fcajump

Technically in the US there is no requirement to keep records all the way back to the mfg (as with engines/aircrafts/etc) so it is legal with only the latest repack. HOWEVER, most riggers seem to agree that being able to see what work has been done in the past is a good thing. I (we) recommend keeping all available records. Also technically the completed repack must include the (current) owner's information. (FAR x.y.z... its too late to find the chapter/verse...) So, just line it out and keep it. Now, the only other questions are: - is the old owner information consistent with the person who sold you the rig? - if not, I would contact the indicated owner to ensure that I was not purchasing a stolen rig.* *This is one of the services a rigger should provide when doing a pre-purchase inspection. Just thoughts... congrats and "case o' beer"!!! JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

New around jump 20. Credit card. Paid that puppy off in 10 easy years (don't ask what the total payments were... don't know, don't wanna know...) Gotta jump, gotta trust my gear... PS - still jump the rig/reserve 19 years later, on its second Cypres and 3rd main. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Might try SportRx. http://sportrx.com/search_results.asp?type=sport&sport=skydiving I have their prescription lenses in model 101, but they also make a windowpane (non Rx) version. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Very reassuring. Guess that decision to have them recertified instead of simply junked was a good one. How long is the recertified label good for? Personally, I generally hold to the 20 year rule of thumb for many reasons (wear/tear/sun/designs/liability/etc). JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

(you forgot to finish the sentence. here, I'll help) Inducing line twist via toggle has a major potential issue... Once you pull that toggle down to induce, and you get line twists started, what happens to that steering line you had pulled? If you're not lucky, it gets trapped with all the other lines in that twist. And if the twist is tight enough, you can' let up on it anymore. (well, you can, but to no effect on the tail of the canopy) Steering line trapped while pulled -> continuing turn turn faster than you can untwist -> cutaway Not trying to scare, but just sharing thoughts to ponder. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Search is you friend. V2 is not freefly friendly. I have done some and am still here, but over the 18 years I have jumped the rig, we collectively have learned a lot about safer rigs. Recommend that if you want to freefly, you get a V3 or better. If you're just looking to finish your basic flips for license, probably OK but make sure the velcro is fresh and the loops are new and properly tensioned. JW V2 flier (have retired my V1) Still looking to afford the V3... Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

As the one at the door (load JM) what can you do to assist those you are ushering out? (assuming a large enough door/plane to do so without just getting out of the way) Watch ground elevation (if relevent)? Call out altitudes? Suggest canopy selection? Shove? I'm often in the door, and have thought about the canopy I would use at different alt's (solo and tandem), but not considered much about what to do as the load JM at the door (other than leave)... Suggestions?? JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Hi noob!! Welcome to the forum... What you got, well, that's what ya get... As some one once sang "ya take the good, ya take the bad..." (I really shouldn't know that song...) Remember, we do get noobs here on a frequent basis and over the years we see a lot of the same noobie questions... so we get a little bit flip with the replies. E-Lesson #1... learn to filter the noise. E-Lesson #2... remember that many posting here have very little more time in than you do. Learn who knows there sh!t, and who just makes it... (councilman24 is VERY good, among others...) Take everything with a small grain of salt (the mines in siberia might have enough for ya ) I jumped an F-111 (read "non-ZP") for years in the 260-300sf range. Flat packed them for 10+ years. Got really fast and rarely had an openning more than 90degrees off. But eventually you will want to pack in a tight hanger (instead of out on the wet grass) and/or pack a ZP. These, IMHO, are times for PRO packing. But with a Manta, you might just want to start flat packing. Now, heres the kicker: - get a manual - get a video - get your rig - get your but to the DZ on "not-so-good" days and practice/ask/practice/ask some more. Talk to riggers/instructors/packers. They will all do it differently (and eventually, so will you), but from all of them you will learn parts of what makes it work. Jump your packjobs and learn how each little change affects the openning. In all aspects: PAY ATTENTION If uncertain: ASK until you get the answers you need. Ignore the noise. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

