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A couple of weeks ago two riggers from Skydive Monroe came to visit Atlanta Skydiving Center for Nate Gilbert’s Memorial Boogie, and of course, we ended up talking about rigging after awhile. Hearing about what other riggers are finding in the field can definitely help sharpen your inspection skills.

Rigger Joe Bennett said he recently found a reserve that didn’t have any stabilizer slack in the D lines. Without slack in the stabilizer fabric, the line load distribution on the stabilizer can cause the stabilizer and joining seams to tear on opening.

Manufacturers have different measurements for the correct stabilizer slack, and that slack varies for the B, C and D lines. Check with the appropriate manufacturer for the correct measurement. When putting tension on the outside line, there should be noticeable slack on the stabilizer fabric.

Rigger Jon Frederickson reported a grommet issue on a main container. Grommet seating was brought to the rigging forefront a few years ago due to Spectra line getting caught under grommets. But what Jon found had to do with sharp edges in the grommet center. The recent grommets in question came to light because main closing loops were getting worn out after a couple of jumps.

A similar grommet issue was found earlier this year on a pilot rig brought to Chutingstar. The double-ended closing loop was nearly cut in thirds by sharp grommets in the base of the container. Grommet inspections should not only include proper seating, but also a thorough inspection for sharp edges due to incorrect grommet installation, worn-out grommet setting tools or bad materials.

Jon also discovered a cutaway cable with an indention at the housing fitting end, which under load could cause a hard to impossible cutaway. The cable had developed an indention due to sharp ridges on the housing end. Cutaway cables should be inspected and cleaned on a monthly basis. Riggers should also inspect the cutaway cable housings and end fittings for sharp edges.

And finally, I continue to find worn and frayed reserve closing loops. The Cypres/Spectra closing loop is not getting changed during the inspection/repack or the loop is getting damaged during the closing process. Either way, it is not acceptable.

Reserve closing loops should be changed at every repack (unless in perfect condition and at the correct length). If a rigger damages the loop during closing, the rig should be reopened, the loop replaced and the reserve container reclosed. Don’t accept anything less from your rigger. A frayed reserve closing loop is unacceptable and easily fixed.