masterrigger1

But you do need to hold a rigger's certificate or be under the direct supervision of one to sew the patches. So with that said, someone's rigger certificate should be in play here. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

At that time GPI/FCI was only building the reserve, so I do not understand the connection between the main and reserve unless the main that was built by Jump Shack had the same exact same issues. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

No, not that I am aware of. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Ken, They are pretty good reserves. First TSO'd circa 1991. They were first used in the Jump Shack Tandem, some people prefer them to the PD Sigma reserve (me for one), and are also used by the Military. I was present during the heavy drops and can assure you that they are very tough. Packs like any other reserve BTW... MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Negative. You can go straight to a terminal deployment. Never heard of that theory BTW.... MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

According to the FAA, the life limit does not exist unless the manufacturer had included that in the data when the TSO was submitted. In this case, Strong Enterprises did not. I asked several inspectors about this and got the same answer from all of them. The answer is "no" you do not have to comply with SB-22.The reasoning is that they do not see a significant safety issue in the first place. Second, they (FAA) never issued an AD with regards to a safety issue. The rigger inspecting the H/C at that time is capable of determining airworthiness of the equipment and that is all that is needed according to the FAA. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I pointed that out first! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Nope! Technically only one had a question mark.... Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

One question, What do you tell your students about this. Do you advise them that supervision for parachutes intended for use is legal or illegal? MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Really...? In the last two classes that we gave, the inspectors reviewing the logbooks with the individuals found at least one that had pack jobs that were for use and actually being used at that time. The supervising rigger was contacted in each case and was advised to take those rigs out of service. The inspectors were NOT happy. Again, Really.... 65.111 (a) No person may pack, maintain, or alter any personnel-carrying parachute intended for emergency use in connection with civil aircraft of the United States (including the reserve parachute of a dual parachute system to be used for intentional parachute jumping) unless that person holds an appropriate current certificate and type rating issued under this subpart and complies with §§ 65.127 through 65.133. There are no provisions anywhere in the regulations that allows supervision of an emergency parachute that is intended for use. This has been discussed thoroughly over the last few years as you are well aware. It is not MY position, it is the FAA's just ask. In fact, for anyone that doubts that fact, pick up the phone and call your local inspector. In this case that is a real problem! But really, that "number" is pretty small. It is not required by regulation for non-military applicants, but is required for anyone using their military experience for a rating. That letter is to be signed by their commanding officer. With that said, every inspector that I have had contact with has expected the letter from everyone. They still can give them and I know of two instances were they did within the last few years. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

There is no crossover training. 1.You will need 20 supervised pack jobs under a FAA certified rigger.These pack jobs cannot be "for use" BTW... 2.A letter from the supervising rigger stating that you are good to go basically. 3.Meet with a FAA inspector and have two copies of form 8610-2 filled out and signed by the Inspector. 4.Pass a written exam 5.Take a Oral and practical with a DPRE Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Pops, Sometimes the 4.0 line set gets installed onto a 3.0 canopy without the attachment getting moved. IIRC you had that going on with your canopy. I guess you could call that scenario a 3.5 mod. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Terry, Unless the plastic ones are coated with lead, I do not see any wiggle room. "ASIs should understand that § 65.133 is interpreted as meaning that the certificated parachute rigger must seal the parachute with a lead-type seal." MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I hope not. If they are, they probably need to be aware that the lead seal issue was firmly addressed as lead seals are mandatory. It is actually now part of Federal Order 8900.1. See Paragraph 5... MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I think Noah used that one on the ark! How's it going Doc? Long time no see. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I wish I were. It is a great place that I lived in late 2004 and early 2005. Lots to see before after jumping. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Lance, Never use a hammer! Here is a method that I have been teaching for years. 1.First, go to either a welding supply shop or EBay and get a 10 way Oxy/acetylene torch wrench; cost about 5 bucks. 2.Next get a 10 to 14 inch long screwdriver that will fit width wise in the slot between the two L bars. 3.Loosen both screws about three turns each 4.Insert wrench into slot using the 9/16 marked position on the wrench. 5.Insert screwdriver in between the torch wrench and L bar link. This is the opening that you see in photo #4 6.Squeeze both the wrench and screwdriver together and the links will separate. See attached photos: MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Understand. Since you are new, you probably need to go back through the forums and search my posts regarding line type. Then compare what was said in those forums in many years past, what manufacturers where saying/using then and actually look at what they are using now. I think that should answer most of your questions. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

John, You laid claim that the lines had nothing to do with it in the beginning. Go back and look. Based on your claim that the line type had nothing to do with it; present that data. The results of my work are being jumped and used everyday. Go over to the DZ and look at what people are actually jumping. Also, did you use a data logger on the speed-bag video that you posted? Deployment looks a bit long.... Exactly! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

John, It is obvious that not matter what answer we/I give you. you will not be satisfied with that answer. You have a data logger, a parachute company and are right next to a major DZ. Go ahead and build a system, jump it, log the information, then change line set to Technora and do the same test. Then post that info (to this forum). I already have my findings, you don't believe me, so prove me wrong. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I am refuting your claim that it does not and even offered the simple test to show that it does. Actually, the root cause is Spectra and all of it's issues. Trim, lack of/low elasticity,etc... Negative, You offer a totally different scenario. Let's put it to you a different way. Take all brand new gear, change the lines from Spectra to Technora and you will have better openings. Again, vivid, real life test data here. As far as the one aspect comment; I have already looked at the other components and now focused on the culprit. Real life data is a casual observation!...Give us a break! Just so you know, Dacron is not my first choice of line material. It is by far though, better that Spectra. The definition of attenuation is actually the loss of forces though a type of medium BTW. While I could care less about studies of social interaction and parts of the brain that promote or deny responses, I do care about my work. My "bias" is based on absolutes. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

John, Really! How did you come up with that equation? Do this for me: With a fish scale measure the difference between the stows (of the same size, exact same rubber band, and the same number of lines) of Spectra, Technora, Dacron, and Vectran. Then report your findings to us. I guess we should not be double stowing (more grip) the rubber bands by your theory! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I do not know myself, I just posted what the FAA sent to me. Ask Jerome. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Yes. I heard about it a couple of weeks ago.It seems that they are relocating Altico to somewhere Connecticut. This is where Dave is originally from. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

For everyone's info, I just received this. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com