Paper seals and the FAA

[councilman24 37]

I recently received an opinion concerning the use of paper seals in the U.S. under Federal Aviation Regulations.

This is the first time I've seen the FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook (PRH) as 'guidance from the administrator'. Mr. Giles (I believe this person is a male) refers to the PRH as the way to do it.

This is provided so those using paper seals can make an informed decision about continuting to use them. PIA take a position on the legality of using paper seals. I have a personal opinion concerning the position taken in this letter but won't present it now.

The PIA Rigging Committee does have a project ongoing to evaluate possible "paper" seals. Most of us expect that our best solution will NOT be a seal made purely out of paper.

I'd appreciate those using non lead seals in the U.S. contact me with what they are using. I have a few examples already.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[JerryBaumchen 1,468]

Hi Terry,

Thanks for getting that info out.

Some thoughts:

1. 'This is the first time I've seen the FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook (PRH) as 'guidance from the administrator'.'

They also say: 'When the manufacturer has not provided concise guidance,'

This would seem that if a mfr says it is OK to use a paper seal on THEIR products, then the FAA would be OK with it.

Thoughts????

2. 'Mr. Giles (I believe this person is a male)'

Most male Carrolls that I have known do not use the spelling CAROL but you may be correct.

3. 'The PIA Rigging Committee does have a project ongoing to evaluate possible "paper" seals.'

Lets not dilly-dally and get something going.

4. 'I have a few examples already.'

I 'think' that you have one of mine; if you do not, let me know & I will send you one.

JerryBaumchen

[IanHarrop 43]

Found this on Carol E Giles, Manager of the Aircraft Maintenance Division at the FAA

http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/carol-giles-named-an-honored-member-of-cambridge-whos-who-53050.php


Looks like she is Ms. Giles.

"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy

[fcajump 164]

Quote

I recently received an opinion concerning the use of paper seals in the U.S. under Federal Aviation Regulations.

This is the first time I've seen the FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook (PRH) as 'guidance from the administrator'. Mr. Giles (I believe this person is a male) refers to the PRH as the way to do it.

Terry,

While I would agree her e-mail implies that, in absence of mfg method, that this is the way to do it, she actually said that this is an approved method (technically that would imply that there may be other approved methods).

I would like to get away from lead, but not sure what I would prefer...

Meanwhile, a suggestion: Not wanting to dispose of a "hazardous" material in the trash, I kept dropping them in a jar over the years... Recently, when looking for another packing weight, I realized that I had enough old seals to make one.

JW

Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

[riggerpaul 1]

Quote

Quote

I recently received an opinion concerning the use of paper seals in the U.S. under Federal Aviation Regulations.

This is the first time I've seen the FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook (PRH) as 'guidance from the administrator'. Mr. Giles (I believe this person is a male) refers to the PRH as the way to do it.

Terry,

While I would agree her e-mail implies that, in absence of mfg method, that this is the way to do it, she actually said that this is an approved method (technically that would imply that there may be other approved methods).

I would like to get away from lead, but not sure what I would prefer...

Meanwhile, a suggestion: Not wanting to dispose of a "hazardous" material in the trash, I kept dropping them in a jar over the years... Recently, when looking for another packing weight, I realized that I had enough old seals to make one.

JW

Saying this slightly tongue-in-cheek, maybe we could go to wax, like sealing a letter used to be.

Drip a few drops of wax over the knot, and stamp your seal letters in the wax.

Sure, it could get a bit messy, but it wouldn't be too difficult to clean up even if it did.

There are waxes that won't melt even in the hottest summer temps, so the seals wouldn't necessarily self-destruct from summer heat.

As I said, slightly tongue-in-cheek, but maybe there are possibilities to explore.

[councilman24 37]

Another FAA official told me they thought Ms. Giles was a Mr. I was informed last night that they were mistaken. My appologies to Ms. Giles.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[Andy9o8 2]

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Found this on Carol E Giles

Did she allow you to search her, or did you get her drunk first?