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By Mike Gruwell

Per Mirage PSB 12-04, all Mirage containers are being modified as the rigs come due for the scheduled reserve inspection and repack. The company has provided a clear set of instructions for Master Riggers to complete the modification that moves the Cypres cutter from the #1 flap to the #3 flap.

But it was soon discovered that former Mirage tips for bulk management of the reserve canopy and pilot chute material does not always result in a nice-looking finished reserve pack job after the mod is completed. We’ve already completed more than 50 of the Mirage modifications as well as inspections and repacks at Chutingstar. We have discovered a few tips that should help riggers keep that Mirage looking good even with the change in bulk due to the relocation of the Cypres cutter.


(New location of Cypres cutter on Mirage rigs.)

Reserve parachute bulk should remain toward the lower 1/3 of the freebag. Small ears are imperative on the G3 and RTS containers, while the G4 should have medium-sized ears. In all three rigs, there needs to be a smooth slope from the bottom of the freebag to the ears. The slope will be a drastic wedge shape for the G3 and RTS, while the G4 should be more gradual.

The closing flap order of the Mirage containers has not changed, only the location of the Cypres cutter. The recommended closing loop length has not changed either. Keep in mind there is a 1/2” window in closing loop length for each Mirage container size.

Seat the freebag into the container, V-fold all but the last 3-4 feet on the freebag and pin the #1 flap. Make sure the bridle does not bunch up or wrinkle and is kept away from the closing loop. Compress the center of the reserve container and remove all stress wrinkles from the #1 flap by moving it toward the bottom of the container. The #1 flap should be centered on the freebag.

V-fold the remaining bridle on top of the #1 flap. Compress and pin the reserve pilot chute while keeping the material away from the spring. Accordion-fold the top and bottom sides of the pilot chute fabric. Leave the side fabric to the side as you pin the #3 flap. Make sure the pullup cord is routed through the Cypres cutter. Confirm the #1 flap and the pilot chute are centered on the freebag. Also confirm that the closing loop is in a straight line from the pilot chute, through the top of the cap, cutter and #3 flap grommet.

The side fabric should be folded wide, focusing the bulk along side the bottom half of the pilot chute cap. Slightly tuck the bottom edge of the side folds under the #3 flap, making sure that the fabric is placed on top of the reserve bridle.


(Distribution of pilot chute fabric for post-mod Mirage.)

Close the side flaps at the same time. Use a packing paddle to keep the reserve pilot chute fabric in place. Move the side flaps into place by pushing the sides of the container to the center. Compress the center of the pack job as you pin the side flaps. At this point, mold the reserve container into shape. If the side flaps are wrinkled or cocked at odd angles, the pilot chute bulk can be readjusted. Move your temp pin back to the #3 flap and readjust the pilot chute material bulk. If you have to readjust due to wrinkles, concentrate the bulk to the area of wrinkles to build that area up. Pin the side flaps again.


(Side flaps pinned on Mirage.)

Compress the center of the pack job again. Route the ripcord pin through the necessary rings and route the final flap through the retainer strap (G4 only). Pin the final flap. Compress the center one final time and shape the container to its intended shape as needed.


(Finished side view of Mirage.)

If you need any further assistance, contact Chuting Star Rigging Loft at 1-800-877-7199. We are open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.