Three reasons for APCO Mayday PP 16.
- SAFE
Classic pulled-down-apex round canopy
PDA construction, PN4 cloth, 180 kg nylon lines, short Dyneema bridle. Certification DHV GS-02-0004-88.
- PERFORMANCE
Sink rate 6.3 m/s, max load 106 kg
23 m², 16 gores, 1.890 kg, packed volume 4000 cc, packed size 28.5 × 23.0 × 14.0 cm.
- DURABLE
In service since 1984
Over 30,000 pieces — “hundreds of life saving deployments … from beginners to world champions” according to APCO.
About this model.
Mayday round canopies come as Regular, Light and Superlight for paragliding, paramotoring and hang-gliding, plus a tandem version. APCO has built the Mayday since 1984 and put over 30,000 pieces into service. Regular models: PN4 cloth, 180 kg nylon lines, short Dyneema bridle. Compared with the Square models the sink rate is higher.
Maintenance: APCO's manual recommends a repack every six months by a qualified person — in Germany a repack is mandated at least annually. After a deployment a professional repack is mandatory.
Manuals and certificates.
Gallery.
Frequently asked questions about the APCO Mayday PP 16.
Does this reserve suit my weight?
Up to 106 kg suspended load according to the manufacturer. The PP 16 is the smallest round canopy in the range. Use your complete take-off weight.
What is special about this design?
Classic round canopy with 16 gores and pulled-down apex (PDA), 23 m², PN4 cloth, 180 kg nylon lines. Sink rate 6.3 m/s at maximum load — higher than the Square models. APCO lists as key traits: dependable fast opening, low sink rate, high strength.
How is the Mayday PP 16 certified?
Certification according to the manufacturer: DHV GS-02-0004-88. The reserve is made by APCO in Caesarea, Israel. The test report is available as a download.
How often must the reserve be repacked?
APCO's manual strongly recommends having the reserve repacked every six months by a qualified person; in Germany a repack is mandated at least annually — whether you flew or the reserve sat in its container all season. After every deployment it must be repacked before the next use. If the reserve gets damp, the manual requires opening it, drying it out of direct sunlight and repacking only when completely dry.
How long may I fly the reserve?
The Mayday manual for this model gives no fixed service life. In the newer Square manual APCO states for all Mayday products: older than ten years means retire it, even if it looks fine, and recommends an annual airworthiness check. Storage per manual: cool and dry, beware of mildew, protect from UV.
Will it fit my container?
Packed volume is 4000 cc at 1.890 kg, packed size 28.5 × 23.0 × 14.0 cm. Container and reserve must match: if the container is too large the reserve sits loosely and can shift; if it is too small you cannot stow it cleanly and it comes out less easily in an emergency. Tell us your harness and we will check the combination before you order.
