Omega/Quick's Grounded

[Hooknswoop 19]

http://www.apf.asn.au/Documents/Rigging/Service_Bulletins/CASA/AD-PARA-14.pdf

Derek

[chopchop 0]

I don't understand why they grounded the reserve. How did the reserve contribute to the incidents?

chopchop
gotta go... Plaything needs a spanking..

Lotsa Pictures

[Hooknswoop 19]

Quote

How did the reserve contribute to the incidents?

No idea. I thought it might be a typo and they meant to say 'reserve' instead of 'main'.

Derek

[skydiverek 63]

I might have heard that Omega is officially only compatibile with Quick reserve (kind of like tandem gear which could ONLY be used with certain canopies, few years ago). So it seems like they grounded the whole configuration. Am I right on Omega issue?

[bob.dino 1]

Related post in Incidents.

Existing thread on the issue in this forum.

[Hooknswoop 19]

Quote

I might have heard that Omega is officially only compatibile with Quick reserve (kind of like tandem gear which could ONLY be used with certain canopies, few years ago).

In the U.S., the rigger determines compatability, even with tandem gear.

Derek

[JerryBaumchen 1,466]

Derek,
Question for you: if the mfr says only 'such' reserve canopy can be used do you think that would be in same category where a H/C mfr requires the use of their pilot chute?
Just a question for discussion purposes.
I await your thoughts.

[Hooknswoop 19]

Quote

Question for you: if the mfr says only 'such' reserve canopy can be used do you think that would be in same category where a H/C mfr requires the use of their pilot chute?

The assembling rigger is responsible for compatability and packing a rig that is safe for emergency use. If the components are TSO'd and compatable, the rigger may assemble them. For example, you can use PD's Slinks on any container/reserve combination the rigger deems compatable. Manufacturer's tend to overstate their authority by labeling SB's "Mandatory" (they aren't, AD's issued by the FAA are) or saying you may only put their canopies in their containers. They do not have that authority. A manufacturer can require you wear a pink thong while jumping their gear, but that doesn't mean you legally have to. Until that section of AC-105-2C is superceded, it stands. Maybe someday the FAA will write FAR's and AC's that are easy to understand in plain english, make sense with regard to modern rigging/skydiving, and actually enforce those FAR's. But I am not going to hold my breath and wait for that day.

Derek

[skydiverton 0]

Quote

I might have heard that Omega is officially only compatibile with Quick reserve (kind of like tandem gear which could ONLY be used with certain canopies, few years ago). So it seems like they grounded the whole configuration. Am I right on Omega issue?

Perhaps in the US the rigger can decide. In other countries the manufacturer is allowed to say. Only this,this and this reserve is compatiple with our rig.

The Quick is a reserve. Not a main.

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

[headoverheels 334]

Not much of a reference, but the only Omega review under the dz.com Gear section is from someone in Germany, who put a Smart reserve in theirs.

[dragon2 2]

Well here in The Netherlands and Belgium they grounded Omega's with Quick's or other reserves, which I think is much smarter in this case
In Germany it's just the Omega-Quick combo.

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[Remster 30]

I really, really dont get why this is a reserve issue... Can you guys tell us if the german explanation mention why?

Remster

[dragon2 2]

The earlier bulletin said Omega's sizes XXS, XS, S, SS, M, L und XL with QUICK 120, 135, 150, 180 or 220 were grounded, with no explanation besides that "we don't know yet what happened, looking into it".
They must've changed the bulletin because it now says: grounding all Omega's sizes XXS, XS, S, SS, M, L und XL (not including tandem rigs).

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[feuergnom 29]

seems like the manufacturer came up with a solution


german clicky

english clicky

The universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle

dudeist skydiver # 666

[dragon2 2]

Huh, they still claim it is "improper use of the equipment" that caused the accidents.....

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[nate_1979 9]

Wow....

I'm glad that I jump gear that lets me make little mistakes without killing me, seriously their reasons for failure are obsurd.

And no, I'm not saying that gives me a good reason to make little mistakes, clearly proper equipment maintenance and opening positions are important... But I prefer the reserve ride that I might get over canopy lines getting wrapped around flaps on my container resulting in a freaky ride or my death.


Looking at those pictures, the only thing that comes to my mind is "DUH!"

FGF #???
I miss the sky...
There are 10 types of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't.

[Squeak 17]

NEW info from the APF

Quote

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 15:52:44 +1000
From: "Kim Hardwick"
Subject: UPDATE - OMEGA Harness Service Bulletin

Effective: 29/07/2005
CASA has issued an amendment to their recent AD regarding the grounding
of the OMEGA / QUICK Personal Parachute.
This information has also been sent out today to all Drop Zone operators
& ASO's and will be included tomorrow on the APF email broadcast.
Amendment 1 is issued in response to a revision of the related LBA
(German CASA equivalent) AD, which removes the prohibition on use of the
affected parachutes by introduction of a new service bulletin from the
manufacturer (Performance Variable). This requires modification and
other actions to prevent malfunction of the main parachute in
combination with the container system, caused by line entanglement with
flap No. 2 of the main container.

A link to the full copy (pdf) of this CASA AD can be found on the APF
web site at http://www.apf.asn.au/sb.aspx

The Performance Variable Service Bulletin (SB-O-200501) can also be
found on the APF web site at http://www.apf.asn.au/sb.aspx

A summary of the CASA AD is found below:


AD/PARA/14 OMEGA / QUICK Personal Parachute 10/2005 DM

Applicability: Performance Variable e.K. OMEGA XXS, XS, S, M, L, and XL
(Container-System) with QUICK 120, 135, 150, 180, or 220 (Reserve
Parachute) Personal Parachutes.

Requirement: 1. Apply the bar-tacs on the binding tape of the flap No. 3
of the Omega Container-System in accordance with Performance Variable
Service Bulletin SB-O-200501, dated 18 July 2005.
2. At each packing of the main parachute, perform the visual inspection
of the bar-tacs in accordance with Performance Variable Service Bulletin
SB-O-200501.

Compliance: 1. Before the next jump after 29 July 2005. 2. As of the
effective date of this Directive.
This Amendment becomes effective on 29 July 2005.

Background: The LBA (German CASA equivalent) received two reports of
incidents and one report of a fatal accident, where the main parachute
in combination with the Container-System did not fully deploy. The cause
of the incidents and fatal accident is still under investigation. As an
interim action until the investigation is finalised, further use of the
affected parachutes was prohibited.

Cheers and Blue Skies.

Kim Hardwick :-)
APF Technical Officer
(02) 6281 6830
see the APF's web site @
www.apf.asn.au

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
How's yours doing?

[indradhanush 0]

dearst Derek i am at performance variable factory. when i looked closely the problem can oocur orn any rigs, csuse shit packing. i saw a girl packing 100 chutes a day--! all she does is keep 2 meter lines coiled and kept inside the container so there is chnce of line catch and lines will go around the no2 flap.
blue skies
santhosh

life is a daring adventure or nothing at all