masterrigger1

I can't quite make out if it has a inner foot or not? ...or does it just have the standard foot mounted to the presser bar that moves. I have never seen a machine like that anyway. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Good Stuff! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Negative. A different entity built that container under a different QA program. In fact, to install an AAD (loop cutter type)in that rig absolutely requires a field approval. Getting to the field approval issue..... It may come to this on all rigs as it stands now. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

How did you come to that conclusion? The repair station is no different than a TSO holder. They both have certificates to do what they do, they also have QA programs in place, they both can (in most cases)manufacture parts for certificated use. The list goes on.... MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

No, The responsibilty would not follow. I have been looking into buying a TSO and have looked at all legal issues. As far as the FAA is concerned, the new Company has absolutely no responsibilty to the old TSO holder or equipment or parts manufactured by that entity. As far as the court systems, there have been attempts to include the new TSO or Certificate holder/owner into lawsuits involving the old TSO Holders problems. Most have failed to attach the new TSO holder because of the FAA 's stance. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

According to the FAA (which will be here tomorrow regarding these issues, BTW), the "old" company is no more. The TSO is a one entity ownership that has one QA program, etc. The FAA takes oversight of the "old" issues just like a aircraft repair station that no longer is in exsistance. If a problem arises with, let's say a propeller that that repair shop repaired or made; the FAA issues SB's for that issue. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Jerry, I think you are both correct and incorrect. They are using the same TSO, but with the name change, so did ownership of the TSO. The TSO can only be owned by one responsible entity that reports to MIDO (FAA). History has shown us that different ownerships of TSOs show the the new owner is not responsible for the previous owners problems, Service Bulletins, or AD's. Case and point,.. Sky Supplies, Inc, that built the original Mirage, later sold to National, and now Mirage Systems. Do you think Mirage Systems has control over the older rigs? No, they do not for a couple of reasons. One is to seperate themselves from liabilty. The other is they do not want to support the older systems with parts and service. BTW, the Vector I and II parts are starting to be harder to come by these days. Cheers, MEL PS- Thanks for the item you mailed! Means alot! Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

That canopy looks like it is in a VERY shallow Brake setting. In other words, the canopy is very close to full flight @ opening. I would question the brake setting.... ask the manufacturer about it. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

He can go though a field approval process and make it a legal install if the FSDO approves the application. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Nova, The 99 is the earlier version of the now 199 Series. It is a little lighter duty than the 199's. If it is in fact a 99, it is a drop-feed machine, not a walking foot unit. The lift height of the presser foot is about 9/16 of an inch. Just a shade under the 20U but this can be adjusted a little bit from the stock setting. The 99 feeds the material better than the 20U IMHO. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Like Gary Stated....the ripcord is on the wrong end of what looks like a brand new Strong Tandem Cutaway Pillow Assembly. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

It is not active BTW and probably will not be active until some changes are made. I will post more on this later. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Writing it more clearly would have helped some. Para-Gear sells both the Osborne (cheaper) and Stimpson die sets. You never stated that the ones bought from Para-Gear were Stimpsons, That Information would have helped to identify exactly what you had to us. In your earlier post you stated "I now only use #0L grommets for just about every application." This statement lead me to believe exactly what you stated. My post just pointed out that you should use the proper length grommet, not just a "one size -fits all". Also just for clarity, the two parts of a hand set die are sometimes called the Base and Mandrel. They are also called from other manufacturers, the Top Set and Bottom Set. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Grind is a very aggresive word. You should only remove enough metal just to remove the cracks at the end before installation. Also, never use a bench grinder to grind soft metal like brass or aluminum as it will load the grinding wheel and may explode. Somewhat true, but the biggest reason is because a split is already present and will continue unless removed before installation. The standard dies from Paragear are not designed for SS Grommet installations. They do sell the Stimpsons though. Stimpsons (painted blue) can be used for all types of grommets, not just SS. The tool that you speak of is a "Rolled Rim" die which is different that the standard "flared" die. The length of the gromment should be regulated to the thickness of the material., not the die. You should not be using long barrels for short work.It can damage both the die and/or the workpiece with the added blunt force needed to set them. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Pretty Much what I said when I packed it the first time. I still have it in the shop BTW. It was Danny Page's first rig that he ever owned. This one is a 2 pin. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Yes, a 24 footer will, but it is one tight puppy! ....with a MA-1 installed too, BTW. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Yep! BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

1. Does not run until you need it 2. Easy to adjust for sensitivity for starting 3. Uses less energy 4. Makes less noise 5. Lighter weight MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

If you order a new motor, go with the Consew 550 servo motor and specify a #614 pulley. Wait until you install the motor and then go to a local hardware store to buy a new belt. You will be looking for a 3A belt (farm belt) which means it is 3/8ths inch wide. (4a is 1/2" wide etc.) The length will be the next number and should be in the 41" range. The belt numbering is pretty simple. For a 3/8ths inch wide belt that is 41 inces the number is 3A410. ...and for a belt that goes into 1/2" increments replace the 0 for a 5. i.e. a 3A415 belt is equal to 41.5 inches. You may have to try a couple of sizes to make sure you will be "mid-range" of the adjustment arm on the motor. As far as parts, stick with Jerry's recommendation as to Henderson Sewing. Talk to Dot there. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

No, not really. I would suggest looking at how you pack and maybe try something a little different to speed up the end cells inflation process. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I only see fraying on the lower control lines. When you do not stow the lowers like this guy, the lowers are beating around at 120 mph. It does not take long for them to wear at that speed. Spectra vs Vectran.... Vectran would be the stronger of the two, given the same diameter. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Vectran would usually act the same as it is not as smooth as Spectra. Even more so if it is a little worn. As it wears, it becomes more like Technora as far as grip in relation to the slider grommets. A high aspect ratio canopy is short on chord and long on wing span. So during inflation is is going to inflate from the center out during a normal opening (hopefully). The only way to reduce the delay the inflation of the end cells is to open up the crossports WHICH is NOT recommended. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Yes, Joe was inspiring! No Doubt. I got a lot of photos with him too. But I can not help to speak of Shannon Pilcher in the same way. I saw him when he arrived and it was the first time I had seen him since his accident. I just said good-bye to him as you was leaving just about an hour ago. Actually, it was pretty great to see a lot of other people too! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Sorry, just saw this post! I am still in Reno had just had a moment to log on.... The lines are loose because of exactlt what Aggie spoke of. The canopy has not yet pressurized fully and extended the line. With Technora this becomes an issue as the slider is trying to come downward, causing excess BELOW the slider of the not yet extended lines. Technora has a lot of "grip" in reference to the slider. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Agreed to some extent. But at least the questions and answers were correct in their meaning and definition. Most of the issues brought up had no merit, changed definitions, or just personal opinion. I will after to end it here. ....Testing a new applicant this AM and then trying to ready for the PIA. then I gotta build a mini canopy to bring to PIA because of somone that I know!!! Yes, Terry that would be you. Cheers, MEL See some of you guys there! Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com