kenneth21441

Personnally having a skyhook installed is a great ideal. But also it has to be used. Its like having seat belts in your car. They dont work if you dont use them. after all my research and rigging I feel that you may never know what situation you will be faced with in this sport and having another area to use may just save ones life. The question that I must ask is if a skyhook is installed on a rig then does this not make the skyhook part of the TSO/ packing manual?? Meaning that this must be hooked up when the rig is packed. This means that the rigger is the only one whom can hook / unhook it from the system (the red lanyard onto the actual hook etc... Lets look at this that way.!!! Just my two cents here..... Thanks Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

In reviewing the data for the past few years. It appears that most of the death rates with skydiving actually are people with over 200 plus jumps. While some years ago it was inexperienced jumpers, this trend has changed. Could this be to jumpers being too cockey? Wing loading? etc. Dont get me into this. While it is great to hear that the rates have decreased my real test would be to see this remain the same - decrease over time. Lessons are learned from what has happened and I only hope that we all learn from accidents. Best rule: is be safe. Just my input... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

This system that I had worked on was called the Para-Point. I liked it due to you can call it in by becon or control it under canopy. Just had to make sure that you placed the correct cutters on the correct part. Not that we dropped 400 lbs from 10,000 feet onto anyones swimming pool or such....when the incorrect cutter was applied.... Lesson learned...follow the check list.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Well it would help if you had information on you. But any case when I was in I was at Bragg and we had the GB club (since closed- Due to cuts) and membership was less then 20 dollars and that allowed you to jump from military AC when we got the support. Classes were cheap. But if you are not stationed on a base that has this then your out of luck. Why not go Airborne? Heres an ideal get into really good shape, raise your GT score. Then apply for SFAS. If you pass selection you then go on to SFQC and that is a good way of getting to HALO school and other courses as well. Just a thought. Afterall its not like you have nothing to lose. Just my two cents on this area. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I must say getting married that first time. What a winner she was!! Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

You mean that we are not? I guess some people just want to think that it has taken effect. I personally will wait for my letter, to let me know., '

Talking about wasting a vote. Why would anyone vote for a person whom was in office before? where scandial was at every look and turn? where your spouse does not think a BJ is sex? Where you are still riding on the spouses coat tails? Need I say more. Lets keep her in the house and not the White House. Dont waste that vote. Vote for someone that cares about our country and its people and not there own hidden ideals. Just a thought. Thanks, Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

A good little method that works for me is to look inside the canopy and see how much ware and tare is going on with the cross ports.. If they are like new you can expect anywhere between zero to two hundred or so jumps. If the material is coming off then estimated five hundred and/ or more jumps. Of course you may never tell how much sun light the canopy has been exposed to unless you can feel the taring,..... Also measuring the lines can help but would not reply on that data as much based on many factors. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

It depends on several factors. I know back at Bragg on person whom had cut static lines: he was placed where he could not do this now or again in KS. If it was a honest to God mistake then they may let it slide but know that the family will sue you the Rigger and would most likey win the case. So with that if you do rigging it might be necessary to get personal blanket protection (insurance). I am not sure if this works but also having the customer sign a wavier like we do for sport skydiving might help... But then Again I am not a Lawer, maybe someone on her can answer this part better. Do your best and be sure Always. Means do the right thing and it should all work out. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I must comend you for fessing up to your experience. Lesson learned. For reference check the manual that comes with your system as these manuals give alot of great information for someone that is doing this. Then of course I would songly suggest that you do take it to a rigger to look it over to make sure that all is well. But I do like someone that takes the time to try to do it themselves. Just have a double check next time.... to be sure.... Always.// Just my two cents on this area..... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I went as far as making my own on excel (with the required information plus notes if needed )and back that data up in there the bad thing is if I ever need to print it I sure hope that I have the ink and printer... HAHA,.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Put an ad in the classifieds. I am sure you will get better results..... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I would have to think that it can be any number of reasons. What size is the PC? Bill Booth has an excellent article in here on how size does matter inref to openings, etc..... I shacle pack most of the time.. that is folding the nose and tail into each other.... that provides me with a good opening. By generally rolling the nose/ tail some and keeping my lines straight and stows small (2 inches).. no problems... Stack/ Pro packing try to roll the nose more... even you can go as far as rolling the cells into the center and further roll one or two times.... this of course will slow your opening further..... Hopes that this helps..... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Personally, I dont care much for the T-17 risers. I guess I like more material holding the load. That is from my military rigging exp. I guess. I dont know of any cases of the T-17 coming apart in my personal exp. also I only know of a hand full of people who use them. Only way I could see them coming aprat is too much stress in that area upon opening.. IE jumper turns to that side durning deployment and the shock is to that side.. Opening first more so then the uniform opening of both risers at the same time...... Just my personal observations...... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Someone has to be really annal to go through and edit this manual. Not saying that everything that I do and read I do not analize it. Why???? It goes to say any FAA Inspector should also take this manual not to heart... As it was basically written by one person and to take that as word is incorrect in many forms and factors..... Hopefully that person will have a firm grasp and understanding of our field. While over the years there have been many changes ... just in the 20 years I can not count.. and How long will it take to update this manual with these changes?? Another 10 years if not longer... So with that dont take this manual too much ... other then general data and indformation..... That is all that I can say... Just my two cents..... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

