masterrigger1

The last time I saw Joe was in Reno. He was the same old Joe That I always knew, with a big smile, just happy to see and talk to people. His passing just made the Nylon wallet and old PC's he gave me a little more special. Thanks for the memories Joe! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

The Kaos 21 was included into my evaluation as well. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Well first off, Tony is not the average Wingsuiter. I would not recommend it, but maybe some people like Tony, may prefer the JFX. As far as Video fliers and consistent on-heading openings, it is the sweetest, smoothest, on-heading canopy I've seen to this day. .....And yes better than the Crossfire II. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Actually, the new JFX is the canopy to get for the best openings.. Lugi is now juming one along with Crazy Larry. I have one on order, Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I believe it falls under something like "Special use Airspace"...l believe 73.3 will take you there. But the requirements for the NOTAM fall under the management of the operating airport. I will spend some time digging it up later for you. About the J-3. They can fall into four different catergories: 1. Certified 2. LSA 3.Experimental As far as the door, Piper sold Cubs without doors cropdusters. So next time, let them know it never had one to began with :) BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Ed, Actually there is regulation required for filing a NOTAM. It is required at operating airports in Class E airspace and above. Also, regarding LSA and Ultralights: A wavier can be obtained for parachute jumping. It is pretty hard to get, but can be done. It operates in the same principal as a ferry permit. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

There is an error with this chart! The A5 base dimension is incorrect. It is listed as 262cm on the chart. The correct dimension is 326cm. Just got an email from Tibor confirming the error. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

While I have not worked on the E2C system, I beg to augue that it could not be any more complex that the early 1960's Matin Baker systems. I spent a lot of time rebuilding a couple of sets for some Folland Gnats. The manuals stacked together in the floor was over two feet tall! Some of the complex parts included wind-down release mechanisms,timers, altimers, airspeed indicators, drogue inside of drouge decelarators, and automatic releases.. These make the L-39 ejection seats that I also work on, look very simplistic . BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

It just points out the fact that: 1. We never really followed the regulations by building rigs with the required TSO's. 2. The FAA never followed through with any oversight "back in the day". 3. Poynter never identified these rigs as lacking TSO's , which I consider a mistake. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

First off, I do not know where you think Poynter's book "protects riggers as it has no FAA backing. It is just a book... Poynter basically copied what the manufacturer's and Military gave him at the time he was writting the book. Also remember at the time he was writting the book the FAA could care less what we did and never enforced the regulations. If you look close enough, you will find H/C's in the book that do not have TSO's listed in there. You will have to put two and two together to figure out which ones. The FAA in the Parachute Rigger Handbook says a senior rigger can replace lines on a main. I know you hate this manual, but the fact is it was published by the FAA so we have to assume someone in the FAA with authority approved it's interpretations. I have discussed with multiple master riggers how they interpret the rules, and I find you are in a minority. I have discussed with multiple master riggers how they interpret the rules, and I find you are in a minority. *** More than likely, the Master rigger's that you have talked to have not: 1. Looked at the regulations in years 2. Ever been in direct contact and discussions with the AFS-100 ( the Legal Department) For what it's worth, I have and still am in contact with the Legal department and can assure you this. If you kill or injure someone by relining a main as a Senior rigger: you probably will be meeting the legal department. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

The rule (not interpretation) has been written as it stands now for many years. It was not changed in 2001. That rule, 65.111 paragragh (a) can be read in the very early versions of poynter's in it's original version. That would be well before the 2001 "re-write". The regulation was written with the same intent as the one for IA's. We, the skydiving and rigging community, never read the rule for what it really meant. I too, was quilty until this was pointed out to me very vividly by the FAA a few years back. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

First, Thanks for the Kudos you guys. Zig, Jerry is right on with regards to WD40 and an air compressor. If you do not have one, simply saturate the machine overnight with the WD 40. Next buy yourself a blowgun that will fit onto the standard airchuck that is on airhoses for inflting tires. Then drive down to a local gas station that has a "for pay" machine in the parking lot. Use plenty of machine oil afterwards. As for as the parts, I have plenty here. Just let me know what you exactly need. I do have a presser lifter arm in stock. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Yes, but on this system I suggest a longer bridle and larger P/C when you change it out. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

