Parachute question

Packing your own:
There is a lot more to being a rigger than just packing a 'chute. I
vote for trusting someone who does this more that four times a year.
$200 a year is nothing when you are in free-fall, pulling the handle,
and remembering this is your ONLY parachute, your only chance to live.
Been there, very intense moments until the reserve goes 'whump'.

Send that old 'chute to the manufacturer for the repack. I would think
nothing would assure the buyer more than a current packing data card
from the manufacturer. They will be sure to check it every which way
and expecially for wear and fabric strength. They do get wear just
being in the pack. Fabric does lose strength with time. I have seen
them open (not mine!) and well...... what good is it open if it has
these big holes in it?

Does anyone leave their rig in the hot sun, in a car in the hot sun, in
the cockpit...... Heat can very well have an adverse affect on the
condition of the parachute in the pack.

How well do you know your rigger's competancy?

I recently took mine to a different rigger who took the time to test
the pilotchute spring. Guess what? It was way below standard. What good
is it to have a perfectly good parachute if it won't get off your back
cleanly? Do you pop your rig before you take it for repack? Ask your
rigger next time how the pilotchute test went? HUH? Get a new rigger.

Last but not least: When was the last time any of us did a pin check on
our parachute rig? Do you know what a pin check is? We all should and
should do it EVERY TIME before we put it on. One small piece of gravel
lodged inside your housing can cause a total malfunction. Yes, a pin
check includes ensuring the ripcord cable moves freely within the
housing. Not likely that problem and the need to use the parachute
could happen at the same time is it? Want to bet your life on it?
Old Skydiver,
New glider pilot.