Longer Battery Life for Vigil

Skydivers who own an original Vigil automatic opener have been given an extra 6 years on the mandatory battery change per the manufacturer. The owner's manual for the original Vigil states a lifespan of 4 years or 700 jumps for the Vigil. But an e-mail to Vigil dealers from Advanced Aerospace Designs last week stated that field experience has shown the lifespan can be extended to "1500 jumps or 10 years as long as the message 'Bat Low' or 'Bat Rpl' doesn't appear on the screen." AAD says the original Vigil battery must be replaced every 10 years (if not necessary sooner). This is closer to the battery life of the Vigil II unit, which has a battery lifespan of 2000 jumps or 10 years. The original Vigil is no longer in production, but is supported for parts by the company. AAD now manufacturers the Vigil II unit. The battery life update is now posted on the company's web site at www.vigil.aero under the "What's New?" section. Batteries for all Vigil units must be replaced at Vigil America, or at the manufacturer AAD, per Product Advisory 01-2017.