O'K...good topic. There is more to a parachute then most of pilots do
realize. They come in different flavors and colors but....I am a
rigger. I will not pack for anyone parachute older than 15 years. Some
riggers will. Why I want? Parachutes and container/harness systems are
designed under several different categories, like TSO c23d....let me
explain: The TSO certification was established in 1976, with the
TSO-c23a rating, as an international standard for parachutes. No
parachute can be sold as a reserve or rescue parachute without a TSO
rating. In the years since the TSO-C23a rating was established, the
level of standards to meet the rating has become significantly higher.
In 1992 the TSO-C23d rating was introduced and today less than 15% of
the manufacturers who hold a TSO rating have the TSO-c23d rating. As of
July of 2002, all parachute manufacturers who hold a TSO rating lower
than the TSO-C23d are unable to make improvements to their parachutes
or to reach the higher standard, and are therefore selling parachutes
based on technology that is over 10 years old or even older in some
cases.
O'K...I will make it simple...imagine that you are flying high, like
for example on the wave. You flew into something that mangled your bird
and you need to get out. You think to yourself " aaaa, not a big deal,
I've got my parachute". You got out of the cockpit and started rushing
down to earth. Do you have any idea about the acceleration? Do you know
how fast you are going down? Do you know how to control your body in
freefall so don't spin like a piece of meat? Well, most of you don't.
So, I would suggest go to any DZ and make a tandem jump in order to
open your eyes. Now, when all that fast stuff is happening, you have no
idea what is going on. Now you pull the rip cord. And you are looking
up and you see a canopy that is damaged from the opening shock. Well.
you are still heading down the earth and you have a few moment left to
ponder about you being cheep, very cheep, because you should buy
yourself a new emergency parachute. But after a few, very long seconds
it want matter anymore......
Parachutes are more then just cushions to seat on and make yourself
comfortable in the cockpit.
Do yourself a big favor and buy new rig. If your canopy is older then
15 years don't even think about trying to substitute. If any one needs
more help on this topic contact me directly. If your container is good
spend $500.00 and change just the canopy. If the rig is old...well, buy
it brand new. Oh, by the way...there is more to rigging then just
packing.