Crossfire Update - 18 Oct

[Geoff 0]

The latest.
Geoff
http://www.icaruscanopies.com/bulletin2.htm
Product Safety Bulletin
Crossfire Update 18 October 2001
Our testing is close to completion and we expect to finalize our results (and resolve) rapidly. We had anticipated releasing the final bulletin this week however poor weather has hindered our ability to fully conclude this within our anticipated time frame.
We have identified individual and/or combined tolerance issues that create the anomaly with the affected Crossfire’s. As a result, these findings validate the Crossfire design when built within exacting tolerances. This is why the majority of Crossfire’s do not experience any issue.
These findings have also highlighted the area of concern and whilst we are confident with the design of the canopy when precisely built, it makes evident the lesser margin for error in the construction of this design.
As parachutes are sewn by people we must also assume the potential for human error. As a result we are not comfortable with the bi-product of this particular parachute when sewn incorrectly. These findings are further substantiated by the varying degrees of issues from different manufacturing plants and the reason why a warning was not applied to European built canopies.
Furthermore, we must assume that tolerance issues (even if unlikely) are possible from any manufacturing plant and as a result ensure that the bi-product of these issues (should or when they occur) not be an area for concern.
The result is that a minor line-trim change will be implemented on all Crossfire’s. The trim change stabilizes those canopies which are affected while maintaining the flight and opening characteristics that Crossfire pilots enjoy.
Notwithstanding this modification will stabilize canopies even with considerable tolerance issues, however, when identified these specific canopies will be replaced for reasons of customer service. This will also ensure that all Crossfire’s flying are able to retain a high resale value as a state of the art canopy without concern for imprecise construction.
More detailed information will be released with the impending bulletin and conclusion of our testing program shortly.
We thank you for you patience.