(not knowing you or your knowledge of rigs) Step 1: See your rigger. Sooner the better. Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

As even National won't service the rig after 20 years, start with that... 20-(age in years) X current retail price = max value now, deduct % age/wear/tear (sounds like none) That is my best estimate of "value" "Going price" should be related, but not always... Visit EBay, "wings and wheels", etc to see what they have been selling for. Now, if it is a seat rig... PM me and we'll talk. Might have a customer for you. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

While I do believe in taking older systems out of service at some point (long discussion omitted here), I have packed Reflex rigs and do not see them of particular issue. If this specific rig is complete and in good shape, seems like no reason not to use it. However, I stand by several related comments too: 1. Riggers have the right to not pack any rig for any reason. (Conversly, we are never under obligation to pack/seal any rig.) 2. Riggers have the right to charge extra for any rig (for any reason). Even if it is not harder than other rigs, it you have the only one I will ever see and I don't know the type, it will take me more time to ensure I have the manual and might take a couple pack jobs to be comfortable that I got it right and am willing to seal it. 3. Less common rigs can have increased risks involved due to: rigger being less familiar, other jumpers being less familiar (think gear checks). On this last point, you should become very familiar with the function of the closing loop on your reserve. If mis-handled you (or an unfamiliar rigger) can bend the pin. Could cost money, could cause a hard/no pull. The Reflex can be safely maintained/jumped, but being less common it will require you to find a rigger that is comfortable with it and you should be a more knowledgeable jumper (as we all should) about your own gear. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

That's at least something. I am hoping that there is a more complete manual than just that, but its more than I had. Thanks!!

Yes, I am in contact with SE, and they have a hard copy on its way, but I need to get an e-copy asap (trying to turn this rig for the weekend). No, the owner does not have the manual (2nd owner). Strong Paracushion 306 design (war bird seat pack) C9 canopy (original from factory) no diaper Anyone got an e-copy of the manual? Thanks, Jim Wine Sr. Parachute Rigger back/seat/chest Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

I've also had issues with this, though never let something near that bad go out... (a few fibers, but no full strands... drives me nuts) Two additional things can cause it: using the closing loop/pullup cord to align the flap grommets (makes the rough grommet edge problem worse), burrs on the temp pin. Another suggestion I was given a while back for the pullup cords was to finger trap a length of spectra into the spectra pullup cord (entirely embedded). This doubles the diameter of the pullup cord and makes it easier to insert the pin. I asked SSK about it as they are VERY specific in the Airtek manual concerning what material to use for pull-up cords, and was told that this doubling should be fine. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

I have a set that look very much like yours. Purchased 2008 Canopy - Spectre (no hard opennings, loaded ~1.2) Total jumps on risers -

Terry, If no one else gets there, PM me your s-mail address and I'll set you a copy of the Strong POPTOP manual. Jim PS - still looking for that second container... I know its here somewhere... Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

If you're buying all new, Go for it! BUT - I did know someone back a few years that had a custom color reserve that matched her gear... When she cutaway from a failed main (top of center cell left with), we couldn't tell who was under canopy... There were the right number, plus a cutaway floating... Wasn't until we could see the lack of trailing PC that we knew who was under reserve. Personally, I believe in a BRIGHT solid-color reserve. But for your normally viewed gear (rig/main/jumpsuit/helmet/etc) HAVE FUN expressing yourself. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

