PARACHUTE RIGGER HANDBOOK
 

Packing is the mainstay of the parachute rigger, but an equally important part is the repair and maintenance of the parachute and its related systems. When the parachute is new, it is expected to function as designed. As it is used and ages, however, it begins to wear and its condition changes, which, over time, could result in a malfunction of the system. It is the rigger’s responsibility to identify any condition that might result in the parachute being non-airworthy and therefore dangerous. In the course of training, the rigger candidate will learn to identify those conditions that may be unsafe. The trainee will also learn how to undertake the necessary repairs to return the parachute to its original, airworthy configuration.

As stated in Chapter 1—Regulations and Human Factors, it is imperative that riggers be able to distinguish between minor and major repairs. This ensures that riggers do not exceed the limitations of their certificate or endanger the parachute user. The basic rule for repairs is to return the damaged parachute or component to its original airworthy configuration. However, in many instances, the remanufacture of the parachute may not be practical or cost effective. In these cases, there are approved repair techniques riggers can use to return the parachute to service. These techniques form an important part of the rigger’s store of knowledge.

REPAIR TECHNIQUES

The following procedures use a format that provides the rigger with all of the necessary information to complete the repair properly. It has been used by at least one manufacturer to provide the necessary documentation to riggers in the field to perform major repairs or alterations on that manufacturer’s equipment. The procedures provide the following information to the rigger:

   1. Applicable products—Those parts of the parachute that the procedure addresses.

   2. Description—Brief explanation of the repair or alteration.

   3. Materials—Those items needed to perform the procedure.

   4. Machines—Those machines required to do the procedure. In addition to the machines, there may be special attachments required to do the work properly.

   5. Equipment—Additional tools needed (in addition to the sewing machines).

   6. Procedure—The step by step guide through the repair. This may include a disassembly and reassembly procedure. Disassembly may be straightforward, but the reassembly instructions may provide special tips or procedures to accomplish the task.

   7. Inspection—The final inspection of the finished repair. This is a very critical part. In many cases, the rigger is doing the work alone. Within the manufacturing environment, the persons doing the work generally do not inspect their own work. This is given over to dedicated inspection personnel. For the private rigger, there may be no one around to inspect the work. In the case of simple repairs, it is easy for the rigger to inspect the finished job. For more extensive repairs, such as a harness main lift web replacement, there can be several areas that need to be addressed such as dimensions, stitching, and hardware orientation. By having an inspection checklist, the rigger can be assured of not missing any critical area.

Each of the seven sections in this chapter has a list that describes common repair procedures today’s rigger might use. While not necessarily encompassing everything, the techniques used in these repairs can be expanded upon to address almost any other scenario that might be encountered. If the rigger encounters a repair that he or she is not familiar with, then the rigger should contact the manufacturer for further direction and guidance. The rigger should also remember that each procedure is just one method of accomplishing a given repair. There might be more than one or an individual might develop a different technique to achieve the same results.

No matter what techniques or procedures that are followed, remember that there are three basic requirements to follow for any proper repair procedure.

   1. The first is the knowledge to do the job. This includes the required certification and authorization.

   2. The second is the proper equipment, such as sewing machines or hand tools.

  3. Third is the availability of the proper materials.

The individual may be a master rigger with a complete parachute loft at his/her disposal, but without the materials as used in the original manufacture, the correct repair cannot be made. By following these simple guidelines, riggers are always able to determine whether or not they can do the job properly.

Most of today’s manufacturers provide guidance for the repair and maintenance of their products. These instructions are the official guidelines that the rigger must follow. The four primary areas of parachute repair and maintenance are: canopy and lines; container; harness and risers; and accessory components. These areas are summarized within the seven sections of this chapter as follows:

Section 1. Canopy and lines.........................................7-3

Section 2. Container...................................................7-39

Section 3. Harness and Risers....................................7-57

Section 4. Accessory Components.............................7-79

Section 5. Alterations.................................................7-93

Section 6. Manufacturing.........................................7-103

Section 7. Miscellaneous .........................................7-115

 
 
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