masterrigger1

Nick, A couple of points: 1. First, the two point system is no better that the single. We have been there and tried it. 2. Second, we do not use grommets. We use Machined SS rings and I do have a idea what they do to the lines. 3.How many jumps have you got on our system? 4.There are two patents pending on our RDS system and I believe one for PD 's version, so it will be interesting to see yours! Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Actually, it is a synthetic coating that most use; different from a Latex type coating. There are different coatings out there, but I am speaking of the same coating that Strong, Flight Concepts, Precision, and now, Icarus is using. They all get it from CSR, Inc. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I wouldn't..... I would just have the lines replaced and be done with it IF they warrant replacing. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Most all of them except PD. It probably would be a good idea, and it may fall under a "minor " change rule. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Steve, This is my biggest soapbox with PD Reserves. First let me point out they are great reserves, BUT..... The use of uncoated lines on their reserves sucks. I have replaced numerous lines over the years. Probably too many to count. The damage is not limited to just "packing error" damage. It also can be damaged during deployment if the velcro seperates a little and allows the lines to drag across the hook Velcro. Coated lines have better protection against hook Velcro. They also stow easier, neater, and are basically just better and safer than uncoated 725 Spectra. I can not remember ever having to replace a coated line on a reserve from velcro damage. 1.They fixed the UST issue I complained about for so long. That issue consisted of a single bartack on the USTs. they were stacked and sewn, never finger trapped. 2.They changed the Packing procedures to allow PRO packing. This leaves them with the only "issue" left with their reserves in my eyes. I hope they ( John) change their mind(s) and someday put coated lines on their reserves. Peace out, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Chuck, Danny Page had one there, but I think it was a larger one. Blue Ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I may be putting another on in the very near future. When would you want to do it? You can PM me if you want more info. Thanks, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Aaron, Yep, I was in the loft all weekend. Rain was dominate most of the weekend here! Good time to try and catch up... I will be back on the left coast next month. Might just come see you guys and fall out of an airplane there! Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

That would have been Joe Bennett... Tell him him he knows nothing about nothing and Mel said so..... ...I'm waiting for the phone to start ringing.......... MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Spectra 825 only exists in the PD world. It is really 725 lb line. PD gave it a new name to separate the uncoated 725 lb. Spectra from the Coated 725 lb. Spectra in-house. 725 lb. brake lines shrink faster than 1000 lb. ones. Generally speaking of Spectra, the thicker the braid, the slower it shrinks. Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Koppel, I have them. Are you making the lines are just checking them. Let me know as to what you need in that regard. MEL PS: here is a link to the charts.http://www.aerodyne-int.com/sportlight/support.asp Look in the drop down menu under "Technical Specifications". The Triathlon is the only one that is working or there. Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Jeff, Thanks... I never did ask how were the openings . Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Thanks for the link. I have that one already, just thinking I saw a later version out there somewhere. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I am looking to compare trim charts on the Cobalt Canopies. I do not think they have changed, but just want to be sure. Dan Is sending me one later in the week, but does anyone have the latest and greatest available now? Thanks, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Will, That's basically the point! Most riggers know that the bumpers keep the lines in their proper location and in alignment with the riser end. When the rigger Finds a setup without the bumpers, he usally makes them. So the question was initally; "it this a alteration or mod?" Again; I would say not and is perfectly legal here in the USA.. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Hi, You probably need to read through the whole thread . You missed the point in that the bumpers are very helpful in other ways than just protecting the grommets. Then repost. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

CZlarry, PD has supplied both types in the past. Look in the owners Manual, it references that if you have either type, you should/shall use them. Or something to that effect...... BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Yep..... My youth again When are you getting that Seat Rating? Call me. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I think we have what you need. You can call the shop 864-429-8428. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Bill, You said it best! There is no way anyone could ever know any different for sure! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

The only problem would be that the FAR's state that a main has to be packed with 120 days just like a reserve!! From FAR 105.43 (a) The main parachute must have been packed within 120 days before the date of its use of a certificated parachute rigger, the person making the next jump with that parachute, or a non-certificated person under the direct supervision of a certification parachute rigger. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

John, The crown vent allows some air to pass though so that the high pressure zone does not become an extreme high pressue zone and damage the canopy. Hence the word "vent". Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Rob, I do not think he wants to get around to certifying any soft links for his reserves! And yes, he will/does sell soft links for his mains, but that's apples and oranges here. Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Sparky, Actually PD supplies silicone bumpers with their Reserves that have the #4 Rapide Link. I did see at one time, some canopies that came with nylon ones for the #5 link like we make here. And in case they have stopped doing so, they did. Precision has/did have the cloth covers on the Micro Ravens to keep the lines gathered on the end. Those where OK, but the link still rotated at will. Glide Path/ Flight Concepts Int uses/used the heavy Plastic covers for the #5 link. My opinion is this. The manufacturers set precedence by including bumpers with their canopies and instruction manuals years ago. I think they have just become really cheap and dropped the ball on including them lately. PD wants to sell canopies with Slinks instead of Rapide links and I'm thinking other canopy manufacturers are thinking the same way. Well with one exception.....Red at Flight Concepts states that Slinks are not approved for use with his canopies. I am still tying to get him to think differently. In the end, I do not think covers are a mod or alteration to an appoved parachute. It would take something way out of line to create a problem there! BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

The slider bumper keeps the lines placed properly at the ends and in their proper orientation. If the link somehow turned sideways and the line loaded it from the side, it may not hold or possibly damaging/cutting the line on the barrel. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com