masterrig

One word: Atmonauti ___________________________________ O.K.... you got me with that one! Chuck Figured you'd get a chuckle out of that... _________________________________ You figured right. Good way to start the day... with a chuckle! Chuck

One word: Atmonauti ___________________________________ O.K.... you got me with that one! Chuck

_________________________________ That's why, I park under the big oak tree behind the DZ. Chuck

I thought the standard answer was "aim for the rigger's car" ____________________________________ HEY!!! Chuck

You make some really good points. We work hard for our tickets and are 'professionals'. Yet, there's some folks out there who de-mean what we do. I think, it's arrogance on their part. Those folks don't really have a true view of what exactly it is, we do. Those are the same folks who pack their main in 5-minutes and can't understand why, it takes a rigger, much longer to inspect & re-pack their reserve. Like you, I've done the 'freebie' main hook-ups, make main closing loops, help someone pack their new Sabre and etc. and not charge for it. It's really strange, to me, how folks will pay big bucks to have their Hummer worked on but, when it comes to their life saving equipment, we charge too much. Don't get me wrong. I truly love the work. It's just that 'few' members of the skydiving population we have to put-up with. Don't get ne wrong, I'm sure, this type of thing happens to other professionals in this world. Chuck

I was never comparing inspecting the main to inspecting the reserve & container. I'm comparing MAIN - RESERVE... parachutes only. They take about the same time so, I charge the same. I take the time necessary to do a complete inspection. How much time I spend is up to me. I don't charge by the hour. I'm not trying to be a smart ass but, I didn't know that rigging was a timed event. Chuck

I will assume that all riggers are doing a "proper" R&I of the reserve and container....so I personally would like to know how some justify charging double for adding the main to the R&I proceedure...it adds approx. 1/2 hour to the time consuming reserve/container R&I....yes there should be a extra charge for it. but to double the bill? Thats a tad excessive. ____________________________________ The way I see it is this. The main and reserve are both 'life saving devices'. The main, being used more often is more susceptible to damage and wear. Our job as riggers is, to 'prove airworthiness' of the entire system. I have seen mains that have gone for months of use and not looked at. Not even by the owner. I've seen them with one or two ribs torn from leading to trailing edge. The inspection process is the same for a main as it is for a reserve. So, why, should we not charge the same for the inspection of a main as we would charge for a reserve? A rigger's time is worth 'something' and whether it's called a main or a reserve it's still, a life saving device and they both deserve the same attention and time to assure airworthiness. Equal time... equal pay. Chuck

________________________________ That's what it's all about! That 'hokey-pokey' stuff is an urban legend! Chuck

That's a heckuva deal! I have folks like you and I wish they were all like you! Easy to deal with. Chuck

As I go through the Inspection process and I find something not on the 'list' and I feel it needs attention, I call the owner of the rig and discuss it with him/her. Some of the things I've mentioned along the way, are things I've experienced in the past and have learned ways to handle them, should those things arise again. The whole thing is a 'learning curve'.I would have to say, 99.44% percent of the people I deal with are 'aware' and fairly knowledgable in regard to their gear. If not, they are willing to learn. There is, a very small percentage who are just, for a lack of a better word... jerks. I am only referring to my little area that I work in. I get all kinds. I call it 'dealing with the public'. By the way, I do, appreciate your suggestion. Chuck

I've probably given-away, more work than I should've charged for. Especially, 'big' jobs where several patches were involved, replacing Velcro, repairing broken stitches in seams, etc. etc. I'd list on the bill exactly what and what not they were charged with and still, get complaints on the bill. I learned, after a couple times of that, keep charging a fair price but charge for all the work I did. My prices are under the 'National Average', too. You deal with the public long enough, you run across folks like that. That's no parable, that's the damned truth. Chuck

There's always boxing. There's some women who are making a name for themselves in the ring. Chuck

I had a guy who brought me his 'new' (used) rig that he had just gotten a helluva deal on! He handed me a list of what he wanted done, which meant, to go completely through it and make any and all, necessary repairs and etc. I worked about 3-(8-hour)days on that rig. I returned his rig to him at the DZ that week-end, along with my bill. He started to tell me that I had done 'un-authorised' work on his rig and just wanted to pay for the Inspection and re-pack. I reached in my pocket and handed him his 'list', written in his own hand. His list, matched my bill. He paid-up. I also, refused to work on his rig, 120 days later. I guess, no matter how hard you try to be fair and forthright with some folks, it just don't work. Chuck Chuck

That boy, needs professional help... fast!!! Chuck

_____________________________________ I was trying to be funny. Hmmmmm... maybe, that is the intent of the FAA. To get a copy to riggers. I'll have to take your suggestion and give my FSDO a call. I had no idea, Sandy wrote that manual, either. Seems logical, he'd use his products. Chuck

__________________________________________ That's not quite how it goes. When I'm handed a 'complete' rig and told; "I need a re-pack." I ASK first if, they want the main I&R'd also. I don't just "hold a bill over their head". I know, us riggers aren't 'up there' on the pay scale but, I don't do 'un-authorised' work, either. By the way, that's a pretty strong accusation you made! Chuck

And it is amazing how many get the hint and leave their main at home. Sparky ________________________________ I about fell outa my chair when I read that! How true, that is! Chuck

Your profile says you hold a rigger certificate. Because of that little piece of paper you are held to the same standards packing a main that you are packing a reserve. I charge the same for a main as a reserve and believe it or not, I have had people say to go ahead and pack them both. More money than brains or just plain lazy. Sparky __________________________________________ I've always charged the same for an I&R on a reserve or a main. What amazes me is, the number of folks who, when they are handed their bill, ask me; "Why so much for the main?" I politely tell them that I go through the exact same procedure with a main as I do a reserve. It's surprising, how many come back with; "...but, it's just a main?" Chuck

______________________________________ Is that to say, if us riggers wait long enough, the FAA will bring a copy to us? Chuck

______________________________________________________ Maybe I should try that... _______________________________________ You'll be the talk of the DZ! I know, the girl who did it on my load was! Chuck

Wal-Mart 'Super Center's', usually have an optical dept. Chuck

In skydiving (according to those who taught me)... farting is 'required'! I've been on loads where a girl... 'passed gas' and it was the WORST!!! Chuck

One: Horseshoes by Roper (w/Gel sole inserts) Chuck

________________________________________ Wahddabout the year's supply of Rice-A-Roni? Chuck

Can I come hang out at your house?