FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Nebulus Emergency Flotation Device for Powered Parachutes

What is the intended use of the Nebulus PPC 1.0?
The Nebulus PPC (Powered Parachute) 1.0 device is intended to be used as temporary flotation for ultralight aircraft during an emergency water landing. The device provides flotation for a semisubmerged ultralight aircraft, a strap for users to hold onto and creates flotsam for searchers. It does not provide a “life raft” for the users.

What is the weight of the Nebulus PPC 1.0?
The undeployed (packed) device weighs 6.5 lbs (3 kg).

What are the dimensions of the Nebulus PPC 1.0 when it’s packed?
Inches: 18 x 7 x 3.5 (Length x Width x Depth)
Millimeters: 457 x 178 x 89 (Length x Width x Depth)

What are the dimensions of the Nebulus PPC 1.0 when it’s deployed?
Inches: 48 x 47 x 3.5 x 30 (Length x Width x Depth)
Millimeters: 1219 x 1194 x 762 (Length x Width x Depth)

What is the shape of the Nebulus PPC 1.0 when it’s deployed?
The inflated/deployed Nebulus PPC 1.0 resembles a large pillow.

How much flotation does the Nebulus PPC 1.0 provide?
500 lbs (227 kg). The inflated Nebulus has 9 cubic feet (255 liters) of volume.

My Aircraft weighs 750 pounds on land. Will the Nebulus PPC 1.0 device still float it?
When deployed and in use, the Nebulus PPC 1.0 device holds the submerged aircraft (approximately three feet) under water. Because the ultra light is under water, the Nebulus device does not need to support the entire ‘dry’ weight of the aircraft. When an ultra light aircraft is submerged, it can lose two thirds of its weight on land due to displacement and air pockets created.

How is the Nebulus PPC 1.0 inflated?
Manually, via a ripcord. The user pulls/jerks the red-handled ripcord on one end of the device. Doing so punctures one canister, releasing CO2 into the device to inflate it.

How quickly does the Nebulus PPC 1.0 inflate?
The device inflates in a two-stage process:
1) After the red handle is pulled, the device begins to inflate immediately. Within 30 seconds the device inflates to its deployed shape and volume.
2) Over the next couple of minutes, the device becomes more taut as residual CO2 fills the device.

How long will the Nebulus PPC 1.0 stay inflated?
The Nebulus PPC 1.0 will stay fully inflated for at least 72 hours. After that time it will slowly deflate.

How many times can the Nebulus PPC 1.0 be used?
One time. Deploying the device punctures a weld in the CO2 bottle used to inflate the device, requiring it to be replaced before the device can be used again.

Can I get my Nebulus PPC 1.0 recharged?
The Nebulus PPC 1.0 is designed as a one-time-use-only device. During its deployment the inflating bladder bursts through the container, destroying it. Also, due to the stresses of an emergency landing in water on the bladder, JTW requires that the Nebulus PPC 1.0 be used only once.

How is the Nebulus PPC 1.0 deflated after use?
Each Nebulus PPC 1.0 has a pressure release valve (PRV) located on the top of the device — a black, plastic, round object, 2 inches in diameter. Simply unscrew the collar (counterclockwise) to release the gas from the bladder.

Where should the Nebulus PPC 1.0 be attached?
Due to the variation in ultralight aircraft design, the location will differ depending on the type of aircraft it is being attached to. Regardless, these rules of thumb should always be followed:
1. The device should be attached in a location that places the activation lanyard within easy reach of the user.
2. The device should be attached to a structural beam/strut of the ultralight aircraft.
3. The device should be placed in a location that will not allow the deployed bladder to come in contact with any sharp objects or hot engine parts (e.g., propeller and exhaust manifold)

How is the Nebulus PPC 1.0 attached to an ultra light aircraft?
There are 2 parts to the attachment process.
1. Loop the webbing straps with the quick-links around the airframe/strut and securely close the gates on the quick links. These straps will hold the device to the ultra light after it has been deployed.
2. Tighten the Velcro straps around the airframe/strut to secure the packed Nebulus device to the ultra light.

Is any special training required to use the Nebulus PPC 1.0?
No. Any pilot can use the Nebulus PPC 1.0 device.

What is the service time for the Nebulus PPC 1.0?
We recommend that the Nebulus PPC 1.0 device is returned to JTW every three years for servicing.

What temperature range can the Nebulus PPC 1.0 be used in?
-40°F to 150°F.

How long has the Nebulus PPC 1.0 been in use?
Since 2002. The Nebulus PPC 1.0 has been attached to aircraft in states from Hawaii to Maine.

What is the Nebulus PPC 1.0 made of?
The Nebulus PPC 1.0 is made of 200 denier nylon coated on one side with a polyurethane film.

What does the Nebulus PPC 1.0 cost?
$325.00 (US) includes shipping and handling. For orders outside the continental United States, please call for shipping prices and availability.

Where can I purchase a Nebulus PPC 1.0?
At this time, the Nebulus PPC 1.0 is only available direct via JTW Associates. It can be purchased online at www.nebulusflotation.com or by calling 1-800-682-8039.