AD 2021-09-09 Requires Modifying The RPC Before The Next Parachute Jump

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Uninsured United Parachute Technologies, LLC (UPT) parachutes.

This AD results from reserve pin covers (RPCs) catching on the parachute container flaps and preventing the reserve parachute from deploying. This AD requires modifying the RPC before the next parachute jump and replacing the RPC at the next reserve parachute packing. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective May 7, 2021.

Supplementary InfORMATION: The FAA was notified by the Directorate General for Civil Aviation, which is the civil aviation authority for France, of an unsafe condition on certain UPT reserve parachute pin covers. Subsequent analysis revealed that, between May 2013 and January 2021, the container was manufactured with a redesign that increased the length of the RPC, causing it to catch and prevent the reserve parachute from deploying. UPT determined the affected parachutes are UPT Vector 3 SE containers manufactured between May 1, 2013, and January 31, 2021, in any of the following sizes: V3SE-360-1, V3SE-360-2, V3SE-360-3, V3SE-361, V3SE-364, and V3SE-364-1. This condition, if not corrected, could cause failure of the reserve parachute to deploy when needed. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov