kenneth21441

I just sold a MC1 round main parachute. ANd the guy wants the main packed. The question that I have is can I repack this to send to him as a rigger....? even though I am not jumping it nor is it able to be sealed... other then the quater inch packing closing tie.. Anyone ever experience this...? Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Unless things have changd its your SSN..... Did they give you your 3 letter and or number seal... this you then order and use that to seal the parachutes that you pack. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

My DZ has one,... I know because I did it.. Try Poynters books.... plus the one .... that Sandy did for the FAA>>>> Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I would have to say to this is "Keep Hillary in the house, NOt the WHITE HOUSE" Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I have always trusted myself to be on time with the pull. but understand that things do happen. And having a AAD is just a back up... a back up that if i need it will or could save my life. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Heres where I stand at on this issue> Having been in the rigging field for what almost 19 years now. I recall when I was also a young Airborne Rigger at Ft Bragg. Not knowing some of the parts just having gone through 13 weeks of BS in packing my own rig that I was too jump to repairing these same type of parachutes along with those cargo parachutes, not including how to rig and load up all these different things that the Army wanted to throw out of these big birds. So yes, here I was a young paratrooper/ rigger who did not know the differnece between a main lift web of the harness and a free fall rig... Just joking but some what true. This is where a little On the Job training OJT comes into play. And yes, I did learn all the names and what they do and even went as far as learning more each day..... Until one day (not too far after being a airborne rigger) that I was considered an expert on these items.. Since I wanted to learn and lived the life of an Airborne Rigger. I WILL BE SURE ALWAYS!! Is what I lived and worked under. Soon NCO's were asking me ... cool Id think. Too this Day I still lear things. Now to have a new skydiver try to learn all this they must really live the life... Know what a free bag is and does, how the cut away systems work, why we do gear checks.. all this and more. You cant teach a new jumper all these as **it happens and you cant trust the kind of trust that a rigger must have. Ive seen some jumpers and riggers who i would trust and some i would not to pack me a parachute. I guess it takes time to learn to do a good jump. Like inspections. Inspections are one area that we riggers must look at the materials (stiching, warp and fill, any damages etc).. We can usually tell if the material is good or Not . Ive seen some rigs where you can poke a finger throught the materials: but no the jumper still thought it was safe, Ive seen a jumper put duct tape on a tear near the tail and watched the canopy rip from rear to front on his next deployment. Thank god the rigger did a great job on his reserve. Educate the jumper but dont over educate them. If they want that then go for the Lic. to be a rigger. Jumpers should know little things in time, with each day how to keep there rigs protected and all. But I sure am not going to teach someone with 20 jumps how to pack a reserve but would show them how to hook up the 3 ring and some basic pre jump inspections... This is important stuff.... Then progress up from there. As far as a D Lic. holder we can hope they know how to pack there own mains. But I seen some who has a hard time getting it into proper layout .. or who reverse line stow the stows etc.... So be it there. Rigging comes with experience but let the proffessionals who is trained and lic. do what we need to do. To keep this a safe sport. Id suggest that each DZ make there own little manual for new jumpers with equipment information and a jumper check list for the jumpers to check themselves. I know there is one out here. Just my two cents on this as from what I have observed ...... here and there,..... Thanks, Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

It does sound stupid, until I looked up where your from and no it far to be truthful. Ive seen what they did to the SCUBA market and guess thats why I could not be doing any thing there. On your question it should be on the tail section / center cell area on the data plate. Ive seen manufacured under US Patent #, then it also went into under catagory of certification. Would any of these work for this. I know removal of this tag voids the TSO rating. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Size E thread generally is used with around 8 to 11 stitches per an inch. I perfer 9 to 10. Besure to start the sewing at least around two inches from the start and two inches from the finish area of damaged area. Also allow half inch lock stitch on both front and rear of reapair. Best to also sew over any orginal stitching to assist in locking that in. Take it slow and make it look neat. Color chose is up to you. or try orginal color of tread if you can find it in size E. Hope this helps. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

It seems that the postal service is again loosing money and needs to increase the cost by what another two cents. Why not just charge a dollar now and get it over with>>? It appears that web banking and e-mail is taking its toll on the system. Sure glad I don't mail that much other then my wife who still thinks PCH will be coming here to see her with all that money. I hope that she finally sees the light and stops mailing those things.. it cost me more each time. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

SOTF is a term used to describe a: Special Overseas Tit Fucker A Special Unit Formed when some one did not know where they were at, and the bar was open. LOL Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Agreed, just added comments on the modifications to the gores and misc. other data.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

