masterrigger1

How do you mark a reserve as unairworthy? Quote By drawing a circle with an "X" in the center on the data panel and then writting the info on the data card. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

QuoteNo Precision has not changed the Service Bulletin. There are two different ways to perform the Servic eBulletin. Quote There are three ways to comply with the SB. The third was added not long after the SB came out. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

In the use of suspension lines (even those used during Daylight jumping where UV is plentiful), combined with other, perhaps more important wear elements such as sand and dirt... Our experience with HMA shows that it will outlast Vectran. How many Vectran lined canopies are in Eloy or Perris with 1000 jumps on the lineset? And it was Frank Bradley,III and myself that developed the Technora that you may be purchasing from CSR, if in fact you do buy it from them. Also, the Vectran was developed for use with Icarus Products that you guys where also manufacturing at that time. Quote We can't claim to be the first to use the HMA however, as Klaus from Germany was using it for a few years before we discovered his canopies. Quote Yes, and that fiber is a generic form of Technora. It is a HMA and similar to Technora. I do think Technora will be a viable material to use as a long life line in the future for sport jumping, but not in the form that it is presently being used. We do use it in the current form (uncoated and 340 lb.)on the Icarus Teams. These are closely monitored and replaced frequently as a complete lineset only after a limited number of jumps. BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I figured some where there, but did not know if all of them had moved there! Good place to jump! BS, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Chris, There is no myth as you quoted! A simple email to the manufacturer from anyone(anyone care to please!)regarding UV damage to Technora.Technora is a cousin to nylon, and we all know what sunlight does to nylon. As far as the number of jumps (1000) in the desert! I would not want to be under a 340 lb. Technora lined canopy with 1000 Eloy jumps. I also thought your Team guys are mostly in Washington and Georgia? Dacron was a smart move on the brake lines though! Please call me if you care to discuss any of this in detail. Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Gee, We are getting alot closer in the coating area...and if and when that happens we will have canopies that will be cheaper to maintain for crying out loud!! We will soon be testing some other "stuff" for lines also. It is nice to have a chemist on the DZ here! (works for the company that manufactures Technora fibers). On another note....Is anyone else out there aware of the fabric availability problem from Preformance Textiles? It seems that the EPA has intervined and is causing havoc in the production of SoarCoat fabric. Has anyone else heard this? Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Alan, Let me clairify a couple of things for you guys: Quote Usually made when the canopy is due for a re-line, which is recommended at about 300 to 400 jumps on a Vectran line set,.... The recommended number of jumps on vectran is 400-600 jumps. A reported drawback to HMA line, one that is strongly refuted by PA, is that it is weakened by UV radiation..... Both Vectran and Technora(HMA) are UV sensitive with Technora being the most. I have been working with both Vectran and Technora for some time now and have learned a great deal about these two fibers. I have both Technora (340lb.) and Vectran on the shelf in my shop and on my last reline I used Vectran instead of Technora if that tells you anything! We are currently having Technora spun in a 1100lb. and colored (for UV purposes) for main lines. That line is the same diameter as 580 Vectran and will be tested thoughly before use. The beefer line should be safer in the long run with more tensile stength and less chance of breakage. Hopefully within a year or two, we can have a line set that can last 1000 jumps or more! One question though; who out there is jumping the VX-X mod on the swooping Tour? Blue Ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Hello, The Crossfire cost to be in complance with the bulletin is $45.00 plus S/H, If that canopy has 600 jumps on it, it is in need of a new line set that will have the update line trim. You can contact me via Email! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

If you where looking for one machine, I would have to say a Singer 143W or a Consew 175RB. They are both zig-zag machines that also sew very neat straight stitches and parts are readily available. Stay away from the 20U and it's clones. the 20U is a decent machine, but it has a feeding problem. It is because the presser foot pivot point is so far behind the feeddog......Hard to get the material started sewing/feeding. Anyway those are my first choices, but if you are looking for cheap and just a straight stitch, I have quiet a few machines available.Some are Singer 241,251,281 and 31-15. Masterrigger1 Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Ed is a commercial airline pilot and makes his home in Lake Norman, NC and also in Florida. He is also a current member of "The Flock" located in Chester, SC. Masterrigger1 Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