I find it interesting (and not surprising) that most calling a price increase (for ANY reason) as improper are not riggers. On average I spend ~2-3 hours performing the AIR on a rig. AND pay for rent/general materials / heat / transport (sometimes) without additional fee. I train / coach / inform / answer questions and hold seminars for rig owners. I read trade mags, DZ.com, owner manuals, FAA publications, etc to keep up. I fund my own way to PIA Symposiums and to various Master Rigger's locations for additional training, mentoring, consultation. I've paid for my own training, gear, machines etc. None of these charges are passed on. Its just "part of the business". Give me a rig I've not seen before and I take 1.5 to 10 times as long with it, depending on how long it takes to get a manual, SB, etc. NO good rigger gets paid what (s)he is worth... though some do manage to live on it. If this was just a job (and not a mental condition ) 90% of us would quit. Factor that into your "free market conditions" price... No, I'm not going to raise my prices this year because of the rule change. Though I will spend more time than it is worth educating myself and my customers on something that cuts my business volume and yet for which I have always been in favor. I AM going to raise my rates because I haven't in YEARS and now is as good a time as any. If someone else wants to raise their rates because of the rule (or for any other reason) then that's fine too. If they raise too much for the market forces, they'll either lower them again or go out of business. Its called a free market folks, get over it. Jim "Part-time" rigger, full time professional who is more than willing to send you down the road to the next rigger... oh wait... he quit after 2 years when he realized how much work it was after all... Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Terry, You got a source handy for files that will clean up SS links? I've had the same issue with some batches of Maillon's. BTW - the trapeze look even more accomidating... might need to get a set and test them on my own main for a while... http://www.wichard-usa.com/ClimbingSafety/maillon_rapide/trapeze_mr.htm JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Attached are the pictures of Vector 3 belly band. I like it. Now I just wish I could afford a new rig... JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

1000+ jumps on Vector 1 and Vector 2s To answer your quest, it is NOT freefly friendly. While the early folks did use it, we (the industry) learned from injuries and deaths of some of the early folks. Hence the Vector 3 (and most of the rest of the current market of rigs). Question is, do you want to: - personally re-learn the lessons of the early freefliers, - invest in modern equipment for freefly, or - use a well maintained/good condition Vector 2 for its designed purpose (belly flying/crew)? Your choice. JW

4. (and what I think the OP was looking for) Is it likely to stay that way? I've seen it a few times, though mostly with spring loaded PCs (student rigs, etc). Haven't seen it cause a problem, but remember that the rigs I've seen it with were BIG (240-300+), nothing small or highly loaded. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Been there, done both... Comfort level with: canopies (which rig am I using) landing area visibility (can only be a negative factor) What was the wind determination that grounded the TI's (gust factor, turbulance or speed) At that point, more than likely I come down with the plane, but not necessarily. JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

Again, from memory: 4 way (AFF?) got over someone (they dropped under him?) the low person's mis-matched and/or poorly maintained gear lead to a PC-out while Tom was overtop Tom hit the canopy then head-slapped low-man's knee as he went by Also from memory: The day he went in, majority of experienced jumpers "wouldn't jump with one-of-them-things". A month after he went in, there wasn't one available for sale ANYWHERE... the back order time was weeks/months. Finally, and I got to laugh about it now, for those not jumping in 1990... the advertised reason for the small control unit of the cypres was so that "they'll never know you have one". Now we build rigs so that they can be seen without openning flaps!! My how times change. My $.02: Get one, install it, maintain it, learn how to use/maintain it and its limitations. If you ever get to the point that your flying conditions cause it to be a greater risk, then AND ONLY THEN consider turning it off (or not jumping). JW Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

On a Vector, yes this can work. Have done so with a Vector II (on the ground) several times. Yes, much easier if you pull up over the shoulder first to release the velcro. So much for technical and theory. While I too have pointed this notion out to some folks with Vectors, I belive the following to be a MUCH BETTER IDEA (imho): - maintain your gear - buy/install/maintain/activate a modern AAD (pref - Cypres) - practice standard EPs - practice mis-placed handle chasing (ie trace from the housing and follow the cable.) JW PS - I have also heard of someone who, after their reserve handle came off (plastic?), reached back over their shoulder, pop'ed open their reserve flap and pulled the cable directly. Effective if that's your only option, but hardly something I would spend much time teaching/practicing... Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...