Though there is no FAR or manufacturer data that says it is required to
retire old parachutes (unless they were made from Silk.and that goes back a
LONG time!) MOST riggers will refuse to repack even very good "looking"
chutes in the USA after reaching it's 20th birthday. ALL correct
manufacturers, at least any I have had dealings with, will refuse their own
chutes after 20 years old......I have taken several old chutes on trade,
many not even reaching this 20 year line that because of condition,
appearance and questionable care have been cut up and burned so they cannot
ever be repacked or used again.
tim
"Burt Compton" wrote in message
...
Don,

One of our Security rigs is coming up on 30 years old and my rigger says
no
more repacks after that, even though it passes the pull test. Any
comments?

Burt
Marfa Gliders, west Texas