Reserve PC Material

[yoink 321]

Just wondering why the reserve PC is F1-11 and not ZP?

The thing that immediately springs to mind would be if the ZP got a tear by catching on the spring somehow and blew up... that'd suck.

Is this the only reason or are there ZP reserve PCs out there?

[darkwing 5]

PD asserts that for main pilot chutes at least, the PC is more consistent if made of F-111. I couldn't find their document which describes it in a quick search though, but I have read it.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[mouth 0]

On my newer stuff SunPath put an f111 main PC. Derek said that is what they recommended. It is easy to pack neatly if nothing else.

--
Hot Mama
At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit.

[skydiverton 0]

Easier to pack??

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Using your droque to gain stability is a bad habit,
Especially when you are jumping a sport rig

[mr2mk1g 10]

Advantages: F111 is slightly stronger and slightly easier to work with.

Disadvantages: It wears out quicker by comparison to ZP (if I can put it like that).

In the case of a reserve pilot chute which is only likely to see the light of day something like 20 times in it's life, (that's if it's not actually lost when used in the field), I suspect that the wear issue really doesn't come into it.

Therefore we're left with two small advantages... why not take advantage of them?

At least, that's my take on it. A rigger may well know different.

[riggerrob 643]

First of all, the difference between new F-111 and ZP fabric is insignificant.
Lots of riggers cannot tell the difference at arm's length.
The only way I can tell the difference is by rattling or crinkling fabric samples.
F-111 is still used because of tradition and the hassle of updating TSO paperwork.
A couple of manufacturers (i.e. Fliteline) have built ZP pilot chutes and they work well.