masterrigger1

ZZM, We would do it here either in this shop or the other one. *Looking at maybe 10 people Max I am thinking of doing the modules each on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if needed. That could change depending on who wants what. That way the people that want to learn a particular subject can just come for that module. i.e. sewing machine repair. On Friday do a briefing and demo. Give each person a machine to reassemble, time, and adjust. They would each need to go through a Single needle,Zig-Zag, Bartack machine, walking foot,and Harness machine. And no.... they would not be using my production machines. I have plenty in reserve for mockups. and parts.....! I am sure someone will crunch something somewhwere, but that's the point! BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Rob, Here's what it is looking like: We will break it down into different modules. 1. Industrial Sewing Machine Repair 2. Major Canopy Repair- consisting of Cell replacement, rib replacement and how to hand cut replacement panels. 3.Line Replacement-proper construction,bartacking with manual and computerized bartackers,and line installation. The methods differ with the different line materials out so that will have to be covered also. 4. Harness Construction and Repair 5. Container Repair- Probably the easiest area to cover. Just wondering if everyone would want to do it in one trip or break it down just to each module???? Email or post yours thoughts on this matter please. Thanks, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

True for some manufacturers and false for others. Some other lines Like the "C" use a negative measurement. That is something that one has to really look out for. An example is on the Skymasters: Full flight is measured above the "D" on all the different sizes using the inside steering line and the inside "D". The brake setting is measured in comparision to the "C" with a minus number on all sizes except the 290 which that measure is above the "A". Different manufacturers have many different methods of taking the measurements,so be aware of that when reading the charts. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Mike, I am there this weekend I will have you know! It's my last weekend at home(Right Coast) for awhile. Anyway......... MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Actually I think you guys are speaking of the toggle (full flight) setting. Not to be confused with the brake(stowed) setting. I know it is just a twist of words, but two entirely different things. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Cissco, This is exactly what I am asking for; what the student would like for the syllabus to be. For example: Cell Replacement Rib Replacement Proper Relining Techniques with the different materials (HMA- Vectran- Spectra- Dacron) Harness Repair with the different articulated harness/container systems out there. Industrial Sewing Machine Repair. Riser Construction ..and the list goes on! These are a few of the things I have thought of. It also could be the pre-training for a Master's rating if need be. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

RL, You can issue a license to a non-national. All that is required is that they read and speak English and be 18 years old or older. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Correct! 1 1/4" - 1 3/8" OD usually. .... .and Stainless Steel on most canopies today. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Do not use rubbing alcohol, but use Naptha instead. Naptha is commonly known as lighter fluid. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I am trying to gather enough input to see if it will be worth putting an advanced rigger training class together soon. Also what topics or subjects people would like to see taught or covered. Feel free to PM me or post your thoughts on this. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Hmmmmmm.... If you look at the loose fibers in the picture the load was applied in the appropriate direction. Everyone is going with the theory that the hard opening caused the slider damage. I'm going with the theory that the slider damage caused the hard opening! What it looks like is when the grommets or rings were installed,they where installed with way too much hydraulic pressure, thus damaging the fabric. Notice how the area around the grommet is almost perfectly round and not jagged like you would expect. Note:The white plastic is a binder on the opposite side for the teeth of the grommet to bind into. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

John, It looks like SS grommets on the slider. Are they SS? MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Rob, This probably needs to be a PM, but I will help put this to rest now. What type of Line set? ...Vectran or HMA? Your call. BS, MEL PS - In the end,you and I are the ones standing out looking, well....,stupid after this is over. Try using the phone more. I am deaf,dumb,and stupid, but I will talk to you!!!

Rob, You have my phone number, so please use it. For the record: We built three sliders as a project quite a while back.(April 2005) One for John Z. Two for Nick Boyd. Rob somehow got one of these. It was never a purchased slider or let me say I was never paid for this slider. When I first was aware of a problem, Rob was blasting away here on DZ.com in January of 2006. His canopy was delivered in November of 2004. I sent Nick the sliders in April of 2005, not knowing one went to Rob. I asked to see the slider after the posting here on DZ.com. That was January 05, 2006. I received it in April 2006. I had no idea it was one of the "project" sliders, in fact I could not find anything that showed a sale of a RDS system to Rob. I was in California with my "other" job as always in the Spring and Fall seasons when the Slider came to the shop the first week of April. I returned home in Mid-May with the good thoughts of replacing the slider free of charge even though it was free from my standpoint to begin with. But with PM's with subject lines with 'Well........' 'the slider is worthless, I would rather trade it for a line set......' I just have problems with that! I try to help out people as best I can, ( and still will), but I have a problem with demanding attitudes. Also, I am in the shop right now and will be all day! Pick up the phone.............. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I always thought something was different about Joe.... and I always thought I was a Lesbian... MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Thanks for the Kudos Guys!!

Mick, That was my first thoughts as well. I have seen it a couple of times in the past also. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Mike, Where's the picture of you and your new canopy? I figured you would post at least one of it! BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Ian, John had two 96's. We had relined them both a few months back. Way to go John!!!!! BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Ian, I need to demo all three! See Ya Saturday! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Yes, they did! But that was with 500 lb. Spectra lined canopies. That stuff is terrible! Not all went with the Dacron after that. I know Joe Trinko, Darren Schuster, and maybe a couple of others still used 725 Spectra. But you are right, most of them went back to Dacron. I just got back in from doing some military training and testing. I noticed that all of the"special" teams are still using Dacron on their canoies as well. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

You can surely bet that if a jumper goes in with a rig that has a data card entry like you state, the heat is going to be on the rigger. I ask one question; what defense would you use in a court of law? You could not state a FAR or any other guidance that would allow you to do it because there are none. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Cliff, I guess it would be common knowledge at the very least. If the rigger made a rigging error, the jumper was jumping from an airplane with the 120 pack cycle, and had a problem with it, do you not think the rigger would be responsible??? Everyone knows, including the FAA and general public, that a rigger is responsible for his or her work. No, I actually wasn't kidding. I was, in fact, speaking just for the USA market. We have the shortest repack cycle in the worid that I am aware of. The complance of the FAR's simply state that we have to maintain the AAD (if Installed) according to the manufacturer's instructions. A simple statement in the instructions regarding the US market would satisify the FAA reguirements. I know that probably is not going to happen for several reasons, but it would work. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Absolutely not! That is outside of the 120 window of which the rigger is responsible. Cliff, Actually, you guys could make it all better. Airtec could state that as long as the dates where good when closed, it would be valid through out the pack cycle. That would be the hot ticket!!! and legal!!! BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

No, What I stated was when I put my seal on the rig, everthing will complant with dates and services. If someone does something to the rig, it's a different story. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com