masterrigger1

I'll be there! Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Overall measurement ( from line attachment at Tail---upper control line) straight down to the toggle mark or loop should be 360.5cm. This measurement is the upper, lower, and toggle line combined. ...from the loop that joins the uppers down to the brake set loop is 231.1cm Hope this helps! Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Bill, The Safire I had even length uppers from the factory. I removed a lot of those mods at the owners request, even some that we did. Actually the openings were somewhat better but the landings suffered. The Safire II has totally different line trim charts than the Safire I across the board. The replacement line sets for the Safire I are the same as always with all the uppers the same length. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

First is it a Safire I or II... BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

That would be me! We do a "DZ for a day" a few times a year there. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

*** Closest one to FL is Mike Gruwell in Georgia. *** Terry, That just depends where in Florida. I am actually closer to Deland by about 30 miles. ...and just got back in the shop for the next 4 months. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

The Viper, Alpha, and Colbalt all have the same line set on them. There were a few differences in the earlier canopies, but the latest version works on them all now. Call Pete Swan if you need a line set. I am currently away on assignment, but he has all of my line charts and can fix you up with a set if needed. BTW, one of the biggest differences is the center A's and B's now being non-casscaded. It helps the openings alot. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I also never said how long the legs had to be. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Sure, just go underneath the house and screw in 4 legs to it...and bingo ..there you are! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Terry, You got me good there! I just never met anyone that did not have a table and didn't pack rounds so I am a little out of my element....give me a break! BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

It still is required if packing rounds. See below: § 65.127 Facilities and equipment. top No certificated parachute rigger may exercise the privileges of his certificate unless he has at least the following facilities and equipment available to him: (a) A smooth top table at least three feet wide by 40 feet long. (b) Suitable housing that is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated for drying and airing parachutes. (c) Enough packing tools and other equipment to pack and maintain the types of parachutes that he services. (d) Adequate housing facilities to perform his duties and to protect his tools and equipment. [Doc. No. 1179, 27 FR 7973, Aug. 10, 1962, as amended by Amdt. 65–27, 47 FR 13316, Mar. 29, 1982] Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

That's really funny as the petition was sent to Regulatory and Compliance and I heard yesterday that they are still working it. Go figure! We still need a FAA document, not a second or third party. I find it hard to believe that the FAA would base law on "common" practice. If that were the case, pencil packing would be legal FCOL. I will call R&C tomorrow and get the scoop... MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Glad that you like it! Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Shlomo, I called Mike yesterday and got the impression that they were sending out just two sizes; one for Sport rigs and one for Tandem. Mike only only asked me how many I needed for Sport and how many for Tandem. No other info was asked for. I guess I need to call them again for some clairity. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

No,you did not come out right and state that exact sentence. By stating that the manufacturer probably has the best insight regarding how to classify a certain repair does mean the exact thing though. At least that is how I read it. Of course they could be wrong. But even if they are, I bet following their advice will give a lot of credibility in a court of law. Certainly more credibility than anyone that does not wear the manufacture hat to work every morning. Hence, I am going to continue to read the manufacturer's instructions and follow them. If you believe UPT mispublished any instructions that say a master or senior riggers can do certain procedures, please contact them asking for an immediate revision to those documents. Thanks for implying I am a student! I am always learning and picking up new things. Knowing I would get a post out of you in this thread by what I said - I had already called a few people with a lot of creditability for their opinions. *** Well I never implied that you were a student. The fact is that we all are. Everyday! But now that you bring it up, I do try to teach people here to improve their knowledge of rigging and anything related to it. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

It is the FAA that sets that precident, not the manufacturer. A manufacturer cannot simply "upgrade" a riggers certificate by stating that senior rigger may do master rigger work. Please remember that any major repair, modificaton, or alteration is Master Rigger work only. ....For mains no authorization is needed. ....For certificated equipment, authorization from the manufacturer, the FAA, or both is needed. This is the same material that I just had to go over with several students in the last 10 days. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Well it's just a few days away! Anyone else going? MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Well, we had another really great class this year. A lot of talent showed up ready to get down to business. We had 31 candidates for a senior rigger's certificate, breaking the previous record of 27. The class also had several add-on candidates from the same group along with 7 Masters candidates that came in at the end of the course. Dave is giving the last add-on O&P today making it officially over. Congratulations to all, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Henderson Sewing in Alambama1 They can get what ever you need. Also, look on Ebay. Sometimes you find really good stuff on there for a fraction of the cost. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Jerry, Their quality has gone way down and their prices are through the roof now. We just went got a binder in late yesterday that has been back to them for the third time. I am really disappointed as the binder now looks like one that has been in service for a few years (battered) rather than one that never been in production. It cost $550.00 plus all of the return shipping cost, so now I have around $650.00 in it now!!!! I would be looking at other companys rather than Tennessee Attachment Company IMHO. As far as what binders to use: Tape binder - This is what Paragear sells. You can find the same product on EBay for a lot less money. It is generally used for straight sewing although it can be used for turning corners if you take your time. I have used this type for years with great success. Right Angle Binder - This is generally used for thicke materials and comes in two throat sizes for a 3/4 binder. This throat sizes are 3/16 and 1/4. I recommend the 1/4 size. It also is easier to use for "odd" shapes. Both the tape binder and right angle binder can be mounted on a swing arm assembly to allow the binder to be moved for other projects. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

That seems to just reflect the "Changeover" period. I know that they are still writting a final guidance. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I tried to make it clicky...didn't work MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I would agree...in fact it takes me about half the time on a Racer than on some of the newer containers FCOL. They only have 4 flaps and a poptop.... I guess we need to do more Racers at the course this year! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

http://www.pia.com/Symposium2009/seminars.htm Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

You got it! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com