National 425 Parachute for sale

On Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1:29:35 AM UTC-6, wrote:
This is the same Allen Silver who took it upon himself to be "the enforcer" regarding his 20 year rule (from another thread on RAS a couple of years ago):

"I sent my Pioneer chute to Alan Silver a few years ago and because it was just over 20 years he cut the shroud lines and sent it back without notifying me . I noticed he has turned his business over to a new rigger now. It might be wise to check with the new guy before sending him an older chute.. Don't get me wrong, I thought Alan was the best around but I think he should have asked first. I loved that chute and have one now that checks out great and intend to keep using it even though it is older than my middle aged kids."

If Allen had done that to me, I'd have been seeking compensation from him.. I admit I am predisposed to question him even though I know he is highly respected (and highly entertaining in his presentations, which I have attended). I bought a Wedge Softie from him some years ago because I need a very thin chute behind my shoulders to get into my ASW 24. Imagine my surprise when it arrived packed like a conventional chute (i.e., uniformly thick). Allen wasn't happy about repacking it but he grudgingly agreed to do so, with some improvement. But it wasn't until I shipped it off to the manufacturer that it was done properly, much thicker in the lumbar region and very thin behind the shoulders. FWIW, I have since had good luck with the rigger who took over Allen's business.

It's interesting that Allen writes about the drug industry being analogous to parachutes, saying "This probably is one of the reasons drug manufacturers put a shelf life on medications. They too weaken and lose their strength over time."

Not true, actually. The FDA did a study at the U.S. military's request. "What they found from the study is 90% of more than 100 drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, were perfectly good to use even 15 years after the expiration date." (from a Harvard Health Web site) There were some exceptions but the list of drugs tested is available so you can make your own decision.

I certainly am no expert on parachutes. But I've heard from more than one rigger that although they personally think many older chutes are just fine--subject to testing, of course--they simply can't afford to incur the liability of being in conflict with the 20-year recommendation of the PIA which, I discovered from his article, we owe to Allen's efforts.

I wonder what would have happened if Allen had been in a position to set standards for, say, wooden gliders. Would someone who dropped off a carefully restored Ka-6 for him to annual pick it up to find that he had chainsawed the spars because: "Even with the best of tender loving care, they should be replaced after 20 years."

I'm being pretty harsh. Clearly Allen has deep experience as a rigger. But his recommendations don't carry the force of the FARs. He can advise, offer his educated opinion, and decline to pack an older chute. But neither he nor other riggers should be cutting shroud lines or otherwise destroying parachutes that have been placed in their trust by the owners. In fact, at least one shop's Web site advertises the fact that there is no legal basis for not packing a 20+ year old parachute and that they will evaluate each one and make the decision based on its condition. That makes sense to me.

Just my opinion.

Chip Bearden

My feeling is that the "20 year" lifespan was a effort by some to increase sales of new chutes. My beautiful Strong 305 Paracushion parachute is 27 years old. No rigger has ever refused to pack it. However, the last couple of times it's been packed, I have sent it to Strong to get the manufacturer's blessing. The last time, they advised me that the pack itself is starting to show significant wear and that I should think about replacing it. When I do, you can bet it will be with a Strong.