The following is a story about how we have upgraded our #3 landing pad by using sections and parts from four different vaulting pits and a new single ply common top pad.

This particular landing system is currently our favorite for use at other locations because of its easy tear-down, transportation, and assembly. It is currently comprised of old sections from Atascadero's old orange 16'wide x 12' deep, port-a-pit purchased in 1984, Cal Poly's old blue 16'6 x 14 deep Port-a-pit, purchased in 1986, Morro Bay's 16' wide x 13' deep pro-pit, purchased in 1988, the primary port-a pit top pad is encased in an old Pacer top pad cover and then tied with cloths line on two the key areas.

Photo one
Pads on the trailor and on the ground. Waiting to be re-assembled.

Photo two
Please note it is always best to store pads up-side down if no top cover is available to keep sun off the tops and to allow any water to drain out.

Photo three
When lining up the base unit sections we always put the highest sections in the middle two positions so that the water runs off to the side better when covered. Please note new Gill soft box in position.

Photo four and five
Here we set the front bun alignment put the box collar in place

Photo six
Here we tie the front buns together and shove the base unit sections up to the perfectly positioned front buns. This is also a good time to set the standard bases so that zero is at the top of the back of the box. It is also important to note that the base unit sections and the front buns are of unequal heights. Since the height difference is marginal, and we prefer to keep our landing pads high centered we have chosen to place the lower profile pads on the out side.

Photo seven
Here all sections are in place and we tie section to each other using clothes line.
Tommy throws a front flip to celebrate!!!

Photo eight
Here the group begins to drag the common top cover over to its proper position.
Its important to note that the yellow cover is a old gill 22' x 18' deep with an old Port-a pit cover and pad inside of it.

Photo nine
Here we spin the cover into its proper position. Please note that we have also extended the front buns with parts of old short buns by placing them opposite their normal positions.

Photo ten
Here we tie and fasten. Note the orange section in rear center. Since the center base unit sections are slightly shorter than the sides, we have elected to fit this piece between them for some extra protection. Please note it is very important to use lots of clothes line, and to tie off on as many places as possible. However it is also important to not tie the line too tightly so that the o-rings don't tear away.

Photo eleven
Here we have tied the first top pad in place and we arrange the second into position.

Photo twelve
Here we tie a second top cover into position. Although it is not necessary we elect to install it anyway, it will help to reduce wear on the older top pad underneath it. It is a single ply 19'8 wide x 16'5 deep cover that represents the new minimum astm and HS standard for PV pit sizes. Since it does not quite extend to the outside edges of the landing surface we take great care to tie it off in as many positions as possible to help keep the buckles on the out side edges from fly up when landed on.