The MC1-1B is made from 1.1 oz that has a vent cap on the apex. The MC1-1C is made with out the vent cap and if you look at it is shiner then the 1.1 (it lets less air through it, in laymens terms).... All models have the anti inversion net that is why the T-10 became the T-10B. The T-10C came about with the adding of new Pocket opening bands in the late 80's adding like 15 inches to the lower lateral band... (I know this because my platon did the modifications with some 4000 canopies)... The MC1-1b will land you hard, while the 1C will bring you down slowly. If you compair the two canopies modifications you will also see the difference.... We had to modifie the 1C's long gore modification with a T type strap to prevent it from being sucked in during opening. There was talk about adding a slider but this T; modification seemed to work... Just some new info here...on the MC1B and C.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I have a MC1-1b and t-10 reserve.. complete that I plan on putting up for sale as a set. Both are still jumpable.... and are in good condition. I am seeking some input on what to sell then for? I was looking for 500 USD is this too low or what?? Ive seen many on ebay but the lines have been cut etc..... this is not... What do you think>>?? Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

If I am reading this right. You are using a heavy thread?? I would not use a larger thread then size e based on the larger the tread the easier it is to rip under stress.. I am not too sure of the material you are using. But I always use size e. with 9 to 10 stitches per an inch just like when working on parachutes... Of course I double sew a line one eight an inch on high stress areas: armpits, groin and seat areas.... They always seem to hold up alot better then those other brands that folks spend hundreds of dollars for.... and mine are done in two days.... Just hope this helps..let me know if you need further assistance if i can.. I just hope that I am on track of what you are after..... thanks.. Ken,,, Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

That is the way I was trained. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

approach from a 45 degree angle from the front.do not enter from the rear of the a/c. nor the front due to some models the blades tilt down low. Keep you hands over your ripcord/ handles to prevent being sucked up. When landing and the a/c is on the ground do not land near the A/c... land away from it... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Get what ever color you want to and if a rigger has a problem with it then find another rigger. Personal note I have a red PD as red represents emergency ....this of course was my own choice and its up to you to what you like. IE cutaway handles, fire trucks etc..... I would only suggest a darker color as they tend to hide stains better only to the casual jumper,,but a trained rigger can spot them.. (just in case you get grass stains on them etc.. ) it would/ should keep its value....as a causal jumper would try to talk there price down etc..... But in the end the purscase is up to you and if a riiger refuses to pack it becasue the do not like the color there are a dozen more then that one... thanks, just my two cents.. ken,.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I understand where you are coming from and i can only hope that someone will make it a point to push this person to learn the ins and outs of the variuos systems. Part names, material types etc.. Being a rigger is always a learning process. Having 18 plus years Im still learning, while its not like it was when I was up all night studing and learning the ropes. I still learn something new each day. If not you then maybe go after the people who trained this person to ride them to learn the systems. I just wished these schools would take the time to do things the right way and not rush them through these quickey courses...... My school was 13 plus weeks long but of course this was the US Army.. Rigging courses in my opion should be at least five weeks long with time for packing and knowledge and repairs etc............. ' Just what I think here... Ken.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Anyone have an ideal of where to get some parts for the MC4. I recently came across a used MC4 that is missing the main and reserve ripcord, cut away handle/ cables, main and reserve deployment bag. Thanks, Ken. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

What kind of race question is this? it does not matter as far as Im concerned if they are black, white , or pink. They just want to come out and jump. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Having seen all the test and being a owner of a skyhook. I would highly recommend it on a rig if you can get it. You may never know if you may need it or not but having it on the reserve is just like owning a AAD. You may never know if you may need it or not. But of course you have to start the cycle of cutting away to make the skyhook (this does not mean it will not work with the AAD or the actual pull of the reserve handle), I mean if you are unable to pull like being knocked out it will not work... But if you do cut you can be assured a reserve out as fast as possible.' WHat blew me away durning the test was all the possible problems they tested. Check out there web site for the video. It will help make the best choice. thanks, Ken.. Just my two cents.. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

The e thread and needle size are great. Also remember to buy some good material. The one dollar walmart speicail is just that. If you want it to hold up under all the jumps it should be of better quality. reinforce those areas subject to ware (knees etc.. with a layer of extra material. ive made jumps suits in one piece and two piece models. On the seams be sure to tri fold them when ever possable and reinforce with another row of stich about one eigth apart. hope this helps.... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

I agree with you to a point. Riggers need to pay better attention to the fact that we are held responsiable for others lives and by following a check list of there tools this would not happen. That is the way I was trained I dont know about the others. But of course my training is through the US Army also. Do we make mistakes? Yes as we are human and I am glad that there is another rigger to check over this stuff but this should not be. Just follow the rules and do the right thing. Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Unpack them and place them in a tote. (preference to a dark color) then place the tote in a dry place like a closet. Do not place it in a area that could be subject to water damage, High heat temp. or changing temps or high humitity, etc.. Then when you are ready to use them have them inspected by your rigger (as the rigger will have too any way since the reserve will need repack)... Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith

Jay is the man, If anyone was able to do such a feat I knew he could and would do it. Its all about the drive that helps you push it further Kenneth Potter FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Tactical Delivery Instructor (Jeddah, KSA) FFL Gunsmith