the rescue-release-handle has to be attached
as mentioned under point 2. (Built-in of the rescue-system).
If an additional speed-bar is used at the same time, you have to take care that both systems (the lag-strap and
the speed-bar) are attached correctly and don´t hinder each other in any way, to be sure that both are working
properly.
(b)
single yellow cable to
attach and cut-away
the leg-strap.
Two yellow cables for
closing the rescue-system´s
container (see at point 2)
Loop for connecting to the
rescue-system (see at point2)
(a)
(b)
put in the cable...
(c)
...and let it come out of the
therefore assigned opening.
Leg-strap
Speedbar
put over the neopren cover
Attention:
By using this cut-away-system another part is added to the release-mechanism of the rescue-system,
which can hinder the release of the rescue-sytem, if it´s not attached or maintained correctly. Out of this
reason the function has to be checked in any case by a compatibilty-check.
Furthermore the function of the cut-away-mechanism has to be checked before every flight!
This is especially important if you use the leg-strap and a speed-bar at the same time, because the speed-
bar´s line is running just a few centimeters below the release-cable of the leg-strap´s cut-away mechanism.
1. Adjustment possibilities:
Adjustment possibilities exist at the shoulder belts, the chest belt, the lateral chest belts and the leg loops. By the
versatile adjusting possibilities of the Matador we recommend in any case that all adjustments are done in a simulator
before the first flight to guarantee an optimal seat comfort.
Adjusting of the chest belt:
The chest belt is closed with the Click-Lock-buckles. If the chest belt is closed, also the falling out safety device (Safe-T-
System) is closed. The Click-Lock-buckles must be closed audibly! The chest belt should not be tightened too closely.
Unintentional opening of this buckle is not possible, because both buttons at it´s side must be pressed at the same time to
open.
Adjusting of the shoulder belts:
Please note that with correct adjusting the shoulder belts are felt with light pressure on the shoulders. With the shoulder
belts you adjust the harness on the pilot´s height, but also you adjust the seat position between sitting and lying.
Adjusting of the lateral chest belts:
Adjusting the lateral chest belts takes place as third step and offers on the one hand again the variation of the seat position
between sitting and lying, on the other hand you adjust with the lateral chest belts the most comfortable seat position.
During adjusting it should be paid attention to the fact that the body load is distributed evenly on shoulder belt and lateral
chest belt. Please take care that the lateral chest belt is attached correctly to the main suspension´s carabiners as shown
at point c).
Adjusting of the leg loops:
When you put the harness on, please take care that the Click-Lock-buckles are closed correctly and audibly. The leg loops
should be fastened tight but should leave still enough space, for the starting and landing phase, where the legs should
have still some space to move.
Attaching the speed-bar:
The speed-bar runs from the riser as follows: rear ring at the lateral cover, rear pulley-roll at the seatboard, frontal pulley-
roll, frontal ring at the cover, small ring at the frontal edge of the seatboard.
You have to take care in any case, that the length of the speed-bar is adjusted so short, that the release of the
rescue-system is not hindered in any way (see illustration). Out of this reason the length of the speed-bar-line
have to be adjusted in a simulator before flight!
Attention: If you use an additional fixed leg-strap, you also have to take care, that the function of the rescue-
system-container under the seatboard is not hindered in any way!
If not in use, both the speed-bar and the leg-strap can cause the problem that they can be blown behind the
rescue-system-container, what makes a release of the rescue-system impossible!!
WRONG!!!
Leg-strap too long!
Speed-bar
too deep!
Upper step
max. 5-8cm
under the frontal
edge of seatboard
Now the separable side of the legstrap is put through the upper, bigger metalring on the right side at the frontal
edge of the harness. The white loop runs first through the lower ring (a), and then through the upper ring (b) of
the legstrap. Then it gets fixed with the single yellow cable (c).
Attaching a fixed leg-strap with cut-away-system:
By attaching a leg-strap with a cut-away-sytem, a release of the rescue-parachute cuts off the connection of the
legstrap automatically on one side. Thereby the rescue-parachute can be released correctly even if the length
of the legstrap is adjusted long.
Attach as follow:
First the rescue-system has to be built-in as mentioned under point 2.
Description rescue system release-handle:
This single yellow cable runs from the rescue-system´s release-handle to the cut-away system of the legstrap
inside of the harness, as you can see in the picture.
Finally the neopren-cover has to be put over the end of the cable, and the rescue-release-handle has to be attached
as mentioned under point 2. (Built-in of the rescue-system).
If an additional speed-bar is used at the same time, you have to take care that both systems (the lag-strap and
the speed-bar) are attached correctly and don´t hinder each other in any way, to be sure that both are working
properly.
(b)
single yellow cable to
attach and cut-away
the leg-strap.
