What's the deal with 20 year life span on chutes?

My rigger was happy to repack until 32+ years old. When the stitching on
the webbing started showing age damage - so now I need to replace it
before next repack. 1979-2011 is not bad...

The fabric and shrouds all tested fine, the container is good.
Just the stitching.

Bruce

On 2011/07/06 2:31 AM, Scott Alexander wrote:
Check EBay they have some good parachutes listed from time to time.


My sister and her husband are both parachute riggers. They both repair
old parachutes. I asked them last week over dinner the same question
you are asking. Both said that as long as a parachute is still in good
condition and will pass the repack inspection, not to worry.

Buy an old parachute of eBay and use your extra cash for other glider
stuff.

--
Bruce Greeff
T59D #1771 & Std Cirrus #57