At 14:14 05 July 2011, Gary wrote:
I apoligize of this has been discussed in the past. Looking for a used
chute I keep running into talk of 20 year life span for parachutes. Is
it solely up to the rigger to pack or refuse a chute that age?

Still looking for a used chute that will not break the bank after
recently buying an ASW-20.

Thanks, Gary Adams GA2

I used to have my 20+ year old parachute packed by a very senior inspector
who told me that the life span of a parachute was precisely six months; the
recommended time between inspections. If the chute passed it's inspection
then there was no reason to get rid of it.
When I sold the parachute,along with a glider,the new owners took it to a
different inspector who advised them to buy a new one because of it's
age.
Best plan seems to be to find an inspector that you trust and take his
advice.