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Is it just me or is the quality of rigging work dwindling? Over the past two months, Chuting Star Rigging Loft has run into a rash of rigging errors and sloppy work that makes us wonder what some riggers are thinking as they inspect, repair and repack your rig and reserve.

A reserve dropped off for the first time with us in October had a step-through on the reserve. The reserve (or container) had been flipped through the lines sometime during the inspection/repack process. In addition, the same reserve had holes/tears on the top skin of the canopy and freebag that were likely caused by a sharp or nicked packing paddle. Checking the line continuity, walking the lines before the final packing and having well-maintained tools is essential for a rigger.

In November, a Dolphin container dropped off was closed incorrectly by the previous rigger. While Altico allows two closing sequences for its Dolphin containers, this rigger thought up a brand new one. The bottom flap was closed first, followed by the side flaps, pilot chute and top flap. Closing sequences and tips for packing are well-documented in the owner’s manual. A rigger must follow the owner’s manual for all containers, reserves and automatic openers.

A Tear Drop container left for an inspection and repack in December had the most original, but completely incorrect, freebag loop I’ve ever seen. Most freebags are closed with an elastic shock cord loop that is slid through a channel and two grommets. The previous rigger packing this container replaced the freebag loop with a piece of looped line and two rubber bands attached to either side. A quick call to the manufacturer revealed this loop was absolutely unacceptable. In addition the closing loop was not built to factory specifications. A new freebag loop and closing loop were made to factory specs per the manufacturer. Following the owner’s manual is imperative.

Just over a year ago, I was ranting about how Airtec needed to radically update its Cypres unit as the first of its older automatic reserve container openers hit the 12-year lifetime limit. At the Parachute Industry Association meeting in Florida, Airtec unveiled the Cypres II. The unit is water-resistant, doesn’t need new batteries every two years, is smaller/lighter than the original Cypres and the user can access the serial number/factory dates on the control screen. While these updates were definitely welcomed-improvements, it wasn’t as ground-shaking as I had hoped. But then along came a Belgium company promoting its Vigil AAD (automatic activation device). This much-anticipated AAD finally made its way into the hands of select dealers across the United States and the reviews are promising. The Vigil is sure to give Cypres strong competition. Quality and performance issues, which Cypres is no doubt the leader, are quickly being laid to rest with the Vigil as the unit is endorsed by Relative Workshop and Sun Path as well as the U.S. and French National 4-way teams. And someone seemed to be listening to me when I was ranting last year about an updated control screen for users. The Vigil actually speaks English instead of having to interpret numbers. During startup, the Vigil lets you know that the battery, cutter and control unit are OK. It then gives you the option of changing the altitude or the user mode. You can also access jump info such as jumps on the unit, freefall time, freefall speed, saves on the unit, temperature and atmosphere pressure. Other options for the user include reversing the screen view for rigs with upside down windows as well changing the screen contrast. We received our first four units yesterday and I spent last night getting to know all the features. So far, I am very impressed. Stop by and see a Vigil this weekend at ASC. See next week’s Rant and Rave for more Vigil features.