riggerrob 643 #76 January 3, 2007 If I may make a comparison ... the FAA views seals on reserves the same way they view seals on aircraft instruments, fuel control units, hydraulic pumps, etc. Those seals are linked to Type Certificate, Type Standard Order, PMA or overhaul authority records. These components are so complex that they can only be repaired or overhauled by the original manufacturer or a handful of certified repair shops. Usually the factory installs a lead seal on the last piece of lock-wire, on the last bolt. The seal certifies that the instrument, pump, etc. was airworthy when it left the factory. If the seal is removed, it voids any warranty. Also, if the instrument is found - at the scene of an accident - without the seal - the National Transportation Safety Board will ask a lot of embarrassing questions. Whoever removed the seal may face criminal charges. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar 5 #77 January 4, 2007 QuoteIf I may make a comparison Oh course you may, thanks I'm glad you did, your comp, is right in line with the point I was trying to make in regards to rigging seals and removing them (within the USA) and how the FAA may view it during a ramp check or at the scene of a fatal accident. They will also ask embarrassing questions and someone could also face civil and or criminal charges. Some people really don't seem to understand that as fact, because we don't see it happen.you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mark 107 #78 January 4, 2007 QuoteThey will also ask embarrassing questions and someone could also face civil and or criminal charges. Some people really don't seem to understand that as fact, because we don't see it happen. One of "some people" would be me. Please cite the applicable section of the US Code for the criminal charges. What exactly would the civil charge be? Tampering with my own rig? As for the embarassing questions, what would those be? I would not be embarassed to tell you I took the seal off my own rig -- not that I've actually done that -- because the TSO testing was done with no seal, the rig has been in my possession the entire time, and I can show that it has been packed within the last 120 days by a certificated rigger. There may be sealed components on an aircraft engine; there are unsealed ones as well. The FAA trusts me not to change the cylinders on my airplane. Has there actually been a test case, or are folks just speculating? Mark Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar 5 #79 January 4, 2007 Mark, My last post was a broad brush in reference the possibility of those charges, if the feds bust you for an infraction of a FAR it could be a civil charge, i.e. a fine. If I cut your reserve cable and reserve riser and they bust me for it after you go in that could be both civil and criminal charges. If I put sugar in your airplanes fuel tanks and get busted after it crashes that would be criminal. As for embarassing Q's I had more in mind of anyone involved in jumping op's as to how it was to happen that your dead ass out in the dirt was let on a plane with no seal and how someone at said DZ could have got to your rig and cut all that shit to kill you. I have said it pretty clear do what you want with your own rig and your own ticket, and any fed can interpet the regs anyway they want at anytime. I'm not here to get into a pissing contest over what the FAR's say, if I pack a rig it leaves the loft with a seal, what you do after is on you, pretty clear. While my quote of poynter is not an FAR, it is good advice as to why on would want to keep there rig sealed.you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishrigger 32 #80 January 8, 2007 yes unfortunatly,riggers can make a mistake's.some of them can be deadly,but i would say 99% of riggers provide and excellent service. if a customer comes to me for a repack,i always get them to practise there emergeny drill and pull the handles. and i always encourage them to observe while i repack the reserve.that way you will get a better understanding what work a rigger does. and remember its not only a reserve repack,the whole system,harness and main should be inspected completly to certify it as airworthy. so ask your rigger to sit in on the next repack. cherrio and safe jumping Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