Two yellow cables for
closing the rescue-system´s
container (see at point 2)
Loop for connecting to the
rescue-system (see at point2)
(a)
(b)
put in the cable...
(c)
...and let it come out of the
therefore assigned opening.
Leg-strap
Speedbar
put over the neopren cover
Attention:
By using this cut-away-system another part is added to the release-mechanism of the rescue-system,
which can hinder the release of the rescue-sytem, if it´s not attached or maintained correctly. Out of this
reason the function has to be checked in any case by a compatibilty-check.
Furthermore the function of the cut-away-mechanism has to be checked before every flight!
This is especially important if you use the leg-strap and a speed-bar at the same time, because the speed-
bar´s line is running just a few centimeters below the release-cable of the leg-strap´s cut-away mechanism.
Attention:
After every installation of a rescue-system in a harness there must be a test if the opening force is between 2
and 5 daN. If harness and rescue parachute are combined the first time a compatibility check have to be done
by a authorized person!
Put the bridle into the container. It must be between
the inner-container and the harness. The connection
to the handle must be also between the inner-
container and the harness, as shown on the picture.
That means it has to be on the inner side. So you
can be sure that the rescue-system can be pulled
out easily.
Enclosed handle have to be attached as
short as possible at the inner container of
the rescue-system.
Bridle of the rescue-system have to be
connected with the bridle of the harness..
Close the container with two packing cords. First
the lateral container flaps are closed.
The connection of the handle runs between the
splitted lateral flaps.
You have to take care that the connection of the
handle is not hindered in any way and is still long
enough, so that you can be sure that the pull is
coming first on the yellow closing-cable and not on
the connection to the inner container.
2. Mounting the rescue-system:
Now close the frontal container flap, and fix it with
the lower yellow closing-cables. Never ever put the
long part of the cable through both loops!!!
Finally, like already mentioned earlier in the text, you
have to put the free single cable into the harness´
channel...
...and let it come out of the small opening at the
frontal edge of the harness.
Put the both ends of the handle in the two therefore
assigned openings.
Put in the flaps 1) and 2).
1)
2)
Operating notes:
Operation of the protector:
The Matador has a type certified back protector made out of a special foam, which is sewn in a nylon fabric cover.
Before every take off you have to check that the protector is completely filled up with air. Especially on low
temperatures and after long disuse of the protector (if compressed during storage) it may take a little longer to be
inflated completely.
During a hard landing the air inside of the protector will be compressed and the air will be deflated through the
seams of the nylon fabric cover. The resulting deceleration distributes the impact energy over a longer period and
protects the spine from extreme peak loads. The G-forces achieved in the type certification were very good.
However, even the best back protection does not guarantee the prevention of back injuries!!!
For this reason, the protector should not be used for unnecessary seat board landings. With every use the protector
will be less efficient and the effect of protection less - even if no damage is visible.
If a damage is visible the protector is not to be used anymore as well as after a hard landing!! In this case the
protector must be exchanged or repaired from an authorised dealer/workshop.
Before use of the harness the following points should be checked:
! Outer shell of the protector and the entire belt system intact?
! Protector fully inflated?
! Rescue container and release handle properly closed?
! Acceleration system (if any) properly mounted and adjusted?
! All harness buckles properly closed and adjusted?
Maintenance / service life of the protector:
The protector is almost maintenance free. Before each use the protector should be checked to be in right position
and fully inflated. The protector is, because of to the mounting position between rescue container and seat board,
protected from mechanical damage. Visible damage (holes, cracks) must be repaired, otherwise the outer shell
can break during an impact with a loss of damping.
After a hard landing with the use of the protector and if a damage is visible the protector must be repaired or
exchanged by the manufacturer or an authorised dealer/workshop.
Tandem flights:
The Matador is suitable as a passenger harness (without a rescue system built in). It is not suitable as a pilot
harness because the rescue container will not fit for a tandem rescue systems.
Attention:
After every installation of a rescue-system in a harness there must be a test if the opening force is between 2
and 5 daN. If harness and rescue parachute are combined the first time a compatibility check have to be done
by a authorized person!
Put the bridle into the container. It must be between
the inner-container and the harness. The connection
to the handle must be also between the inner-
container and the harness, as shown on the picture.
That means it has to be on the inner side. So you
can be sure that the rescue-system can be pulled
out easily.
Enclosed handle have to be attached as
short as possible at the inner container of
the rescue-system.
Bridle of the rescue-system have to be
connected with the bridle of the harness..
Close the container with two packing cords. First
the lateral container flaps are closed.
The connection of the handle runs between the
splitted lateral flaps.
You have to take care that the connection of the
handle is not hindered in any way and is still long
enough, so that you can be sure that the pull is
coming first on the yellow closing-cable and not on
the connection to the inner container.
2. Mounting the rescue-system:
Now close the frontal container flap, and fix it with
the lower yellow closing-cables. Never ever put the
long part of the cable through both loops!!!
