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Over the past year Chuting Star Rigging Loft came across several rigging errors completed by other riggers and lofts. Some errors were minor or even just cosmetic while others seemed a bit more serious. In some instances we attempted to contact the rigger who did the work and informed the customer. In other instances, we made the corrections and went about our business. The most common "error" by riggers we find is a reserve closing loop that is too long. This is usually minor or cosmetic, but also can become a safety issue. Reserve closing loops too long can allow the reserve pin to slip out with little pressure. Also, the reserve flaps will not close properly to protect the pin when the loop is too long. The manufacturer usually has a recommended length; follow it. And don't be too lazy to reopen a container and adjust a reserve loop if it is obviously too long after closing the last flap. If the rig comes to you unopened, inspect the closed rig to determine if the loop is the correct length. Another fairly common "error" is the sequence the flaps are closed, placement of the reserve bridle or even placement of the reserve pilot chute. Each reserve parachute and container has a manual. Get a copy of the correct manual, read it and follow it. We recently had a Javelin come in that had all the bridle stowed on top of the freebag...and that was at least the second one over the past year. We also had a Butler emergency rig come in with the pilot chute placed between the wrong grommets. Miscellaneous "errors" have included incorrect installation of the Cypres or Cypres channels/pockets, ripstop tape on the reserve parachute, the RSL ring positioned below the lowest ring on the reserve flap, sport reserve risers (with a square reserve) tacked down to the container, a closing loop wrapped around the Cypres cutter, incorrect attachment of a reserve pilot chute and excessively sloppy line placement inside the reserve container. Know your rigger...

This week we are covering tips by Performance Designs on how to get the most life out of your parachute. PD sends out a one-page article with parachutes it repairs. The company focuses on 5 areas. First, always pack in a clean, dry area following proper packing procedures as outlined in the owners manual. You will get more life out of your canopy if it is always packed inside on carpet, rather than out in the sun on dirt, grass or sand. If you don't have a packing manual for your canopy, contact the manufacturer or a rigger. We covered some important packing tips last week (see below). Second, always stow your slider after opening. If you have a collapsible slider with Velcro or drawstrings, collapse it. This not only to increases canopy performance, but also prevents "slider flutter." When the slider is flapping and moving in the wind, the grommets are wearing on your lines, which can reduce the life of your lines. Third, keep lines out of contact of hook Velcro. If you have Velcro toggles and Velcro brake line keepers, make sure none of the line is touching the hook portion when packing. Better yet, have your rigger convert your risers to velcroless or buy a set of velcroless risers. Brake lines must be replaced if there is excessive Velcro damage to your brake lines or the cateye. The last thing you want is a brake line breaking during opening, or even worse, during your flare. Fourth, properly position your slider bumpers on the connector links, and always replace them when worn. On opening, when the slider moves down the lines it can get damaged from hitting connector links. Damaged grommets can wear out lines prematurely. Inspect your slider bumpers, grommets and lines regularly. Finally, remove the twists in your brake lines on a regular basis. PD says twists in brake lines leads to "broken carriers," which decreases line strength and causes the line to go out of trim prematurely.