There might come times when it is more practical for the
rigger to manufacture replacement parts in order to return
a system to operation. The items listed in section 7.6 are
those that are either main component parts or the reserve
closing loop, which is simple to make and usually within
the purview of the senior rigger to do so. It is important
for the rigger to recognize just what parts are legal to
make. One item some riggers make, but one in which they
are not usually approved to do so, is the Safety Stow™
for the reserve free bag. As part of the TSO-C23d component,
it is manufactured from approved materials and
under an approved Quality Control system. As simple as
this item is, if it is not manufactured according to the original
configuration, there is a very good chance for a failure
of the reserve deployment system. The best rule of
thumb to follow is this: If the component is part of the
approved assembly, then it is probably not something that
may be manufactured in the field. The common exception
to this rule is the reserve closing loop.
The rigger who is undertaking the manufacture of these
components needs to have, at the minimum, the following
sewing machines: medium duty single needle, double
needle machine with a binding attachment, and a
zigzag machine. In addition, the rigger needs grommet
setting tools and a basic selection of webbings, materials
and fabrics.
7.6 The following are outlines of construction procedures
for the manufacture of the listed items
found in Section 6 of this chapter.
