Hooknswoop

I think $35 is more common than you realize. The difference is I don't have a DZO adding $10-$20 onto that $35. No middle-man equals lower prices. Derek

So what's the lesson here? Don't go to riggers that rig full time. I'll put my 'amatuer' $35 reserve pack job up against any 'professional' $55 reserve pack job, any time. Derek

Which is a great argument to never get a rigger's ticket Derek

$455.00 for 2 re-packs and 1 Cypres 4-year check! The 4-year check is $160.00 and the batteries are $79.00 = $239.00. You were over-charged $106.00 - shipping (about $20.00 max). $55.00 for a reserve re-pack! I only charge $35.00. Wow, that rigger cashed in. One big family, ya right. Derek

If a TI manages to let the drogue out of the door, then snags a drogue release handle, 1) they really screwed up, and 2) yes, the main will deploy, but unless the drogue snagged the tail, it should deploy cleanly. It isn't hard to prevent the drogue from leaving the pouch early, don't let it happen, same as a main PC on a sport rig. The Sigma is a very reliable, well designed and bult tandem rig. A TI has to work very hard to screw it up, but it can be done. Derek

Correct, but if the rigger complied with all SB's (and is worth anything), then the Skyhook was checked to ensure it is installed correctly. Not sure what you mean. Pull the tab (or ball if it has one still) and the shackle opens. Do you have a Tandem Vector Manual? It has the information you are looking for. The Sigma's emergency procedures are the same as the Vector's. The Sigma manual mainly covers the gear, packing, inspection, etc that has been updated from the Tandem Vector. Correct. What is your question? Derek

I came up one #3 nickle-plated brass grommet short for a project. I'm ordering more grommets, but I need to get this out the door. Anyone have one they can part with, I'll replace/pay you for it. Derek

You did notice the " " after that, right? It was sarcasm. Hmm. So was the application the Vectran to Dacron was tested for wasn't lower steering lines? I never said Vectran and Dacron are always compatable. I do think they are compatable as steering lines. Given evidence otherwise, I mau change that opinion. So far, none has been offered. When you answered the question: " The lower part of the vectran steering line is worn. Can I replace it with spectra 1000Ib?" With " I wouldn't. You should replace the line with the same type. And vectran will cut through dacron." You implied that if he used Dacron, the Vectran upper steering line would cut through the Dacron lower steering line. Is that what you meant to say? Do you have any reason not to use Dacron for lower steering lines with Vectran or any other line? No, I don’t think manufacturers or Master Riggers are the know-all, end-all when it comes to gear. If they were, then we wouldn’t need AD/SB’s, updates, new versions, and I wouldn’t have found 2 reserve malfunctions packed by Master Riggers (one Rapide link w/ one thread on the barrel nut and one tandem bag lock). They are a great source, but for something as simple as lower control lines, a little common sense will pull you through. If manufacturers were always right, then you couldn’t put a PD-R into a Racer with rubber band locking stows instead of the bungee safety stow. I’m sure you would disagree with the manufacturer in that case. Let’s have a contest. You list the fatalities caused by alteration/modification/repairs performed by non Master Riggers or manufacturers over the last 10 years. I’ll list the fatalities caused by manufacturer design and manufacturing errors over the last 10 years. Derek

How can a rigger keep records of something they didn't do? Also, the FAR's specifically state you do not need to keep a record of any work done oin a main canopy. Derek

Yes, of course, that is exactly what I am saying. I would like to hear more about Vectran cutting through Dacron, since I haven't heard this before and have never heard of Vectran actually cutting through Dacron. I find it strange that Vectran only cuts through Dacron and not other lines, including Vectran. If it is true that Vectran cuts through Dacron, that information should be made available to jumpers/riggers, etc. I just tried an experiment w/ Vectan and Dacron. Isecerud the Dacron to the ground and passed the Vecran through it. Then I pulled the Vectran back and forth, in a sawing action, on the Dacron. I worked up a sweat, pulling hard against the Dacron and sawing it back and forth. After inspecting the Dacron, I didn't find any evidence it was being cut through by the Vectran. I repeated the test with 2 pieces of Vectran with the same result. What do you base you opinion that Vectran cuts Dacron on? Derek

I haven't heard this before. I have seen canopies w/ Vectran/Dacron Steering lines and there wasn't an issue of the Vectran cutting the Dacron. I wonder why then Vectran doesn’t cut through Vectran, or HMA through Dacron, or Vectran through Spectra, or any line through the nylon line attachment points, etc? Derek

How would this differ from "Parachute Fails and Skydiver Dies after Master Parachute Rigger Alters Parachute"? Derek

Unfortunately, for several reasons such as budget concerns, lack of expertise, it hasn’t been a problem, the FAA doesn’t consider rigging (or skydiving for that matter) to be a priority. For example, Colorado hasn’t had a DPRE for about a year now. I have a request submitted to the FAA for about a month now for a legal interpretation of FAR Part 65.111b, specifically, who may alter a main parachute. I will post their reply when I receive it. When I contacted the local FSDO, I talked to a FAA Inspector and Master Rigger, and it was his opinion that any rigger, the person jumping it next, a TI jumping it next, or someone under the supervision of a rigger may alter a main parachute. He brought up the point that changing how a main is packed is an alteration and Part 65.11b allows the person jumping it next to alter it. Otherwise changing from ‘pro’ packing to flat packing or stuffing the nose or changing to ‘physco’ packing would all be illegal alterations. There would be a lot of illegal alterations to mains every day just from changing how it was packed if you had to be a Master Rigger to alter a main parachute. Interestingly, the FAA Inspector’s Handbook, specifically says a Senior or Master Parachute rigger may alter a main parachute. The latest change to that chapter (CHP 28) was dated before the latest change to Part 65.111. The FAA is releasing a new ‘Parachute Rigger’s Handbook’ (FAA-H-8083-17) “soon”. I was told it will be available from Jeppeson and ASA. Derek

Take a look at RWS's pictures of the skyhook. IF it is installed backwards and the TI has a total mal and deploys the reserve, the skyhook will cause a reserve PC in tow because it won't release from the loop on the RSL. Derek

It might explain some of your landings. Derek

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~33~2585217,00.html Derek

But will not void the FAA TSO and is therefore legal in the U.S. I couldn't care less about JTSO's. And Strong tried to say you could only use their mains in their tandems rigs. That exceeds their authority. I don't think you understand U.S. FAR's. Do you realize that all those Service Bullitines, such as the Capewell SB are not mandatory? I follow them as if they were, but they are not. If I need any help w/ Israeli regualations, I'll give you a call, but I've got a good handle on the FAR's. Derek

Which means you may use Slinks, if compatable. Derek

too much $$$. Derek

I ws thinking a lot less than $95 to be honest. I have one, and I'm not willing to spend $95 to get it fixed. I don't need backlighting or anything. The one I have is like the one at the bottom of that page, for $195.00. Or if anyone knows a shop that will fix it cheap w/o certifing it, that would work too. Derek

No hurry. I need an aircraft altimeter. The one in the test kit is broken. I can't get it fixed w/o having to pay to get it certified to go back into an aircraft. A lot $ for a certification I don't need. It just has to work. Derek

Does anyone have an old aircraft altimter that still works, fairly accurately? I need one for a test chamber. Derek

I voted for vacuum-sealing the cat, but was veto'd Derek

No. I am not saying that at all. I think that by jumping there and supporting ASC, you are contributing to the problem. The jumpers at ASC should know about Skyride, etc. They are then faced with a decision: continue to jump there and support those practices or make it known that those practices are un-acceptable and you will refuse to jump there as long as they continue. The second option takes moral fortitude. The first requires turning a blind eye. Do you really want to support a company that uses those types of practices? Derek

You've said "I don't know anything about stolen photos." twice now, but; So you do know about the stolen photos. How do you feel about that? Do you know abou the rest of their business practices? If yes, how do you feel about those? That is a poor defense, "Everyone breaks laws, so if you are going to call ASC on it, you have to call everyone on it." B.S. You are probably right, but defending ASC because you jump there is silly. I still don't understand why jumpers will defend their home DZ even when it is clearly in the wrong. I haven't flamed anyone. So you do realize that ASC is in the wrong. That's good. Why do defend the though? That is the part I don't understand. I do drink decaf......... I think jumpers everywhere should stop blindly defending a DZ if it is wrong just because they jump there. Derek