masterrigger1

Better change your main canopy in your profile! I've got a couple of questions: Do you really have just 100 plus jumps and ordering a semi-elip canopy? Also you are a master rigger with just a back rating? (It takes at least two ratings to be a master rigger) MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Damion, The feed dog that he has is a leather setup and not intended for thin nylon. I, along with 90 % of the riggers can sew with that setup, but it is not correct. I discourage people from learning incorrect techniques from the start. MEL Skyworks Parachute service "The Icarus service center" Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Skyworks will be running one the first week of June. You can contact me for details. Thanks, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Steven, What machine is it? A lot of the time the machine is not setup properly before you buy it. Also the feed dog and needle plate can be changed to a more applicable type. To sew F111, a three row feed dog would be a better choice. It helps keep the sewing centered and creates a better feed. These parts are available and pretty cheap. Less than $15.00 PM sent. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service "The Icarus Service Center' Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Uhhh! Who said USPA banned them???? I thought Strato said in the USA......not USPA BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

to quote an infamous rigger ...' No more calls! We have a winner!' What Strato said. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Mick, I was wondering the same thing!! Anyone know? MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Tom, You beat me to the Mark Hewitt system. Good post! Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Guys, I am trying to follow up on a story regarding Jim. Has anyone heard anything regarding him? MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Jerry, I am going to shorten the response to your post, which was very good in some points. While I am not currently a TSO holder, I hope to be soon and also have been involved with several H/C and reserve parachutes in the past years. But all of that has nothing to do with what we are talking about; alterations to H/C containers and other parachute equipment after they leave the manufacturer. Talking about the past, i.e., It does not mean it was legal. It just means you did not get caught and/or no one really cared. That is, if the regulations where the same "back in the day". Today's definition of an alteration is spelled out pretty clearly. To sum up the way it is written; basically if you change the H/C from the way in which it was manufactured, it is an alteration. Therefore you, the rigger, are now required to follow the FAA procedures as such. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Denny, I will PM you with the info you need for the MC-4 on Monday! I have it here somewhere. I've got to dig it out first! To be truthful, I have never operated a 217. Have to see if one is around here anywhere. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Keith, If weather permitting, I can fly up! The shop's pretty loaded down, but I need a break. Should be fun.. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Jerry, Yeah, I knew kelly had a couple of Pfaffs running in the shop. I did think they where both 238, now I know better. Parts are readily available for them in terms of what wears out and breaks. I know a few lofts that have them and they are good machines. The 438 is a heavier duty machine and at least three times the cost. It also does not sew lighter material as well as the 238. How's the 269 doing?? MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Sparky, No debates-- It's the weekend FCOL Besides the BOC Thing is spelled out in the AC-105-2C-( I think) It also is an exact test question and it also is a recommended procedure in the PTS for the master's test. Now go drink a beer on me- I'll pay for it when I get back out there next month! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

same here!

Jp, I got to come to that wind tunnel in CO. It's got to be more educational than staying at an Holiday Inn Express for a couple of nights! Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Alright, who's the guy removing the X-braces from his VX!! I found a bunch lying in the floor of the shop this AM! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

In your opinion, and yes, we can say mine is different. MEL PS- I only found Pilot Chutes in AC-105-2C that were applicable to Senior Riggers removing stuff. there may be more, I did not spend alot of time on it. Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Do not need one! The FAA definition of an alteration is all that I need. Also the rules and guidelines for doing alterations, as I previously posted, should be followed. If you do tht's one thing and if not that's another. Granted, you have the right to your own opinion! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Anyone looking for a great machine for their shop/loft. Ebay has one that is starting to get very hard to find. Ends soon - better hurry and looks like a great price. Search under Pfaff 238. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Like what parts? MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Mike, Here again, the manufacturers do not have the authority to classify it as not an alteration. Also, the option is (if installed) to enable it or disable it. I guess the other option is to order it without the RSL installed if the manufacturer will send it out without one. But once installed; we are back to the original point! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I do not know as to what word changes you are referring. Agreed, Disabling the RSL alters it's function. I am thinking alot like airplanes here since most of the FARs pertain to that. Take an autopilot. you can enable it or disable it, whichever the case may be. But if you remove it from the airplane, it would be a change from the manufacturers configuration if it came that way. No one ever said there was written approval to remove an RSL. That's the whole point of this thread. What I am saying is that it is an alteration to physically remove one and if you were to remove one, you need the approval of the manufacturer and/or your local FSDO. You also need to be a master rigger to do it. Bill B.,care to comment here?? MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Multi-functional I never said that disabling the RSL was an alteration. I was referring to physically removing it. If you remove it physically, like with the velcro or mounting appliances,I believe it would fall under the definition of alteration as the FAA sees it. It would be interesting to know if the last two fatalities that occurred without RSLs attached at the WFFC, were removed from the rig physically, were ever installed at the factory, or just disabled. Could be, but I do not think so in this case. First , the manufacturers conform to the rules set forth by the FAA. Not the other way around. Once a rig leaves the domain of the manufacturer; i.e., in the field, the local FSDO takes over with who does what-where as far as modifications,alterations, and major repairs. To show what I mean here, lets change the topic from an RSL to a BOC. Lets say a rig left out of factory "A" with a ROL deployment pouch. A end user now wants a BOC pouch installed. Manufacturer "A" cannot issue a statement saying moving the location of the pouch is not an alteration, when the FAA says it is. Also on that same note, Manufacturer "A" cannot issue a statement saying that a Senior rigger could move it. As you know only a master rigger can do it according to the FAA. There are cases where this has happened. It doesn't mean it it is legal. You have to know your certificate privileges and limitations without relying on someone else or the manufacturer. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Mike, Why would it not be true? The definition of an alteration is a change from the original configuration from which it was manufactured. Also: B. Any change to the configuration, method of operation, or method of packing the main parachute, up to and including the main canopy attachment links or the male end of the quick release fittings, is a main pack alteration. Any main parachute alteration that affects the strength or operation of the auxiliary parachute, including the harness, must be regarded as an alteration of the auxiliary parachute and handled accordingly. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com