Softie

On Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 7:48:55 PM UTC-7, Craig Reinholt wrote:
On Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 5:33:23 PM UTC-7, wrote:
So, after reading the Letter from the FAA and the service life limits addressed in the TSO, can we assume that the riggers and parachute manufacturers are essentially imposing a possibly illegal interpretation? If the manufacturer is not able to provide approved documentation that validates a 20 year life limit, as per the FAA's TSO (to which they agreed as part of the certification process), a rigger who refuses to repack an otherwise serviceable parachute could be accused of withholding required maintenance on a certified piece of aviation equipment.

Hmmm.... Release the Lawyers!


Mark, I understand your viewpoint, but...

Source: Current Softie parachute manual
1.4 SERVICE LIFE
Independent testing of aged nylon materials has proven that its strength degrades over time, therefore, Para-Phernalia, Inc. and Free Flight Enterprises have established a 20-year service life from the date of component manufacture for the Softie Pilot Emergency System and the Preserve line of emergency parachutes.

So if you are a rigger, are you going to risk the liability of packing an old chute with this stated manufacturer limitation and then suffer the lawsuit when someone augers in even if the chute was packed perfectly and materials in satisfactory shape?
I think of McDonald's and wet floor cones in a perfectly dry bathroom. Starbucks printing "hot" on their cups. For a sole proprietor business, that lawsuit could be catastrophic. I personally support a riggers position and agree they shouldn't pack that old chute even if it inconveniences me.

The FAA position, if I understand legalese, is that the TSO that the chutes were certified under did not have a drop dead date and Para-Phernalia is trying to add a drop dead date by simply printing it in the manual.
The service life listed in the manual is considered a recommendation by the FAA, not a requirement. If Para-Phernalia wanted a life limit it should have been certified with a life limit, not under the TSO C-23b/c/d they used.
No need for legal representation, just common sense.
Ross, if it doesn't work in Austria can it be packed in Switzerland? Meet you at the Malabar Indian restaurant in Oerlikon? Noch eine Grosses Turbinenbräu, bitte.
Jim

What I read is that the manufacturer's manual can establish a service-life limit for a parachute, but if it is published as a replacement for an existing manual issued for a pre-dated parachute, then the manufacturer must file an SB.

Regardless, it seems a real stretch to think a rigger is compelled to repack a chute even only 5 years old, let alone one 20+ years. I assume they decide what risk they want to take, as long as it doesn't violate the regulations.

Hey guys. Thanks for the responses
I might have found someone in Europe willing to repack it. Seems the rules here differ a little to the rules in the US but in the end if the packer is unwilling I am a little out of luck
If I can't sort it I am willing to donate to a junior for the cost of postage

On Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 7:17:42 AM UTC-5, Ross wrote:
Hey guys. Thanks for the responses
I might have found someone in Europe willing to repack it. Seems the rules here differ a little to the rules in the US but in the end if the packer is unwilling I am a little out of luck
If I can't sort it I am willing to donate to a junior for the cost of postage

Ross,

I'm just a year over junior age but would still be interested as I start to go cross country.