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Spring is trying to poke its sunny head through the winter clouds here in Georgia, which means a number of students are finishing AFF training and getting ready to purchase their first rig. This also seems to be the time other experienced jumpers get serious about buying their first rig or another new or used rig. My “used gear rant” is not a new topic for this forum, but one I have to repeat often for the continual influx of new skydivers. Just last week, a new skydiver fresh off her final level of training brought me an older container she had already purchased and which needed new toggle keepers. While repairing the keepers, it was discovered the keepers were just the beginning of the repairs needed to her used container and she could have used some “third-party rigger” advice on canopy size and container choice. The steering lines were tied incorrectly with the Dacron line knotted approximately four inches up the lower steering line, limiting the full flight capabilities and adding a potentially hazardous landing problem if a knot were to get stuck in the guide ring. The lower steering lines were already 6 inches shorter than the manufacturer trim chart. The 150 square foot main is also a bit small for the 135 pound jumper recently graduated from AFF and still trying to get consistent landings under a 170 square foot rental canopy. In addition, maintenance is needed soon on the riser covers and bridle as the Velcro is wearing out and missing in some places. When making the decision to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on skydiving gear, make sure the sale is conditional upon a thorough rigger inspection of the main, reserve, container and AAD. Find out about possible maintenance issues, service bulletins, gear life span and resale value. If you’ve just graduated AFF, talk to your jumpmasters about appropriate canopy sizing and don’t forget an AAD is required by the USPA until you get your “A License,” or even longer at some drop zones.

Chuting Star Rigging Loft now has its own set of “loft standards.” (The entire list can be found at the FAQ page of this web site.) While the loft has always had a general set of quality and regulation standards, a set list was spurred on by several seminars at the PIA symposium along with fresh ideas from additional riggers now working for Chuting Star Rigging Loft. Some of the standards listed have been followed since the loft opened in 1999, such as adhering to manufacturer requirements for Cypres battery and service dates (now an FAA regulation) and strictly following the manufacturer manuals for assembly, inspection, repacks and repairs. While some of the standards may seem like “no-brainers,” you may be surprised at how many riggers don’t have the correct manuals or follow what the manufacturer requires. And as the summer skydiving season hits the southeast and business picks up, the standards will be a fast way to communicate what can be expected from the riggers at Chuting Star Rigging Loft. A recent “Rave” on this page thoroughly explained one of our new standards requiring slider bumpers for all sport reserves with metal links. If a reserve comes to the loft without bumpers, a set will be installed. PD, Precision and Para-Flite reserves come standard with bumpers while Tempo, Flight Concepts and Strong reserves may need bumpers. Also, PD requires its reserves to have an annual strength test. The 30-pound pull test will be conducted each year if you have a PD reserve and noted on your packing data card. Unknown stains will also be pull tested. Reserves without a set pull test requirement will be tested at a 5 year interval. And finally, following a reserve inspection/repack, your main canopy will be opened and checked for correct line continuity when reattached. Contact us if you have any suggestions or questions about our loft standards.