Strong E - Warbird Digest

Strong Enterprises
SPECIAL RESOURCE SECTION
WARBIRD RESTORATION &
AVIATION PARTS COMPANIES
11236 Satellite Blvd., Orlando, FL 32837
Phone: (407) 859-9317 | Fax: (407) 850-6978
E-mail: sales@strongparachutes.com
www.StrongParachutes.com
Strong Enterprises
Parachutes Built Strong
... to Last Long!
T
HE PASSION that led to the formation
of Strong Enterprises dates back to
April 1958, when company founder, Ted
Strong, made his first parachute jump. Over the
years he grew the company from a single sewing
machine in a garage to its current 20,000 square
foot facility, with hundreds of machines.
The Orlando based company is the oldest full line parachute
manufacturer in the country, making parachutes for the aviation,
sport skydiving, and military markets. Having built ‘chutes for
customers ranging from four inches to 1200 square ft. proves that
even as a small business Strong Enterprises is flexible enough to
cater to your desires but large enough to meet your needs.
In 1975, the company introduced the Para-Cushion Pilot
Emergency Line. These systems feature the patented Pop-Top
container with externally mounted pilot chute. This configuration
means that while packed the systems have a slim profile, when
released the pilot chute quickly launches extracting the parachute
in a controlled manner for fast, clean deployments.
The company makes two models of seat Para-Cushions (Model
304 and Model 306) that are designed for use in aircraft with
restricted forward movement. Para-Cushion Sales Manager
Frank Bennage explains the difference, saying, “Both models
are designed to be used in place of the aircraft seat cushion. The
Model 304 is square to fit a wide variety of seats, while the Model
306 is shaped for the bucket style seats found in most warbirds.”
Both models have fully adjustable harnesses to ensure a proper,
supportive and comfortable fit.
The 26’ Mid-Lite reserve canopy is described by users as the
finest reserve canopy available. “Originally designed and tested
as a reserve parachute for sport skydivers, the Mid-Lite has been
extensively tested and has been proven to withstand shock loads
of 5000 pounds,” explains Chuck McHugh, Strong Enterprises
director of research and development. “When deciding what
38
Lee Lauderback, Stallion 51 Corporation has been a dealer
for Strong Enterprises for over 25 years!
canopy to use in the Para-Cushion series, there was no question
about whether the Mid-Lite would do the job.”
In 2011, warbird pilot Rob Davies was forced to bail out of the
P-51 Mustang ‘Big Beautiful Doll’ when a Douglas Skyraider
collided with him during the Flying Legends Airshow. Rob Davies
was wearing his Para-Cushion Model 304 with Mid-Lite canopy.
In the words of his daughter, Jules Davies, the “304 seat parachute
saved his life. He had a matter of seconds to deploy the chute
before hitting the ground and it ensured that he was able to walk
away from what should have been a fatal accident.” See a video of
the bailout and read Davies’ testimonial at www.bit.ly/StrongTest.
“With nearly 40 years of building the Para-Cushion Pilot
Emergency Line, and never having an Airworthiness Directive
(AD) note, it is evident that the systems are ‘Built Strong, to
Last Long!’” Bennage explains. “Strong Enterprises’ AS9100
certified quality system ensures our customers that we continue
to put quality and durability first. With our years of experience –
and multiple lives saved – we offer real peace of mind.”
WARBIRD DIGEST #52 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014
PARA
Pilot Emergency Parachute System
o
N ice
rv
Se ife!
L
Saving Lives for over 50 Years!
All Strong Enterprises
Para-Cushion Pilot
Emergency Systems are
made using only the finest
U.S. made materials.
Reli
Dep able
end
able
STR
ONG
!
Each system goes through
no less than 6 inspections
while being built.
With proper care and
maintenance your
Para-Cushion will last for
years. We place no end of
use “service life” on our
systems.
You can take to the sky in
a comfortable system that
fits your airplane with the
knowledge that you own
the very best!
www.StrongParachutes.com
Phone: 407-859-9317
Sales@StrongParachutes.com
In emergency
situations trust
the BEST!
Strong Enterprises
“The parachute company with imagination”