PM sent! MEL The Icarus Service Center 502 Cessna Drive Chester, SC 29706 803-377-2705 Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

What you guys are experiencing is normal for Spectra lines. Spectra lines shrink a lot in 400-500 jumps. There are several posts regarding the different materials used for lines and how they differ after use. The Flare difference is the biggest noticable difference. What has happened is that the Brake lines have shrunk gradually during use and you develop muscle memory as you go along. When the canopy is relined, the lines are made back to the standard dimensions and it just does not feel or act the same as just before the reline. These lines are made longer as the manufacturers "add" to the ideal line dimensions to allow for the future shrinkage they know will take place. Put about 50 jumps on it and it will be right on! Masterrigger1 Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I haven't received anything from the FAA. I would like to question the FAA office you contacted and ask them why, after over 4 months, they still have not issued an official ruling re: Part 65.111. I think 4+ months, especially after given the expectation that it would be issued in less than 1 month, is an absurd length of time for a simple ruling. Derek Derek, You can help expedite the process all that you want, I would appreciate the help! For your information, it is not just 65.111 that is being ruled upon. I will send a another PM. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Well it is now April 19th. Any official word from the FAA yet? Who within the FAA can I contact to inquire about the FAA’s ruling on Part 65.111? Phone # or e-mail? Derek As you already know I have emailed you with that information before. If you need it again I will email it yet again! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

You need to check the serial number t see if it was a recalled Swift. Some of them had the wrong rib installed in them and made them impossible to land standing up. Serial numbers R3-2750 through R3-3471 where included in AD No.86-22-07! It had a 3" thicker rib at the nose and had increased decent rate, reduced forward speed, and reduced flare capability. Masterrigger1 Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Billvon, It seem that some people do not read the instructions or "line maps' as we call them. A lot of riggers have installed PD line sets out theremore so than any other canopy. They (PD) label their lines differently than most other manufacturers. The riggers are assuming that the lines are labeled the same on all canopies and they are not.. The next thing is the equipment. Sewing will shrink the line or lines. If a zig-zag is used , it most be the same stitch length at all places that it is used or you can have differental line lengths. The most preferred method is of course a bartack. But I have even seen a mis use of that. A rigger had bought a bartack set up for drapery work. It had avery long stitch (about 3 inches). That stitch shrunk the line length down over 2 cm. Our tolerence on Vectran line canopies (new line sets) is 2 mm. Line work is getting more and more precise and demanding as the canopies evolve.The people installing or making line sets need exact training and the proper equipment. You will be seeing some changes in the industry regarding this issue in the very near future. MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Maybe you are just the guy that we have been looking far... !!!!!!!!! We are in desperate need of someone instruct the riggers that have mis- installed linesets on some canopies in the field. In the last few months, a couple of people have been hurt and almost killed because of mistakes and lack of proper equipment! MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Not other than the email that I sent from the FAA reflecting exactly what I have been stating all along. I will try to contact them again today and also will contact the local FSDO and have them call you. Blue ones, MEL Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

In this case the FAR was updated in 2001 and the AC that refernces the FAR has not been updated since 1991. It is outdated and not useful for a guide for the current FAR's. Not according to the FAA ***I can't wait. QuoteThat's a real good thing! Mark Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

The "or" that you referenced invloves different circumstances. The statement is taking for granted that the same person is trying to act or attempt to act as a crewmember. It seems that you will not take advice or information from someone that has been in the sport and Professional Rigging business for a lot longer than just 2 or three years,even if it is written in black and white. I just wonder what your views would be if you were a Master Rigger instead of a Senior Rigger? I have seen previous Senior riggers take different sides of the same issues as soon as they became a Master Rigger. *** An AC does not trump the FAR's. Quote AC's are somewhat attached to the FAR's. They are generally used as interpretations of the FAR's. I have spent enough time dealing with these issues and have tried to answer them as well as I can without bias. The ruling that was verbally given to me yesterday reflects my previous statements. Again, expect the formal written version Mid-January. Masterrigger1 Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

