Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

PisseArtiste t1_iqzqzs2 wrote

Reply to comment by Topsyye in Skydiver dies in Florida after 'parachute malfunction,’ authorities say by Thetimmybaby

Extremely. Parachutes do malfunction sometimes, but the common malfunctions can be quickly remedied by Emergency Procedures all skydivers are taught thoroughly. If they can't, then the main can be "cut away", which is actually not cutting but the deliberate release of the parachute from the harness, followed by the deployment of a reserve parachute.

While most skydivers pack their own main parachutes, reserve parachutes are packed by specially trained and licensed parachute riggers and the process of packing them is much more detailed and thorough. They're also designed to deploy quickly and reliably.

Most skydiving fatalities have nothing to do with parachutes malfunctioning though. Much more commonly it is a poor decision made by the skydiver like a low turn while trying to execute a high performance landing that is the culprit. Occasionally it's a medical incident during the skydive. The odds of a double/total malfunction are astronomical.

64

asdaaaaaaaa t1_ir0tflf wrote

> While most skydivers pack their own main parachutes, reserve parachutes are packed by specially trained and licensed parachute riggers and the process of packing them is much more detailed and thorough. They're also designed to deploy quickly and reliably.

Is that something where you'd basically buy a new reserve chute, sealed each time/send it back to the company to be packed and recertified upon use?

8

PisseArtiste t1_ir0ujkl wrote

No, however, every time a reserve is packed it marked with the number of packs and whether it was a repack (marked with a / mark) or a deployment (or more commonly a "ride", marked with an X). A reserve parachute normally has a lifespan of 20 years or 40 repacks, after which it can be sent back to the manufacturer in some cases to be given a more detailed inspection to see if it's still airworthy which it likely is. In some countries (mostly in Europe) riggers won't pack a reserve older than twenty years, but some people in the USA will buy them cheap there and get them inspected and keep using them if airworthy.

Reserves are generally inspected and repacked every 180 days although there really isn't actually a need to do it more than once a year according to people who are far more expert than I am, however, rules usually require that 180 day repack.

Anytime you go to a new DZ you can expect to have to show the packing card and the rigger's seal on the reserve to be able to jump. At events or big DZs they'll often put one of those plastic wristbands you get at concerts and resorts in the harness main lift web so the rampers can quickly verify them as you get on the plane. The most commonly used DZ management software also can record repacks and won't let someone manifest (get on the plane) unless they're current.

Most DZs have a rigger on site who can perform the service. They normally work in what's called the Loft, which I'm told comes from the fact that they usually worked in the loft section of hangars.

19

asdaaaaaaaa t1_ir0x8u0 wrote

>Anytime you go to a new DZ you can expect to have to show the packing card and the rigger's seal on the reserve to be able to jump.

Ah, okay, was wondering how they verified someone qualified packed it, makes sense.

Thanks for the info, and yeah, worked in "the loft" of a few places. Never fun on hot days, especially with a metal roof.

4

EmotionalSuportPenis t1_ir3bx8q wrote

The term "loft" probably comes from the Sailmaker's Loft, since both professions handle extremely large and complex objects made out of fabric and consequently both require large, flat, open spaces.

2

DuelingPushkin t1_ir19xlu wrote

No but you have to get it repacked by a FAA certified rigger who seals it with their stamp.

1