gweeks 1 #1 January 20, 2012 I just inspected a Reflex and found that the support tapes of both the main hand deployed pilot chute and the reserve spring loaded pilot chute are sewn on the block of the fine mesh portion (as opposed to being sewn on the bias). I remember reading this post by Bill Booth saying that sewing the loading tapes on the block is not correct because it could allow the skirt to stretch below the apex thereby lessening the effectiveness of the pilot chute: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=132976 I don't have much experience with Reflex rigs so I'd like to hear from people who have more experience with them. Is what I found an anomaly or are all Reflex pilot chutes sewn with the loading tapes on the block? I'm especially concerned about the reserve pilot chute. The main pilot chute has been used hundreds of times and the owner hasn't said anything about hesitations or bad openings. The reserve pilot chute has never been used but the rig has been inspected over 20 times by several riggers. If there are no other issues with it can it be considered air worthy? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deyan 36 #2 January 20, 2012 QuoteI just inspected a Reflex and found that the support tapes of both the main hand deployed pilot chute and the reserve spring loaded pilot chute are sewn on the block of the fine mesh portion (as opposed to being sewn on the bias). I have seen main PC's from all major manufacturers build that way occasionally. Right now I have one from Eclipse and one from Javelin build the same way in my room. All main and reserve PC's from Basic Air I've seen so far were build the same way."My belief is that once the doctor whacks you on the butt, all guarantees are off" Jerry Baumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,466 #3 January 20, 2012 Hi gweeks, QuoteI remember reading this post by Bill Booth saying that sewing the loading tapes on the block is not correct because it could allow the skirt to stretch below the apex thereby lessening the effectiveness of the pilot chute I, personally, agree with Bill on this. However, the only person you should discuss regarding the reserve pilot chute construction is the designer/tester of the rig. Or you could get in touch with Ray Ferrell at Action Air as I understand he nows owns the TSO or makes spare parts for the Reflex. It is very possible that what you are concerned about is the proper construction of a Relfex reserve pilot chute. But it is good that, when in doubt, you ask. Absolutely nothing wrong with doing that. Bill Booth has his thoughts/opinions and can build his products however he wants. IMO it is not his day or my day to tell another manufacturer how they should build their products. End of rant, JerryBaumchen PS) http://www.actionair.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #4 January 21, 2012 Or send a PM to riggermick on dropzone.com. He likely made what your looking at. At the very least he sold it. Will be more than happy to help. Right now I'm too lazy to walk down and look at my two Reflex's. I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