That is only true for modifications and alterartions. You have to have approval for those. I am away for a couple of weeks and do not have all of my resorces here , but it is spelled out in the Inspector's hanbook and a couple of other places. You are well within your certificate when performing repairs, minor or major. Again, the manufacture cannot increase or decrease your FAA privleges with regards to limitations You can legal replace everything except one part or componet and be legal. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

ehh..nope I already had it. Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Nope, but it is considered guidance! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

AFS-100 and AFS-350 were both in the conference and conversation. We were working on another agenda and this just came up in the middle of it all. Basically, it has been defined in its meaning as they both had stated. I too, am looking for the written version to come out. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Grant, We manufacture them here. Just contact me either though DZ or my AOL account. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

The word "alter" was included in the paragraph so that the instructor could "alter" the parachute packing to make the openings more comfortable if needed. A lawyer put that in there. It has been addressed and on Feb 26, 2010, I was told it now has been corrected to reflect it's true meaning. That meaning is not to allow anyone other than a Master rigger to accomplish alterations on mains. 2. Advisory Circular AC105-2C (Section 8.a.) states that specific approval is not needed for altering a main parachute 3. Confirmation from the Denver FSDO (FAA) explaining that either a Senior or Master Rigger, someone under the supervision of a Senior or Master Rigger, the person making the next jump on the canopy, or the parachutist in command making the next jump can legally pack, maintain, or alter a main canopy or main container of a 2 canopy system. http://www.dropzone.com/...?post=784294;#784294 4. The FAA’s Parachute Rigger Handbook (document FAA-H-8083-17) in Section 7.1.9, “Square Canopy – Main Line Replacement,” specifically outlines that an FAA Senior or Master Rigger are authorized to perform this repair procedure. *** Just another error/opinion for that document. There are two types of repair, Minor and Major. Not major and minor for TSO'd equipment and the same for non-TSO'd equipment. That would make four types. Master riggers are the only ones able to do major repairs. AC-105-2C states that line repair is a major repair and Master rigger required. So there you have it. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

They had no other publication to cite that I know of. They have removed the questions regarding plumb line, etc.... They also have repaired some of the "trivia" questions thank goodness. Now maybe the rigger candidates that are very rigger savy will be able to pass the test. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

The FAA does do not view it that way, maybe Poynter does but we do not receive our certificates from him. There cannot be two different standards for airworthiness for the same exact repair.It is either airworthy or not. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Absolutely! But the problem is that are two ratings; Master and Senior, which require different testing standards for each to achieve his or her certificate. Then that certificate holder has to work within those certificate limitations unless under the direct supervision of a master rigger. What some individuals do not get is the fact that the Senior rigger certificate is just a certified reserve packer and sometimes very minor repairman. That was all that it was meant to be when it was institutied. But from the lack of oversight, privilages have grown in certain peoples eyes and minds. The Master rigger O&P is not hard and the only thing keeping the Senior rigger that should have a Master's certificate is the mere scheduling of a O&P with a DPRE. It's really that simple! You mean the "other" Sandy Reid book, Volume II? Volume II has a lot of Sandy's influence in it. Not to mention his numerous pictures of himself........ Like I told AFS-630, I WILL NOT use the PRH for any of my students ..period. It is a single point of view publication with mostly opinion in it. As far as what I use. I use widely accepted and published repair practices, along with the regulations. AFS-630 is looking for a another contractor to write a new reference manual to replace the PRH. They also stated that this one will be handled differently in it's making like having multiple reviews from various people. Hopefully, we all can have input into it's resources. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Yes, but you will have to change out the gears and cam from a 28 stitch to the 42 stitch. It's not in Poynter's. I basically got my knowledge from talking to the manufacturer's and copying what I saw in the field. Now I make up my own bartack patterns for different applications. In fact, if you look at the canopies that NZ Aerosports is manufacturing, you will see my bartack patterns at work. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

42 stitch, 7/8" Center Start/Center Stop Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Jerry, I never took in that way, sorry if you thought I did. I was trying to explain why a 269 will do what we were talking about. Back to the subject matter, Zig Zag is probably better off taking the machine to a scrap yard and just spend the money on a E bartacker. I figure 800-1000 on the light side to get her running like it needs to run. A used Juki 1900 can be had for around $2500.00. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com