More information on Cypres AAD and the FAA

[Hazarrd 1]

I am flying out of town next week and want to carry my rig on the plane which has a Cypres on it (the rig, not the plane ) I know some people have no problems getting through, but I want to be sure. I talked to someone who is high up on the chain with the TSA and he said he needs more information on the Cypres, as in details. I told him it is FAA approved (i think this is correct?) and that it deploys my reserve. Does anyone have a good idea about what other information I should give him? Thanks.

.-.

[Clownburner 0]

I would put him in touch with Airtec, or SSK, as they're in a better position to provide actual documentation about the device and the Department of Transportation determinations...

7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez
"I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth

[falxori 0]

run a search on cypres and/or TSA,
you'll easily find both technical data on the AAD and documents from various airlines that approved it.

O

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."

[tombuch 0]

Quote

I told him it is FAA approved (i think this is correct?) and that it deploys my reserve. Does anyone have a good idea about what other information I should give him? Thanks.

It's not FAA approved, just recognized by the FAA. You might get an official looking letter from your rigger that mentions certification of the equipment under FAR part 65, 91, 105, and includes his assertion that he inspected the equipment and applied his FAA seal to the pack as per 14 CFR Part 65.133. He should sign the letter with his certificate number.

Government people usually love regulations, and having specific regs to hang their decisions on.

Good luck,

Tom Buchanan
Senior Parachute Rigger
Author, JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[darkwing 5]

One important thing to remember is that there is no way to be "sure" other than to not take it with you. TSA pretty much can (and has) made things up on the spot. Still, you should just do your best and go for it.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[freeflydrew 0]

Quote

I am flying out of town next week and want to carry my rig on the plane which has a Cypres on it (the rig, not the plane ) I know some people have no problems getting through, but I want to be sure. I talked to someone who is high up on the chain with the TSA and he said he needs more information on the Cypres, as in details. I told him it is FAA approved (i think this is correct?) and that it deploys my reserve. Does anyone have a good idea about what other information I should give him? Thanks.

Explain to them that it's a computer that automatically activates your reserve parachute if something were to happen to you in freefall. It can be turned on and off, and is considered safe and accepatable by the FAA for commercial flight.

If security gives you a problem, show them the documentation from Cypress, found on their website in pdf form. They may ask you to open your reserve, explain to them that, according to regulation, it can only be opened in an emergency skydiving situation or by a certified rigger. Immediately ask for a representative from the FAA to be present. If the security people don't know what they're dealing with, the rep from ther FAA will know and will tell them to let you go through.
I've seen this done, and although we waited for about 45 minutes, it totally worked.

(I just flew from AZ to NY on Tuesday, and the security was crazy! They made me turn on my digital camera, they looked at my ipod, and even went so far as to open my rand mcnally roadmap... Lookout!)

Link to User's Guide:http://www.cypres-usa.com/english_users.pdf