***AC-105-2C also states: “The term pack (such as back pack or chest pack), when used in this AC, refers to the parachute assembly less the harness. In the case where the harness and parachute are TSO-approved as an intended component, the term pack refers to the complete parachute assembly, less the main canopy and risers. This distinction is essential for a clear understanding relating to the use, packing, repairing, and alteration of parachutes.” QuoteExactly..You need to understand this paragragh before going any further. ***And it also states: “An alteration to an approved parachute system to be used for intentional jumping must be done in accordance with approved manuals and specifications and only by those with specific authorization to perform that alteration. Specific approval is not needed for the method of altering a main parachute. A person seeking authorization to alter an approved parachute system should proceed as follows:” QuoteAll that this means is the fact that written approval is needed for TSO'd equipment and no written approval is needed for non-TSO'd equipment. The requirements are the same, Master rigger and the proper equipment to do the job. Paragraph #12 in AC-105-2c is very clear to the understanding of who can do relines to a main parachute. It is considered a major repair and only a manufacter, Master rigger, or someone working under his or her supervision can do the job.This has not changed in several years and also not in the latest revision of AC-105-2C. The 1991 version still stands as is! ***Part 65 gives four possible qualifications to meet the requirements of “specific authorization” necessary to “pack, maintain,OR alter any main parachute”. Quote You still do not see the difference between "or" and the word "and". Big differences here! If the word "and " were used, that would mean all the actions listed were to be included for each example. Totally not the case here. The word "or" is used and means to which appropriate actions apply to the below listed individuals. I just had a disscusion with the FAA yesterday evening about this exact paragragh, your thoughts and actions, the fact that that I had yet another canopy to come into the shop incorrectly done by a Senior rigger. The work on that canopy was pretty bad!! You are in a position as a moderator of this forum to influence many people with your comments and actions. The legal effects could be devasting from your mis-understanding of the FAR's. Please go outside of paragraph 65.111 and re-read the rest of the FAR's. This is why I have directed the ruling from the FAA to go to you as soon as possible and have asked for re-training for your local Inspector. The ruling is expected mid-January. *** “must be done in accordance with approved manuals”. Poynter’s Vol II, Page 272, lists the repair personnel for a “Line replacement in ram-air canopies” as a Senior or Master Parachute Rigger for non-certificated canopies and a Master Parachute Rigger for certificated canopies. Quote Poynter' Manual is not the FAR's. It is a reference guide with several known errors. BS, Masterrigger1 Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Here's the link for the interpertation of relines and who may relace them: http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/WebSearchDefault?SearchView&Query=ac%20105-2c&SearchOrder=1&SearchMax=0&SearchWV=TRUE&SearchFuzzy=FALSE&Start=1&Count=100# Go to page 8 of 18 and then paragraph 12. The ruling for alterations to main parachutes is forth coming from Washington and will be posted when I receive it. It has not changed! Mark Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

I would be happy to look at doing repairs for you if would like. ( I own 4 airworthy PC's if any body is interested in one). What type do you have, 24' Pioneer...Russian...28' and also what type of container and deployment device do you have? Sleeve, POD, 1/4 bag...? Mark Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

QuoteWe can argue the finer points of the written law all week, but the bottom line is that I don't trust most skydivers to "assemble" their own mains. I would not trust anyone to do a minor repair (i.e. small patch) unless they had a few weeks sewing practice under the supervision of a licensed rigger. (Geeh! That sounds an awful lot like the pre-levels for FAA Senior Rigger.) I could not say it any better! This year alone we have had at least three (3) mis-riggings that almost killed someone from "Field Rigging". They all were Senior Riggers with limited knowledge and experience that got their hands on a line set. No matter what, you have to have the knowledge and equipment to do the Job right. Blue Ones Guys, Mark a.k.a "M.E.L" Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com

Not according the Master Rigger at the Denver FSDO, that said he has delt with this issue before. According to this inspector, who is a Master rigger, you do not even need a riggers ticket if you are jumping it next to repair or alter a main canopy. I am not going to call an FAA inspector and tell him he is wrong. Derek I will. It is not the first time an inspector/rigger has been wrong. They themselves have trouble interpreting the FAR's. They now have a "little guidebook' for interpreting the rules. FSDO's have often had different rulings with the same FAR's between two FSDO's. I will get him to contact you with the outcome of our discussions. Happy Holidays, Mark Skyworks Parachute Service, LLC www.Skyworksparachuteservice.com