I never suggested that there was a "mandatory life limit" imposed by the FAA
""In the USA"" Many other countries do have more restrictive age limits on
emergency parachutes though. It is common that parachute riggers and members
of the Parachute Riggers Association
http://www.uspa.org/FindaDZ/GroupMem...1/Default.aspx
generally do not recommend and many will not I&R parachutes over 20 years
old (these are not necessarily the parachute manufacturers but those in the
field who are certified to do I&R of emergency parachutes and are liable
should they do inspections without fully complying with the rules.
there is at least one AD on Pioneer parachutes that you may want to check
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory... ndSection=-3
this is a mandatory AD.
tim


"Dan Marotta" wrote in message
...
Well, then, to reply directly to the AD issue: Yes, the equipment has
been checked and all ADs complied with.

I was just talking with the local FSDO about a program letter for my
experimental glider and brought up this discussion. The official position
is that THERE IS NO AGE LIMIT on parachutes. Inspection would include an
AD search.

"Tim Mara" wrote in message
...
I'd have a lot less respect for any rigger who reads the manual, does a
pull test and then signs off on the parachute without checking for the
associated AD notes on the parachute he just packed for someone else to
use!
tim

"Dan Marotta" wrote in message
...
Well, it's in the glider at Moriarty so I can't check now, but I recall
the inspection record packed in the pouch of the harness indicates it
was manufactured in 1977. The canopy is black and gold with white mesh
in the back to give forward motion. It has also been modified with
steering toggles. The times I witnessed inspection, the rigger did a
very thorough inspection, including rip and puncture tests (both passed)
and referred to the manual.

The age of the equipment is totally irrelevant as long as it passes
inspection. I have very little respect for those who refuse to certify
equipment out of fear of liability (when no regulations are violated) or
because they want to sell new equipment. Would you refuse to fly a 37
year old aircraft? I've flown aircraft older than me and I'm almost 64
years old.


"Tim Mara" wrote in message
...
aside from being too old for many certified riggers to offer to I&R
this parachute the Pioneer parachutes also had a number of AD's against
them.make sure whoever is inspecting and repacking this parachute not
only reads the manual for repacking but also checks to see if the
canopy is even airworthy....I'd be curious to know if this Pioneer
parachute from this vintage.
Tim

"Dan Marotta" wrote in message
...
I have a Pioneer Thin Pack that was manufactured in 1974. Last repack
was March of 2011. Rigger's comment was "Excellent condition". Works
great in a glider with deep seating, but in my LAK-17a, it causes me to
sit too high. I'm looking to swap for a back pack type 'chute.


"Bill Palmer" wrote in message
news:10874055.426.1321258684869.JavaMail.geo-discussion-forums@prmf13...
There are a couple of parachutes for sale on glidersource.com
http://glidersource.com/cgi-bin/post...type=Equipment
not sure how thin they are, but you can contact the seller and ask.


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