"I see you do your own rigging"

[peek 21]

"I see you do your own rigging"

A while back I visited a large drop zone, and when directed to the gear check station, which was operated by the on-site gear sales and rental company, was greeted with the above statement.

This person (rigger?) suggested to me that I be sure to place my seal symbol characters on the packing data card. (It did not have this notation.)

Am I a shade-tree mechanic?

(Warning: deliberate attempt at sacasm.)

[Unstable 9]

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Am I a shade-tree mechanic?

Meh - Take it with a Grain of Salt, Friend. That guy probably puts food on his table by packing - anything to get another customer....

=========Shaun ==========

[riggerrob 643]

Gary,

Maybe he is trying to talk you into buying one of those big, fancy, custom-made rubber stamps that includes your name, license number, seal symbol and shoe size.
Rubber stamps exude an air of professionalism, expose pencil packers for the bumbling amateurs that they are and prevent pimples on your unit.

[FrogNog 1]

"If you want something done right..."

-=-=-=-=-
Pull.

[tombuch 0]

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This person (rigger?) suggested to me that I be sure to place my seal symbol characters on the packing data card. (It did not have this notation.)

That makes it easier to match the packing card to the rig. When I'm checking in peoples rigs I always check the seal symbol and look for the same symbol on the card. Since you are a rigger and were using your own rig, it doesn't really matter...you can vouch for who you are and that it is your pack job.

Consider, however, that your customers may also be dealing with inspectors who look for the seal symbol on the data card. If you put it there it makes life easier and more secure for everybody, and it hardly takes any extra time. I wouldn't deny a visitor the right to jump a rig because the card doesn't have a rigger seal symbol, but it is a nice thing to see, and it demonstrates professionalism.

Now, you can argue that the FAA only requires that you seal the reserve with your symbol, and then put your certificate number on the data card, but legal isn't always enough. A bit of extra effort can go a long way.

(My seal symbol is S55...it's a cool one with all characters looking pretty much alike. I enjoy writing it out!)

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[diveout 0]

I've heard a rigger who would regularly do his own reserve packs, not really for anyone else.

This guy shows up at a boogie with an out of date rig, and has it pointed out to him. Says how sorry he is and that he will have it packed it shortly, he goes back into his RV with his rig, updates the paperwork on his card and logbook, and goes back into the tent with an in-date rig about 5 minutes later, with a "fresh pack job".

guy at the check station laughs, asks to see his actual FAA riggers ticket, and upon verifying this -checks his rig in, no problem.

[PhreeZone 20]

Hell, I was at a DZ and got shot down for being out of date one day, a pretty girl showed up a few minutes later out of date a bit more then that sat down in front of manifest pencil whipped an entry (she was'nt a rigger) handed the card over and was allowed to jump. I was'nt allowed to since I could'nt doctor my card first

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[skymedic 0]

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Consider, however, that your customers may also be dealing with inspectors who look for the seal symbol on the data card.

How do you know he has customers???

Marc
otherwise known as Mr.Fallinwoman....

[tombuch 0]

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How do you know he has customers???

From his web site located at: http://ww2.freefall.com/peek/peekbio.html

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He holds USPA Static Line, AFF, and Tandem Instructor/Examiner ratings and actively teaches student skydivers in all of these training methods, and has taught at numerous drop zones in the U.S.

Gary holds a Commercial Pilot certificate and is an occasional jump pilot when not jumping himself. He is also a Master Parachute Rigger and actively participates in the parachute rigging trade.

Gary has been a speaker at 5 PIA International Parachute Symposiums and has works closely with USPA's Safety and Training committee as well as equipment manufacturers with safety and instructional related information

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[masterrig 1]

I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock in what he said. He probably sees a lot of 'penciled' cards and was obviously un-aware of who you are. I'm sure, once he realized, probably felt a bit embarrassed.

Chuck