Parachute 20 year limit

I hope your rigger checked for any AD notes on your parachute!
Many of these old Pioneer Parachutes had some serious directives and notices
issued on them and simply pull testing and repacking would not uncover these
defects!

There were several parachutes only a few years back that came under fire
with the acid mesh problem.....not only Security parachutes though they were
the most widely publicized. Manufactures today still test each lot of
material for this same problem and have been known to reject material that
might be questionable.
There is a possibility, though hopefully unlikely, that even parachutes
still in use out in the field may possibly still have this problem.
Know your rigger, know that he is doing all that is required to insure your
safety...it may seem like an expensive unnecessary piece or equipment and a
foolish regulation.....until of course you need to depend on it!
tim

Please visit the Wings & Wheels website at www.wingsandwheels.com



My rigger finally said - "last time I will repack that" on my pioneer
tri-conical. Pioneer stated that their product has no life limit. It dates
from 1974 and has passed it's tests to date. He is concerned that after
all these (34) years the porosity and hence descent rate will be
increasing.

This is a long way past the 20 year life. Tested annually for condition.

If you trust the guy with your life when he packs it - best you listen
when he says - it looks perfect, fabric is strong and clean, but is it
safe - Apparently the answer is NO!

I am in the market for a new one.

Bruce