try it, id say. dont see an issue with it. as you can also make your own web gloves from regular gloves. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

In my oppion: I feel that a canopy that has a high wing load will need a new line set sooner then one that has been jumped with a lighter wing load factor. Based on this I feel that this information plus the other factors of packing methods (IE: pro, stack, rolling, etc) along with actual opening speeds each have on the canopy and lines. An example that I might use is a 200 lb jumper exiting with a canopy with 130 cu ft of canopy (High wing load) vs 200 lb jumper with a 250 cu ft canopy (lighter wing load).. The amount of stress on the materials would be greater then a lighter wing load. I have seen this on heavy equipment airdrops while in the Army. Such in the case of a one to two parachute load: if you use two parachutes for say 8000 lb load and one system opens sooner (2Sec cutters) this one parachute is holding the entire shock/ load for that 2 sec. I have seen this many times including with the higher load base loads of 42K. What goes first canopy or lines: not sure as its a mess. Blown gores/ panels, and broken/ snapped lines. Just my in put in this area.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

i personally use neither. as i feel that many people rely on them too much. of course the big one is the cost and my own lack of funds to purchase one of course. today of course if i had my selection id go for the virgil. while it does and had its share of problems I know in time that these issues will be fixed. i like the sealed battery, ability to change/ update information, life cycle, and free cutter replacement if used.... all these might not mean anything to some... but anything man made can and will fail... reminds me of bill cosby's talk about god/ man, car, and a rabbit...... just my two amereican pennies here.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Would not this be regulated (IE Foreign military sales, etc...)? Of course I have a few items IE: G-14 and G-12D. But I'd never donate them. $$. Best place an ad in the classifieds.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I am a rigger and it would not bother me. In fact it may at times be great to have another person do it,. Just in case I miss something (fat chance),.. but you never know... If someone gets hurt over somthing so minor if that... maybe you should not deal with them in giving them business.... I totally feel that you the customer and owner can take your rig where ever you need to.. after all you are basincally saying that I trust you and you and you. ... So dont worrry about it.... I would not....

Our policy here in Marshall, Michign is two with no more then three in one day. The student already has enough stress and just making them tired more is no cause for learning/ completing task, etc..... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I agree, go to school and get a real job. If it rains you dont eat. Then again if it does not rain you could be packing alot but then again it would be best if you held a Riggers ticket.. meaning you could do reserves and minor repairs on the spot etc.... Just my two cents... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I totally agree with you. I have seen this countless times and I guess one of my pet peves is making sure that the lines are untwisted be it my own pack jobs or someone else is packing while I am supervisong them.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I recommend all the listed replys. In addition I would read just about anything out there on the areas of manufactures manuals: and checking out canopy mnaufactues as well. They are good sources of information on packing the different systems out there. But by far the best is experience... Learn while doing. Work beside a lic. rigger will be a big help. I had the US Army to help me gain the experience, then also I had the chance to learn more on my own....

Steve, Very true and while you get older alot of the younger people around you cant or will not believe all that we have seen and done. This still gests me,... But I know what and where Ive been, While on the other hand they have not left home yet..hahaha.. Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith