Parachute Rigging

Jumpshack's Racer container elicits many comments from riggers due to how different it is from most other rigs on the market. At the very least, a Racer container takes a little more thought and preparation; and that is where a new DVD packing manual released by Jump Shack steps in to save the day.

I highly recommend every rigger who plans on packing even one more Racer in their lifetime purchase the Racer DVD packing manual. The packing updates, tips and techniques straight from the manufacturer are well worth the money ($15 plus shipping).

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I've had some riggers tell me that they don't usually replace the reserve closing loop during each inspection/repack because a new loop stretches and affects the finished look of the rig. Apparently some riggers feel it's the fault of a "stretching" new loop that the reserve pilot chute isn't completely seated or compressed like the prior pack job. Yet my experience shows that a reserve closing loop made out of spectra Cypres cord and threaded through a Cypres washer can be manufactured and pre-stretched precisely to the desired length. It's just critical that the rigger have a standardized method of construction, measurements and pre-stretching. The following is the procedure for making a Cypres loop at Chuting Star Rigging Loft. These procedures are for most reserve container systems, but not all. Rigs such as the Racer, Reflex and Tear Drop have other procedures. Continue reading →

Reserve Slinks have a yellow tab with an SR-1 identifier. The Spectra is thicker and longer than the main Slink. Main Slinks have a white tab with an SM-1 identifier. The Spectra is thinner and shorter than the reserve Slink. Continue reading →

Assemble the Slink normally with two passes through the lines/riser. Position the tab centered inside the riser and push toward the top of the riser. Continue reading →

Put the bumper over the riser and open up a pathway with your fingers for the Slink to pass through the riser. Route the Slink through the line group (in the correct continuity) and the riser twice. Routed the end of the Slink through the hole at the hole at the bottom of the tab and then insert the tab through the loop at the end of the Slink. This creates a larks head knot. Pull tight and hide the tab inside the riser. Continue reading →

(Published in Blue Skies Magazine) The range of naked skydiving experience is far and wide. For some, their only skydive ever was naked courtesy of a tandem jump sans clothes, perhaps with Fast Eddie of Huntsville, Ala. Fast Eddie Grantland has taken 111 naked tandem passengers since 1991. Number 111 was two weeks ago. For some, it’s just something to do to change it up a bit. Warren Cleary of Atlanta makes one naked jump a year on his birthday and has done so for the past four years. Says Cleary, “Me and my buddy’s birthday are one day apart and one year we just said, ‘Lets go jump naked.’” He’s been doing it every year ever since. Continue reading →

Icarus Canopies has issued a Service Bulletin to address hard openings of its unique NEOS canopy. The NEOS is a high-performance canopy that is partially cross-braced in the center of the parachute.

Reports of hard openings were verified by Icarus, and after a test program, the company found adjusting the line trim on the C1 lines solved the issue.

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The Argus Ruggedized Kit consists of a black metal face plate, stainless steel button and super glue. This kit protects LCD display screen against routine knocks to the display from use, packing or transportation.

12 small dots of super glue are placed around the outside edge of the face of the unit. 5 along top, 5 along bottom and 1 on each side.

The button is centered on the logo, where the current press-button is located. No super glue is used to hold the button in place.

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Both the display and cutter are secured through a screw-on connection. The cutter has a 3-prong connection. The display has a 4-prong connection. Once the new cutter and/or display has been installed, turn on unit to verify the Argus unit passes the systems checks. Continue reading →

One filter is located on the inside on the battery back plate. A second filter can be installed on the outside of the battery back plate for swoopers who may get the unit wet on a regular basis. To replace the filter, pick the old filter off and stick the new filter on. The filter or filters must be replaced after getting wet and/or damaged. Once a filter is removed, it can not be used again. The closing screw is a small Phillips head screw that secures the back plate to the Argus unit. It should be snug/hand tight. Continue reading →