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cmfale

Patched Main???

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I am trying to buy my first main and am looking at a 2005 PD Spectre 170 with about 500 jumps and two patches. Here is a link to pictures (scroll down) http://rr-3sb79.posterous.com I don't know what the general consensus is regarding buying a parachute with patches and would appreciate any helpful inputs. Thanks!

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If the patches are really close to a rib, it's not so good. If they're in the middle of the fabric, those look really nicely done. The blue one is absolutely no problem, and the green one probably not either -- it looks like it's at least 2" away from the rib, but I could be wrong.

I have a couple of patches on my (used) canopy from about 500 jumps ago. No problems.

Wendy P.
There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

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Why does proximity to a rib matter?



It sort of doesn't.

US Senior Riggers are not allowed to make patches over a certain size or near a seam. Small patches that are not near a seam are considered minor repairs.

Patches over a certain size, or near a seam are considered major repairs, and require a Master Rigger.

I am having trouble locating my document that contains the particulars of size and distance to seam. I am sure it is in Poynter's manuals somewhere, but I don't have that handy. The recent FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook that I have handy didn't seem to mention these particulars. If someone else has the info handy, I hope they'll post it.

But, in this instance, it is of little consequence.

The description of the canopy said these patches were applied at the factory when the canopy went in for a reline.

They are allowed to do whatever they want, and I am hard pressed to think that their patches would not be of the highest quality.

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Canopy has been strengthened with two patches by Performance Designs free of charge when it was due for a its first and only reline.



While I don't know if I would call that "strengthening", it is certainly not something to worry about a whole lot.

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I am trying to buy my first main and am looking at a 2005 PD Spectre 170 with about 500 jumps and two patches. Here is a link to pictures (scroll down) http://rr-3sb79.posterous.com I don't know what the general consensus is regarding buying a parachute with patches and would appreciate any helpful inputs. Thanks!



I would think these patches would be OK. Caption says, "Canopy has been strengthened with two patches by Performance Designs free of charge
when it was due for a its first and only reline.
Certification available on request."

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