Finally, like already mentioned earlier in the text, you
have to put the free single cable into the harness´
channel...
...and let it come out of the small opening at the
frontal edge of the harness.
Put the both ends of the handle in the two therefore
assigned openings.
Put in the flaps 1) and 2).
1)
2)
Operating notes:
Operation of the protector:
The Matador has a type certified back protector made out of a special foam, which is sewn in a nylon fabric cover.
Before every take off you have to check that the protector is completely filled up with air. Especially on low
temperatures and after long disuse of the protector (if compressed during storage) it may take a little longer to be
inflated completely.
During a hard landing the air inside of the protector will be compressed and the air will be deflated through the
seams of the nylon fabric cover. The resulting deceleration distributes the impact energy over a longer period and
protects the spine from extreme peak loads. The G-forces achieved in the type certification were very good.
However, even the best back protection does not guarantee the prevention of back injuries!!!
For this reason, the protector should not be used for unnecessary seat board landings. With every use the protector
will be less efficient and the effect of protection less - even if no damage is visible.
If a damage is visible the protector is not to be used anymore as well as after a hard landing!! In this case the
protector must be exchanged or repaired from an authorised dealer/workshop.
Before use of the harness the following points should be checked:
! Outer shell of the protector and the entire belt system intact?
! Protector fully inflated?
! Rescue container and release handle properly closed?
! Acceleration system (if any) properly mounted and adjusted?
! All harness buckles properly closed and adjusted?
Maintenance / service life of the protector:
The protector is almost maintenance free. Before each use the protector should be checked to be in right position
and fully inflated. The protector is, because of to the mounting position between rescue container and seat board,
protected from mechanical damage. Visible damage (holes, cracks) must be repaired, otherwise the outer shell
can break during an impact with a loss of damping.
After a hard landing with the use of the protector and if a damage is visible the protector must be repaired or
exchanged by the manufacturer or an authorised dealer/workshop.
Tandem flights:
The Matador is suitable as a passenger harness (without a rescue system built in). It is not suitable as a pilot
harness because the rescue container will not fit for a tandem rescue systems.
Towing:
The Matador is suitable for towing if the main carabiners are used as attachment points for the towing release. There are no
separate attachment points to mount a towing release!
Please check the towing release manual for a correct adaption on the harness.
Behavior in particular cases
During water and strong wind landings the pilot should disconnect himself as soon as possible from the paraglider /
harness after landing.
For tree landings, etc. the pilot should first secure himself against a possible crash and should wait for professional help.
Contrary to above recommendations, it is possible that a different behavior as described is required. The variety of
possible situations not allows an universal or general advise for the right behavior. The right behavior is a case-to-case
decision in full responsibility of the pilot.
Lifetime and replacement of parts, repair advice
The Matador was designed for high loads and stress. High demands were set in the choice of materials. The lifetime of the
harness depends on a high degree of awareness and treatment of the pilot. We recommend to inspect the harness
periodically for signs of wear. If necessary damaged components must be replaced.
Especially make sure that defective seams and materials will be replaced immediately by an authorized workshop.
Furthermore there is always the possibility to send the harness for an inspection to the manufacturer.
If the harness is dirty, clean it only with water. Avoid mechanical stress as brush and rub. Chemical cleaners will damage
fabric and webbing.
Maintenance, inspection, periodic check:
The Matador is almost maintenance free but it requires a regular check for damage. Regular inspection gives you the
guarantee of a full function of the harness.
Take particulary care that no dirt gets into the mechanic of the buckles and that all moving parts of the buckle are running
free and are not damaged. If needed you can oil the buckles a little bit.
The maintenence of the protector is described separate.
The harness must undergo at least after 24 months a complete check. The carabiner must be replaced according the
carabiner manufacturer instructions, lately after 1000 hours or 5 years. The periodic check must be documented.
Storage and transport:
In order to prevent unnecessary weakening of the harness we recommend for storage and transport:
- avoid high temperatures (for example: closed car in summer)
- avoid dealing with fire, sharp objects and chemicals close the harness
- avoid unnecessary long exposure to sunlight as ultraviolet radiation destroys the molecular structure of the material
- avoid contact with salt water or acid liquids
- if the harness is not in use for a long time, especially the back protector should not be stored compressed. Store the
harness in a cool, dry place.
Disposal:
The materials used in a paragliding harness require proper disposal. Please return the worn-out equipment to us. The
equipment will be disposed properly by us.
Nature- and environment friendly behaviour:
Actually it’s self evident, but nevertheless mentioned particularly: Please do our nature near sport in a way which do not
stress nature and environment!
Please do not walk beside the marked ways, don’t leave your litter, don’t make unnecessary loud noises and respect the
sensitive balance in the mountains.
Especially at the take-off we have to take care for the nature!
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