Slinks Manufacturer's Approval

[Hooknswoop 19]

In the interest of making an argument a moot point, will manufacturers of reserves and containers please post approval/disapproval of using PD’s reserve Slinks with your container and/or reserve?

If approvals are all in one place, this will eliminate rigger's calling and asking for it.

Derek

[slotperfect 7]

Since not all manufacturers post here, I will be glad to shoot out a broadcast email to all of the US manufacturers and post the results here.

I know of three types of "soft" links here in the US:

PD Slinks, Precision Wrap-It Links, and Aerodyne's P1487-01 Links

Are there any more??

BTW - I already found this document from Aerodyne as written proof that their P1487-01 soft link has received TSO C23d as a separate component. The document also specifically authorizes uses of the P1487-01 links with both the Smart and Tempo reserve.

I have a little more homework to do before I send out the shotgun email. I'll get back to you!

Arrive Safely

John

[PhreeZone 20]

Here is a document stating PD's SR-1 are approved for reserve use: http://www.performancedesigns.com/slink.asp

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[beezyshaw 0]

If the components (in this case the soft connector links) are "approved" components (meaining they have received TSO approval), then it is entirely up to the rigger to determine if those connector links are suitable for use with a particular canopy. Conversly, if a connector link has not recieved TSO approval, no manufacturer of a reserve canopy can approve their use with a TSO'd canopy (if that canopy is being used as an emergency parachute).

Advisory Circular (AC) 105-2c is an interpretation of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) that allows a rigger to determine compatability of separate components. Here is what the FAA says:

11. ASSEMBLY OF MAJOR PARACHUTE COMPONENTS.

a. The assembly or mating of approved parachute components
from different manufacturers may be made by a certificated
appropriately rated parachute rigger or parachute loft in
accordance with the parachute manufacturer's instructions and
without further authorization by the manufacturer or the FAA.
Specifically, when various parachute components are interchanged,
the parachute rigger should follow the canopy manufacturer's
instructions as well as the parachute container manufacturer's
instructions. However, the container manufacturer's instructions
take precedence when there is a conflict between the two.

b. Assembled Parachute Components Must be Compatible. Each
component of the resulting assembly must function properly and
may not interfere with the operation of the other components.

As someone who has been involved with manufacturing of TSO'd parachutes for many years, here is something that I see as a bit of a grey area; unless a reserve canopy manufacturer specifically says (like in the owner's manual for the canopy) that you CANNOT use a particular component (brand x soft link) then it is up to the rigger to determine the compatibility and can use the link with any reserve that in his opinion is compatible. Many manufacturers feel they must "approve" all components themselves, but the way I see it, the FAA doesn't think so.