"Tim Mara" wrote Rules are never a simple matter
or what's right for the masses, but made
because some one or a few people have done something that was
questionable,
or wrong. If we were all perfect, and always right we'd have far fewer
rules, regulations and restrictions....
tim

Not too long ago there was a double fatality at a commercial skydiving
operation with of those two-person buddy jumps where they are attached to
the same harness (don't know the correct terminology for a tandem jump
arrangement, but I'm sure someone here does...)

Well, long story short they hit the ground and both died, the main chute
failed and the reserve did not open for whatever reason. Turned out neither
chute had been packed within the recency requirement, so the operator was
violated by the FAA as well. ( I *believe* only the reserve chute is
required to be re-packed in the 120 day period? Can't remember now.). I
don't recall the reason for the dual failure, but that fatality ended up in
court and they use the story in an FAA seminars now to drive home the reason
for why the chutes must be repacked on a regular basis. Tragic story, bad
ending and I would rather fly my 1-26 3.5 lbs. over gross than leave my
chute on the ground.

Jim