TSO'ed Main Risers

[councilman24 37]

See the answer above.

TS135 is intended to be the standard for a NEW TSO C23e.

In fact the FAA issued TSO C23e based on an earlier version of PIA TS135. But, the FAA in the TSO document made several changes to the PIA standard. We did not expect this and they had never done this before. So, PIA recended TS 135, and the FAA had to recend TSO C23e.

We expect a new TSO C23e soon. But last we knew we expect the FAA to make one significant change to PIA TS135.

Currently AS 8015b and TSO C23d that referes to it is still active.

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

[masterrigger1 2]

Terry,
Actually you and Billare both wrong.

According to AC 105-2C, Section 11, paragraph "F",

AC 105-2C l/2/91
f The user of a single harness, dual pack parachute system, which is a
sport asembly consisting of a main and auxiliary /reserve parachute, may
perform simple assembly and disassembly operations necessary for
transportation, handling, or storage between periods of-use if the parachute
is designed to simplify such assembly and disassembly without the use of
complex operations. .


The intent here seems pretty obvious, but we all know it has never been complied with though.

There is also verbage in one of the earlier TSO requirements that the cutaway system is part of the TSO standards.

With that said,when you buy a new system, the manufacturer supplies a set of risers with the H/C.

Ask any manufacturer if they will sell you a new system WITHOUT the risers.

My guess is probably not, but you never know.

BS,
MEL

Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC
www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

[mark 107]

Quote

AC 105-2C l/2/91
f The user of a single harness, dual pack parachute system, which is a
sport asembly consisting of a main and auxiliary /reserve parachute, may
perform simple assembly and disassembly operations necessary for
transportation, handling, or storage between periods of-use if the parachute
is designed to simplify such assembly and disassembly without the use of
complex operations. .

The intent here seems pretty obvious, but we all know it has never been complied with though.

There is also verbiage in one of the earlier TSO requirements that the cutaway system is part of the TSO standards.

With that said,when you buy a new system, the manufacturer supplies a set of risers with the H/C.

I think the intent was to allow a chest reserve to be disassembled from a harness. If you include a continuity check, disconnecting and reconnecting a main parachute is arguably a much more complex operation than simply unsnapping a chest pack.

You are correct in pointing out the AS8015A and AS8015B operational requirements for canopy release systems. Mere mention of a component does not mean it has to be produced by a big-M Manufacturer with a TSO production certificate. AS8015A and AS8015B also mention testing with the main compartment full and empty, but no one is suggesting that main parachutes are also subject to TSO.

Finally, for years, main canopy manufacturers provided main risers and main deployment bags. For example, before they TSO'd the Swift system, Para-Flight must have had oodles of Cypres-purple ripstop, because that's the color bag they shipped.

Mark

[billvon 3,114]

>If you include a continuity check, disconnecting and reconnecting a main
>parachute is arguably a much more complex operation than simply
>unsnapping a chest pack.

Agreed - however - this is the key part:

"if the parachute is designed to simplify such assembly and disassembly"

A reserve parachute is not designed to simplify assembly and disassembly; it takes at least several minutes, often requires other equipment (wrench, scissors and/or a line card.) A main parachute is designed very differently, and is designed to be disassembled very easily, by pulling one handle. It certainly seems to meet the above requirement.

[masterrigger1 2]

Quote

Agreed - however - this is the key part:

"if the parachute is designed to simplify such assembly and disassembly"

A reserve parachute is not designed to simplify assembly and disassembly; it takes at least several minutes, often requires other equipment (wrench, scissors and/or a line card.) A main parachute is designed very differently, and is designed to be disassembled very easily, by pulling one handle. It certainly seems to meet the above requirement.

Bill,

You missed the point that Mark made.

The intent of the paragraph was for the owner(non-rigger) to be able to remove the reserve container from the harness for transport in the normal manner.

It was not meaning removing the parachute from the risers.

MEL

Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC
www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com