kenneth21441

I am glad that no one was hurt/ or injuried... I agree with you 100 percent that we need to all perform gear checks, I even check my self after another person does and I also check others that had been checked.. You can never be to safe here.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

back in my days at Bragg (1987 to 1994) we used to Jump from 800 feet AGL with T-10C... The MC1-1c was at 1250 feet AGl... We had even done test on this German rig from 450feet AGL with no reserve.. (no time)..... Thank god that the Army did not buy this... Open then prepair to land..... For a while there the C-141's had to raise the alt to 1000 feet as the wings were being stressed at teh bolts as the story goes..... just my two cents on Bragg..... thank you, ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Sorry to hear about the camera, At least it gives you soemthing to look for another model.. What i do with my cameras is I have them bummy tied to the helmet just in case it does come off it should not fall unless the area that you tie it to breaks... I safety tie my camera with type 2 nylon cord.. finger trapped around the hand grips and then secured to a hole in the helmet.. mount.. this had saved at least one camera.. wehn it ripped off during deployment and when I felt it banging against the side of my head... but at least it was still there... just something to think about....becasue you already have a quick release for the total helmet... it should be a safe measure unless you have malfuctions at the same time... just my tow cents here... Thank you, ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Why would anyone want to clean a reserve in the first place?? I could see if it was used and the jumper landed in a muddy field etc... or a jumper landed in saltwater.. but not to generally wash the reserve... As a rule you do not wash a canopy: IE main or reserve unless the above happens... due to that the fibers do not handle to much with the water..and cause problems with the TSO rating on the reserve later on.. general spot cleaning is somewhat permitted... but this is using a lightly moist cloth..(not too wet)...... have your rigger look your equipment over.. for some helpfull hints etc.. I wash the container at least once a year... but the reserve and main are disconnected to start with..... just my two cents worth here.. Thank you, ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Being a rigger we are regualted to follow the law to the letter (either the manufacture of the AAD or the rig.. but really both and not including the FAA regs) while I know that there are a few of us out there that attempt to bend / or flex the letter of the law. I do not. I personally do not use a AAD while yes it could save my life if something does happen but it just gives me something else to have to control.. IE Reserve inspection and repack... I feel that if I am to misorientated to pull then it was not my day.. but generally I am ready by 3500 feet (1000 Meters) to pull and container is out by 2500... I guess having one would be a backup but my AAD is my right hand for PC deployment first... Just my two dollars worth here.... Thanks, ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

The bullentin you are speaking of was once the Skyhook first came out in the market.. it seems that someone was sewing the hook part were the red RSL loop was facing the wrong direction.... But any rigger who is doing a job will of course see the note on the Skyhook noting the directional arrows... Plus they should have the manual and if the manual and item do not match then they should be looking at it further... I am very happy with what I have seen from the Skyhook.. and no it does not change the packing to much that it takes more then 3 minutes to do.. plus with the modified Bridle on the free bag it is actually a little less then without it... less bulk in that area and the skyhook does work...... until then..Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

As the red RSL landard is connected to the bridle on the free bag and safety tied with one turn single riggers sealing thread. Since this thread has such a low torrance to loading it could brake and the bag could be relased> it means to say that if the bag stays with the cut awayed main canopy great, but if it does not then it should be close by... The really like the Skyhooks set up on my rig.....the only thing that problems me is while under the reserve having to steer clear of that hunk of junk following me...hahaha... but it is a true lifesaver.... Under a reserve under 150 feet.... Just My two pennies.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Packerboy, I would never recommend pulling the reserve just due to the fact that it has come out of the ripcord pocket. I have a Vector 3 and normally have to check that is is fully seated before we exit.. as far back in the pocket and the velcro matching.... due to other jumpers sitting so close and other stuff.. It should take approx 22 pounds of force to pull the pins and this factor is also determined by the amount of tension on the reserve pilot chute.. To long of length of cord means less pull force,,while too tight of cord means more pull force is needed... If it is close to that 22 pounds you should not have anothing to worry about other then pulling the main...but if its over or under that is another issue... Have your rigger check this if he or she does not check the pull force...to manufactors requirements.. But more overall check your gear before you enter the A/C and before exit....Usually 1 to 2 minutes before exit..... Hope that this info helps....and this is just my two cents here.... Until then.. Ken,.., Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I would recommand that you contact RWS rigging section and get input from them. They will be able to assist you better.. Hope that this helps... Ken,.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

hello all, I just wanted to let everyone know that Skydive Michigan has been forced to close due to the efforts of the airport management. reasons why we still do not know. After many months of rules etc. the word came down this morning. To close and move out by the end of the month. I hope that all whos been there and knows the operation will call Lynn in support and hopefully we can get this move changed or else we should move on to another location and show those in Brooks Field and the city of Marshall there lose. Lynn and all the other skydivers have ran a safe operation and has at every opportunity tried to promote avaition within the area. that is my two cents on this issue... thanks Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

