Parachute safety

Those of you who own a parachute manufactured between Fall, 2001 and Summer,
2003 should be aware of FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin
(SAIB) NE-03-50 dated Aug, 21, 2003. The SAIB advises that a company which
is the sole supplier of ripcords pins for ripcords used in parachutes made
in the USA has been advised of pin failures under low loads. If one pin
fails the parachute may not open properly. If two pins should fail the
parachute may not open.

The SAIB recommends the load testing of the pins before the next use of the
parachute. The simple test can be accomplished on parachutes that have been
repacked. Most riggers should be aware of the SAIB, but, it is so important
it would not hurt to ask, especially those of you who get a "quickie"
repack.

The subject SAIB can be found on the FAA's web site: www.airweb.faa.gov
Click on SAIB on the top of the sidebar then look for NE-03-50.

Duane