Just to clarify...besides being a rigger I am also a skydiver. And an
instructor. And S&TA. And I have a bit more jumps then your 600. I
have a bit more repacks then you. I also don't jump on a big commercial
DZ. For your info, National has a life span on their canopies of 15
years. And the same apply to Free Flight Enterprises canopies which are
found in Softies. I am not familiar with Strong emergency rigs, they
might certify them for more then 15 years. PD has a life span of 40
repack cycles, after which you must send it to the factory for
inspection. And if the porosity of the fabric doesn't pass, well, they
will call you to let you know. Bottom line.
In June of 2002 a canopy on my DZ during landing, a PD 176 Lightning
disintegrated in the air after being kicked by another skydiver. The
guy who caused the accident was jumping on newer canopy and he walked
away....the Lightning came back from PD in Florida from being relined
and repaired (small patches around the bridle retraction system) and
virtually exploded at about 150 feet...the guy survived. Similar
accident took place in 1999 in Star, near Boise, ID. Main canopy
exploded on opening...it was 7 years old Turbo ZX. The skydiver
survived as well. Are those unique incidents? No. And before you give
any body really bad advise, think about it. You are not doing anybody a
favor.
And I am also not a dealer, I am not manufacturer. I am just a guy who
started skydiving and flying in 1980 and I have witnessed a lots of
things that could have been avoided.
And also don't accuse any riggers of trying to help you ....if you eat
dirt the FAA looks at the repack card and seal and they will come after
the rigger. And probably your family will come after the rigger, the
factory which built your rig and they will sue them....now you don't
care about affecting more then your own life? Think about it very hard.