Q. for S/L I's - closing pin security

[peek 21]

Question for Static Line Instructors, and in particular, DZO's from drop zones using the Static line method:

1. How do you/your rigs insure the security of the main container closure before the static line reaches full extension?

2. How confident are you of the method used being really secure?

3. Are there any methods besides rubber bands and break-cord that I am forgetting about or don't know about?

We were sitting around this weekend discussing whether to add the additional security of break-cord.

Currently these rigs are using multiple rubber bands, but when it is cold, rubber bands lose strength.

Break-cord is quite secure, but it is sometimes difficult to convince a packer that a "Surgeon's knot" is really much better than a "square" or "Granny".

I have seen knots that came untied rather than cords that broke.

[divnswoop 0]

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1. How do you/your rigs insure the security of the main container closure before the static line reaches full extension?

One dz I work at we direct bag the main and close the rig with a wrap of break-cord tied with a surgeons knot. Another dz is just direct-baged without break-cord.

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2. How confident are you of the method used being really secure?

Dz 1 I feel a lot better with the break-cord as the student is climbing out and jumps. Dz2 I am EXTRA careful as they are climbing out because 1) there's no break-cord and 2) these rigs are switched back and forth between s/l and aff ripcord with a spring loaded pc. Therefore the closing loop either needs to be adjusted every time you switch or you have a very loose closing loop without the spring loaded pc in the rig. Most of the rigs are set up with a BOC and I don't know why they are still using ripcords.(not my decision though) I'm definitely a lot more vigilant as to what and where the rig is rubbing as they are climbing out.....and ready to give them a "friendly boot" if the container opens

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3. Are there any methods besides rubber bands and break-cord that I am forgetting about or don't know about?

Got me there.....

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Break-cord is quite secure, but it is sometimes difficult to convince a packer that a "Surgeon's knot" is really much better than a "square" or "Granny".

Packers work for the dropzone....no need to convince. Either do it or don't pack!!

[dragon2 2]

Direct bag with flexpin.
Never seen any other method used here, besides the choice of either 2 thinner flexpins or one thicker flexpin.

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[rsibbald 0]

Two Bungies (Rubber Bands), each triple stowed.

(All other stows are not amazingly secure as we only leave the last stow in place while the student climbs out onto the step outside the aircraft).

As long as flightline checks are vigilant enough to spot weakened or old bands, there isn't a problem with it.

[bch7773 0]

we use static line assist, and we use 2 new rubber bands each time, triple stowed. I don't think we've ever had a premature opening.

MB 3528, RB 1182

[riggerrob 643]

Beiseker, Alberta uses direct bag with flex pins. All the loose static-line is stowed in rubber bands.

[IanHarrop 42]

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Beiseker, Alberta uses direct bag with flex pins. All the loose static-line is stowed in rubber bands.

That may have been the case but no longer....

The old Beisker has been sold and is now scheduled to open under the http://www.albertaskydivers.com banner, hopefully on April 1st. The new owners are associated with Pacific Skydivers.

The new operation will be doing tandems and IAD, and is a CSPA dropzone.

Editted to add: Rob... you knew this didn't you? Your profile shows you at Pacific Skydivers

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

[Andrewwhyte 1]

Actually we will be using IAD for our civilians and D-bag static lines for the military contract. And yes Rob does know this; he is busy doing the maintenence on the rigs now.

[JohnMitchell 16]

Using flexi-pins with direct bag deployment requires a poised exit from the C-182 instead of a hanging exit. The flexi-pins pull more easily than the breakcord setup. The extra static line in the wind on a hanging exit has enough drag to pull the pin and can result in a premature deployement. I prefer breakcord, but it's not my DZ.

[IanHarrop 42]

Sorry my mistake. When I first posted the answer I assumed that this was someone who was unaware of the changes at the dropzone and posted based on what I had seen on the new web site. It was only after I posted that I thought to check Rob's profile and saw where he hailed from.

I can understand that the military would want S/L for their people to closer simulate their experience in real military jumps.

Andrew: When are you coming out to Alberta? I'll buy you a beer to celebrate the new DZ

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