Mon, Jun 29, 2015
A Product Service Bulletin (PSB) For Spectra Reserve Ripcords Manufactured During 2014 And Early 2015 Has Been Issued
The sport of skydiving is exciting and safe, and part of the reason for the safety is the extraordinary reliability and sophistication of the equipment used by skydivers. For the sake of safety, a Product Service Bulletin has been issued for Spectra reserve ripcords used on reserve parachutes.
Reserve parachutes, while seldom used, are a critically important part of skydiving gear. The reserve parachutes are different from the main chutes in that they must be packed and periodically inspected by an FAA certificated parachute rigger. The main parachutes are typically repacked by the skydivers themselves.
The reserve chute requires that the skydiver pull a ripcord which is actually a ring connected to a cable. The cable is attached to a panel on the parachute bag that is ripped open when it’s pulled. The issue that has appeared with the Spectra reserve ripcords is a concern that the amount of pull needed to deploy the parachute exceeds what is considered normal.
Product Service Bulletin PSB 2015-01 provides details for identifying the affected ripcords. The affected ripcords are being replaced free of charge by the manufacturer. If a reserve parachute is equipped with the affected ripcord, the bulletin goes on to provide a temporary fix that can be used until the new ripcord is installed. The bulletin also includes a link to a video that clearly explains how to perform the temporary fix.
It’s reported in the bulletin that no actual failures of the ripcord have occurred.
(Image is a screen capture of the instructional video showing the ripcord cable being lubricated)
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