Canopy lifespan

[metallica 0]

Question for the riggers:

Will the performance/quality of a canopy deteriorate if it has been kept in proper storage (ie air conditioning and dry packed) since it left the factory and has never been used before? And how long before will the material (typically ZP) start deteriorating without exposure to sun & rain (10, 20 years)?

If it requires air worthiness checks, what additional checks will a rigger have to conduct to determine that it is kosher safe for use?

I'm asking cause I came across a guy who purchased a brand new ZP canopy in '96 on impulse, from a very reputable manufacturer and has not jumped it once! The canopy is still in the original packaging.

I know I'll probably have to write back to the manufacturer for advice but figured there'll be some interesting replies from this forum.

Rock & Roll

[riggerrob 643]

Assuming that the canopy is still in its original plastic bag and it has been stored in a dry, dark, cool closet, it should fly like new.
We do not have any long-term data on the shelf life of coated nylon since ZP fabric has only been manufactured for 12 or 15 years.
We do know that there are a few 12-year-old ZP canopies are still being jumped on a regular basis. They have been re-lined numerous times and damage is usually limited to where they have been dragged through weeds. The other major cause of operational damage onany canopy is slider and d-bag grommets slapping together - during opening - pinching tail fabric.

[councilman24 37]

It should be fine. I'd probably do a few pull tests on it. But more for show than expecting to find anything. Best test? Go jump it. You've got a reserve.

Your question reminded me that I know where there is a Maverick reserve about 10 years old still in the bag on a guy's shelf. Hmmmm, may have to give him a call.

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