What I would recommend is that you. Contact the different manufactors and request a copy. But what I do is since the internet is such a great thing most all manufacotrs place there stuff on the net.. to either print from them or save them on cd to use if needed. if any one shows up without there manual for repack that is what I use.. or I will not repack it if I dont have the manual..... thanks Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Just wanted to let you all know that I had talked to Lynn today and she said that she plains to open back up on/ about 17 April 2004... Just for your information....... thanks, Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Suggestion... Contat RWS... with the container serial number.. (As my container was custom made for me and Maybe the one that you have is also) ... RWS is a good company and you will be happy with this container.... From the serail number they can tell you exactly...... what you have and what will do.... Hope that this assist and not hinders you.... thank you, Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I had this happen to me back in June Lat year. I had two broken lines (center) and cut away,, then pulled the reserve handle.. Upon landing and gathing my cut away main the RSL was not on the risers ... but still on the container.. After much thought on this matter and many emails I finally gave the container Manufator the RSL total length and container serail number.. Comes to find out that wehn my container was made it had one inch yoke extensions in place.. this meaning that the RSL that came with the rig was too short.. and did not work.... I will not however talk bad about this com[pany as they did correct this issue and can hope that there QC department pays attention to details........ Thank you,,just my two cents here... Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Just my two cents here... but I think that the reason could be due to the mini risers have a lot more stress related issues to deal with.. as I have seen where they are recommended to be replaced after so many jumps.. and inspected on every so offten before a jump... by placing larger rings on the riser the manufacor is now saying jump this riser and if it breaks ... you will try to take legal action against them... or give them a bad name saying that they make something that is not worth anything etc..... Its a liability issue.. and i sure would not take that on.......... Just my two cents but somewhere in my thoughts this is true..... thank you, ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

How do you pack? Pro or side pack or stack pack. Just nwanted to know to give you some input.... thanks, Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Bob, Is a great guy who I have had the pleasure to jump with several times when he comes to his real home here in Michigan.... Even though he has taken a few dollars from me I respect him alot...(in His being able to land near his target)....for not only his age, but what he has done and still takes the time out to travel around and promote the sport in the ways that only Bob can... When Bob signs your log book he wants all the information of who was on the jump, pilots name etc.......I have even started to do this...... Unitl then.. Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

He was my commander during my time in the 7th SFG (GST). A really great guy, who last I heard retired and now lives in Ga.... If any one has contact with Danny tell him Ken Potter says hello... the rigger section.... thanks,.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I would recommend the replacement of this part as in the photos supplied it looks like it is frayed on both sides. Granted air items are rated pretty well, but when it comes to both sides coming undone. That is not good. I would also look into why this got into this condition to begin with... A jumper should also have his or her main gear inspected (either by the jumper and/ or rigger) every few months when they are getting the reserve done to find anything before it can or does cause a problem.. Until then take care, Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

It is really too bad that people take issues past the way they should be. As this nation must live in a police state, due to the fact that the U.S. had let these terrorist do there things for so many years without a word or warning. In fact the U.S had even trained and gave support for this. Why? And now why do we do this to our own people who try to live under our own Bill of Rights. Just my two cents on a issue that burns me when big brother does what they want and call it national Security.. Think of that the next time the US sends military aid to a foreign power. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I learned alot from the New York Institute of Photography..... If you are interested in learning at home.. check them out at: nyip.com This site also offers lots of tips on shooting... Even on B&W/ Digital etc.... As far as the course it will teach you everything that you have questions about and more.... Hope that this assist you.. thanks, Ken.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Hello all, I just purchased a Canon Owl 35mm camera, the same type that is sold by one company for $135.00 But, the one that I purchased was like $40.00 without the manual shutter release button for freefall photos.. What I am asking is does anyone have any details/ further information (parts etc) on how to modify this camera with the 2.5mm jack to add the release button.. ?? If I can not do this anothr ideal that I am thinking about is adding a mech. device to the shutter release button on the top of the camera, connected to a battery, then a push button swich that I can activate with my hand...... Any input would be greatfull as I had already contacted Canon with no real support on this.. and I know that this is the same camera that has this cable release installed on it... Thank you, Ken... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Back in the early 90's at Ft Bragg, I saw a man carry a bag out with him from a 130... It was loaded with cats.. My understanding was he and his wife were getting a divorce... and wanted to put it to her,.. On the ground he had straches all over his face, hands, arms and legs..... It was sick what he had done but he got what was coming to him... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Hello, You might want to try SouthStar Supply Company in Nashville, Tennessee www.soutstarsupply.com As far as actual bar tacking I would look at what you are actually repairing.. If its a TSOed Reserve, the manufactor may want this work done in there shop only.... IE Performance Designs..... But do try the above company and they maybe able to assist you as they have me more then once... Thanks Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Just another piece of equipment that could go wrong... I recall in 1991 we thought about putting a cutter on the extraction line of a airdrop load, when the L/M forgot to release the locks and the 130 went in... but the ideal was just another problem in itself..... Just my input... Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith