After-Flight Care

Transport#

When transporting the motor and frame, strap it securely in place from large movements. If traveling on bumpy roads, please store the battery upright or lay it flat on its side in its foam case.

Transport Guidelines#

Frame & Motor:

• Secure frame to prevent movement
• Protect propeller (remove or cover)
• Keep electronics dry
• Avoid extreme temperatures

Battery:

• Preferred: Upright position in foam case
• Acceptable: Flat on its side in foam case
• Never: Upside down
• Never: Loose or unsecured

Vehicle Transport#

The SP140 fits in most vehicles when disassembled:

• Standard car trunks
• SUV cargo areas
• Van interiors
• Pickup truck beds (weather protection recommended)

See Dimensions for transport size specifications.

Short- & Long-Term Storage#

For long-term storage, store the entire paramotor in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent degradation of the fabrics in the harness and battery pack due to environmental factors.

Optimal Storage Conditions#

For storage over one week:

• Temperature: 10-25°C (50-77°F)
• State of Charge: 30-50% SOC
• Humidity: Low, away from high humidity
• Location: Cool, dry, indoor space

Storage by Duration#

Short-Term (< 1 week):

• Can store at any SOC above 20%
• Room temperature acceptable
• No special preparation needed

Long-Term (> 1 week):

• Charge/discharge to 30-50% SOC
• Store in temperature-controlled environment
• Check battery monthly (see maintenance schedule)

Extended Storage (> 1 month):

• 30-50% SOC critical
• Check battery every 2-3 weeks
• Consider disconnecting battery
• Store in climate-controlled space

Cold Weather Operations#

Operating in very cold environments (sub-0°C temperatures) is not a problem for the SP140. However, avoid storing the battery pack outside in those temperatures, as the battery pack’s maximum energy output will be reduced if cooled to those temperatures.

Cold Weather Guidelines#

Normal cold weather flying, even at -20°C, is fine because:

• Internal heating of cells during use protects the battery
• Performance decrease only occurs during long-term cold storage
• Motor and ESC are rated for cold operation

Before Cold Weather Flight:

1. Store battery in warm environment before flight
2. Allow battery to warm to 10°C+ if possible
3. Expect slightly reduced capacity initially
4. Monitor battery temperature during flight

After Cold Weather Flight:

1. Bring battery inside promptly
2. Allow to warm to room temperature naturally
3. Do not charge while cold
4. Check for any frost or condensation

Cold Storage Effects:

• Reduced available capacity
• Slower discharge rates possible
• No permanent damage if not charged cold
• Normal operation resumes at room temperature

Scheduled Maintenance#

There’s not much maintenance needed, as there are no motor rebuilds, oil changes, carb tuning, and essentially no moving parts, unlike a gas motor. A few things to keep an eye on below.

Pre-Flight Inspection (Every Flight)#

Frame & Structure:

• Check all bolts for tightness
• Inspect frame for cracks or damage
• Verify hoop connectors are secure
• Check netting for tears or wear

Propeller:

• Inspect for chips, cracks, or damage
• Check mounting bolts
• Verify quick-release mechanism
• Look for balance issues

Harness:

• Inspect straps for wear
• Check buckles and fasteners
• Verify attachment points
• Test safety release

Electrical:

• Check connectors for corrosion
• Verify cables are secure
• Inspect hand controller
• Test power on/off

Battery Maintenance (Every 3 Weeks)#

Use the OpenPPG app to:

1. Connect to battery via Bluetooth
2. Check cell voltages:
   • All cells should be > 3.3V
   • Cells should be balanced (within 0.05V)
3. If any cell < 3.3V:
   • Charge immediately to 3.8V minimum
   • Do not store below 3.3V
4. Check for alerts or warnings
5. Log battery health data

Long-Term Maintenance#

Annually:

• Deep inspection of all components
• Check for wear on moving parts
• Inspect electrical connections
• Update firmware if available
• Professional inspection recommended

As Needed:

• Replace damaged propeller
• Replace worn straps
• Repair damaged netting
• Update software/firmware

Battery Care#

Charging Best Practices#

• Charge in temperature-controlled environment (10-30°C)
• Use only OpenPPG-approved charger
• Do not leave unattended while charging
• Stop charging if battery becomes hot
• Store charger in dry location

Battery Health#

Monitor via OpenPPG App:

• Cell balance
• Total cycles
• Capacity degradation
• Temperature history
• Voltage trends

Signs of Battery Issues:

• Cells not balancing
• Rapid voltage drop
• Excessive heat
• Reduced capacity
• Physical damage

If Issues Detected:

• Contact OpenPPG support:
• Do not fly with damaged battery
• Follow warranty procedures if applicable

Cleaning & Care#

Frame & Components#

• Wipe down with damp cloth
• Remove dirt and debris
• Avoid high-pressure water
• Dry thoroughly after cleaning
• Inspect while cleaning

Electronics#

• Keep dry
• Protect from dust
• Do not submerge
• Use electronics cleaner if needed
• Check for corrosion

Propeller#

• Clean with mild soap and water
• Inspect for damage while cleaning
• Dry completely
• Check balance after cleaning
• Store in protective case

Record Keeping#

Maintain records of:

• Flight hours
• Battery cycles
• Maintenance performed
• Issues encountered
• Repairs completed

Use the OpenPPG app for automatic logging of:

• Flight time
• Battery usage
• System alerts
• Maintenance reminders

When to Seek Professional Service#

Contact OpenPPG support if you experience:

• Persistent system alerts
• Battery issues
• Structural damage
• Electrical problems
• Performance degradation
• Any safety concerns

Support Contact:

• Email:
• Forum: community.openppg.com
• See Support & Contact for full details

Advantages of Electric Maintenance#

Unlike gas paramotors, the SP140 requires:

• No oil changes
• No spark plug replacement
• No carburetor tuning
• No engine rebuilds
• No fuel system maintenance
• No exhaust system service

This makes the SP140 one of the lowest-maintenance paramotors available.

Next Steps#

• Review Warranty Information
• Download the OpenPPG app for maintenance tracking
• Join the community at community.openppg.com
• Contact support with any questions