masterrigger1

Both of you are right, it just depends on how long your arms are. Think about it!!!

Mick, The last time I checked the FAA issues the TSO. They(FAA) can and will approve alterations, modifications and major repairs if you follow the appropriate paper trail. While it may not be wise to go against the gain of the manufacturer: you do not need their appoval to do it IF you have the approval from the local FSDO. I have received several approvals following their guidelines in the past.It is a simple process and very legal. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Mick, I believe that the rig was probably packed the old original way (circa 1989-1994)with half of the P/C fabric at the top and the other half at the bottom. I have seen riggers stuffing the top half of the fabric under the Last flap and the the top of the side flaps. The fabric can migrate futher under the top on the two side flaps, thus locking down the top half of the P/C. I can remember at least three times seeing a pilot chute "hang" like that from other riggers that did not know any better. Following the latest packing instructions will/should prevent that from occuring. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

What Chuck said plus the longer risers create more parasitic drag than if you had longer lines. Look at the center page photo of Shannon in Skydiving magazine. He has about 26-27" long risers. You can scale it from a know value in the pic. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

You must have seen the one on EBay for $150.00!! They are good machines but you do have to know how they work and care for them. I have seven of them running in my shop and they all seem to do well! The cams and parts to fix them are getting more costly and harder to find, but still worth it! Pfaffs 3334's are more common in the rigging world it seems. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service "The Icarus Service Center" Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Mark, Sorry I could not get there as I had family stuff come up! So did ya fly the VX during the comp? And what the hell did ya do to Joe? Did ya slip him a "mickey" or what???!!! Congrats, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Quote uhmmmmmm, No they are not! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

It is best to work smaller areas at one time, but you can do large areas. Also, make sure that it does not bleed through to other non-stained arears. Naptha is approved by the military for this purpose on parachute fabric; cordura, F111, webbing, and etc... MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Try lighter fluid (naptha)!! It works really well. apply it directly to the stain and then use a dry cloth to sponge the stain and excess liquid away from the canopy. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Thanks for the help. I have a customer from the UK that is wanting to buy gear with a wing loading of almost 1.0 pounds per sq.ft. I just did not want him to buy gear that he may not be able to jump when he gets back. Thanks again, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Hi guys, Looking for some info dealing with what the BPA wingloading limitations/classes are for a student with 20 jumps and weighs 167 pounds. Thanks in advance, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

How about a large Safire II like Blindbrick has or a 260 ZP Manta from Flight Concepts. Red @ FCI has a really good price on the ZP Mantas, both 260 and 288 sq. ft. Just more suggestions. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Yes it has been done. On one of my canopies. Although, I do not manufacture continious line sets as the norm. I have stated in another thread the reasons why, but basically it will add parastic drag by using more line in the line sets. I would have to check the thoughts of Icarus Canopies about publicly offering HMA to Individuals. We (Skyworks)have just finished working with the line manufacturer on our on version of Technora. That testing has been almost 3 years in the making. It is now readily available for most other canopies. The first of the line sets can be seen at the upcoming swoop meets in Georgia and North Carolina. There are many versions of Technora (HMA)out there, just be sure to use one that has some type of UV coating. As I predicted about 2 years ago, the uncoated lines will start breaking down. Ther is another ongoing thread about that now. Unless you are a swooping competitor, I still recommend Vectran for general jumping. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

No sarcasm was included.... honest reponse! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

What I was trying to say was it only takes me about 20-25 minutes and $10.00 worth of material to do the line mod ($65.00)versus 2 hours and $35.00 worth of materials to make a Domed slider($145.00). So from that standpoint you would think I would promote the line mod, but I do not. Very well spoken and your opinion is valued and honored here! Blue Ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I NEVER said it was more Hazardous to fly! I said that the loss of flare was a problem! True! The profit margin is greater with the line mod verus the Domed slider. So what is the interest! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Really?! I don't remember anything like that! Clue us in! I remember the PM's between us regarding FX's and openings, domed sliders, and brake set changes. You made your upper control lines longer in the center of the canopy if I recall correctly. The end results are this: a domed slider will give you great on heading and soft openings. Offsetting the uppers will result in a loss of flare power on the FX. You are the first person to not approve of the domed slider. I have almost 200 of them out in the field and everyone else loves them. the offer still stands, if you do not like it I will give you a full refund. Actually, I just installed one on my 104 FX and love it. I am going to build one for my 84 VX this week. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

That would be a mistake....unless he switched when he got over there!!!! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Here is my opinion; 1. The lateral needs to lengthened. That is the lower webbing going across and thru the container. 2. I agree with GravityGirl as the main lift webs look to be plenty long enough. The cutaway and reserve handles are under his armpits. They need to be brought more forward. You should be able to have that fixed for somewhere around $150.00 Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Nick, I have! In my test the localized location of the "pass through" will be the culprit. When that spot sees non-linear loading and wear, it will fracture there. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

You two would make a good couple Yes I agree that they feel different. That takes us back to my point that the line trim is the major difference. To end this thread(please)( I just heard "Amen" in the background!!), if you want to jump a Crossfire 2 with the same type of trim as the Katana, let me know and I will set it up for you! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

The Crossfire 2 has a better opening than the Katana. I have sold numerous Crossfire 2 canopies to individuals just for that reason. How many jumps do you have on a Crossfire 2? Exactly my point... The Crossfire 2 needs does not need anything to get good openings. How can paragraph "B" be true if Paragraph "A" is true??!!! That is exactly what I am talking about. If you go into an evaluation with the attitude of paragraph "a", you will be biased in your evaluation. BS, MEL PS- yep.. their Reserves are great canopies! I have a few of them! Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Remember this. No matter what canopy and it's manufacturer, when they develop a new canopy, it has to fly "speedier" than it's competitor to sell. That is, if it is in a class with other ready built canopies by other manufacturers. The Crossfire 2 had no canopy in it's class to contend with when it was built and designed, so they did not have to contend with being "speedier". In this scenerio, The Katana had to fly deeper in trim to get faster reponding canopy, but they scraficed the openings when they did it. They are both great canopies, but you have to realize the facts. Not saying that you are, but they are way too many "Manufacturer Groupies" out there. I take each canopy and evaluate it for what it is, not from whom it is made. Cheers, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I have always wondered the same thing! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

You know I can't read well! Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com