masterrig

That was what the test jumper told me also, about them being banned in France. Then too, there were the Taiwan made links found in any hardware store that began to appear on rigs (jumpers and pilot). I pulled 4 - Taiwan links off one pilot rig! The only 'incidences' with the soft links were only because they were not put on correctly and those cases were on mains. As far as reserve 'incidences' with soft links... I have yet to read or hear of one. There are so many benefits to soft links, like; more comfortable packs, they don't beat the hell out of slider grommets, they don't go side-ways when you lay the risers in the container and etc. Seems as though, the testing has pretty much been done 'in the field' with the 'main' soft-links. Chuck

It wasn't my reserve, Sparky and I were referring to. I agree Rob. Soft links are the way to go. In some other countries, Rapide Links are not 'acceptable', only soft-links. I got that from a test jumper for Parachutes DeFrance. I don't think, from talking with a lot of folks here, that soft-links are 'trusted' completely, yet. Chuck.

This 9-pounder I have, seems to work pretty good, so far. I'll sure keep you in mind! I'm fixin' to do one of your favoritist rigs ever, Sparky! A REFLEX! Chuck

...and if that don't work, get a bigger hammer! Man, Hookitt, I do what you described on every rig I I&R. Beats the heck outa leavin' it all stiff and un-comfortable. (I was kiddin' about the bigger hammer.) Chuck

Just a thought, Rob. I've called PD and asked for trim specs for (namely the Stiletto) and was faxed charts for all their canopies. I've had little or no trouble getting these charts from different mfgr's, by simply asking. Chuck

Depends on the rigger. The battery is not included as part of the 4 - 8yr. ck., but rather a separate charge on the bill from SSK. They will not change-out the battery if, there are more than 3-months life left on the battery. As a service to my customers, I'll go ahead and send their Cypres to SSK and keep track of shipping, etc. and add it to their bil for the inspection and re-pack of their reserve. Chuck

Or just 'keep' the packing instructions if, the owner supplied them at re-pack! Hee, Hee! Chuck

What you said! I'm the same way. I take a good look at the way the Cypres was installed... even if, I was the one who installed it. I'm SURE gonna look at it real close if someone else did it, especially a 'non' rigger. I've changed power supplies in Cypres and found where the battery was put-in backward, cables routed incorrectly, etc. That is why, I don't charge for installing Cypres or the power supplies. Put me on the list of 'Grumpy Old Farts'. It's my job, man! Chuck

Great idea! Thanks for sharing that! Like other riggers, I appreciate learning new methods that make the job 'smoother' and bring good results. Chuck

The owner of the AAD, can replace the power supply. Only, a rigger can Inspect and Re-pack the reserve, close the container with the AAD in it. All the answers to your questions, should be in the Cypres Owners Book. Chuck

Un-believable! I know of a master rigger/DPRE, who sold a T-10-A, as a reserve to a 'beginner. The parachute had a Mfg. date of 1946! It finally came to my shop and like the one that was referred to in this thread; "tore like tissue paper"! Seems that the old adage holds true; 'Let the buyer beware'. Thanks, for yours and all the other posts in this thread. Good way to learn. Chuck

Now, I'm mad! I understand what you're saying! All the best to you and I hope, it goes good for you. Just don't take no crap or hostages! Chuck

Geeze! Ya' gotta snap out of it! Chuck

Thanks, Terry! I appreciate your in-put. You don't seem in a 'pissy' mood, like yesterday! Chuck

Does anyone feel that we should we have a 'life-span' on parachutes and harness-containers in the U.S.? Some countries have a limit of 20 or 25 yrs. Should we leave it the way it is, up to the rigger as to airworthiness? Thoughts? Chuck

Try contacting your local rigger. He should be able to advise you. Chuck

Man! You get us going then... darn. Chuck

Got it! Chuck

I have to agree with you Sparky! How anyone can say that a Genera or Dolphin in not 'safe'... I don't understand. Both harness-container systems are manufactured by highly reputabla people who have been in their business for a long time. Just because they don't have all the 'bells and whistles, makes them 'un-safe'? To me, the Dolphin and Genera are on the market for those who don't have the 'deep pockets' to afford a more 'expensive' rig. These harness containers allow the beginning skydiver 'on a budget', the opportunity to own their own gear and enjoy skydiving. All I have ever seen of all the Dolphins I have packed or sold, was high quality workmanship. I have never packed a Genera, but, just knowing the manufacturer, he wouldn't think of producing something that was 'un-safe'. As for the 'original' question in this thread: I'm really not in favor of the 180-day pack cycle, but, if the FAA accepts and changes it, I'll abide by it. By the way... how did capewells enter into this thread? Chuck P.S. My wife burned my toast and I'm still up-set!

I would be quite skeptical of this situation. For what it's worth, I recieved an e-mail from a gentleman in Germany, who purchased a complete rig through a well-known internet auction. He was asking if I might help locate a 'seller' who he believed lived in my State. The buyer, went ahead and sent the seller $3,000.00 U.S. After the buyer notified the seller by e-mail that the 'check was in the mail', suddenly... no more responses... no rig! I think, the suggestions by Riggerrob and others on this thread are good and if it were me, I'd use a 'third party'. If, the seller doesn't agree... keep looking. There's probably a better deal out there anyhow. Chuck

Thanks Hook, for your response. It's clear as mud! Seriously, I understand what you are saying. Seems like, there is some room for improvement somewhere. Chuck

When I was first learning to sew, it was explained to me that cotton material was sewn with cotton thread, Nylon with Nyon, Polyester with Polyester thread. It was further explained to me that the thread has the same properties as the material being sewn. Perhaps, someone connected with the textile industry might read this thread and tell us exactly why. Chuck

O.K., the FAA says, we 'must follow manufacturer's instructions'. The manufacturer's instructions are approved by the FAA. It is in the FARs that we follow manufacturer's instructions. So, if a manufacturer states that maximum suspended weights are not to be exceeded, and is stated in their instructions, though not a FAR, the FAA has basically agreed with and supports the manufacturer. Just a thought. Chuck

Too cool! Thanks for the tip. Chuck

Thanks! I should've been more specific. Chuck