PhreeZone 20 #26 January 11, 2005 Mike, when exactly in December was the bullitin released? Also, I have'nt seen it mentioned yet but what is the fee that everyone is charging for this? I don't think lots of people and riggers knew about this before you brought it up. Thanks for informing all of us of this. Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutingstar 1 #27 January 11, 2005 It was just officially released this week...but Mirage has been sending out its new rigs with the new cutter location for about a month as well as modifing any rigs that came through the shop during that time period. In the meantime, the company was finalizing the official service bulletin for "rigs in the field." Over the past month I was charging $10 for the mod. I'm still a little undecided on how I will proceed with charging for it. I think I will end up doing it for free for those getting other rigging work done at the loft (repack) and only charge the $10 if it's someone who only wants the mod done and nothing else. I know Mirage is doing the mod for free along with free return shipping, but you do have to pay for shipping there (or to one of its authorized service centers) plus any other rigging work completed. MikeChutingStar.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #28 January 11, 2005 QuoteAny way to tell or should I just call the rigger? Call your dealer or Mirage and have them check the serial number. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #29 January 11, 2005 Is the Mirage unusual in the old placement of the cutter? Is there something unusual about the Mirage's loop routing? Is Mirage doing anything to remind riggers to avoid the errors they mention that contributed?People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutingstar 1 #30 January 11, 2005 QuoteQuoteAny way to tell or should I just call the rigger? Call your dealer or Mirage and have them check the serial number. Documentation of each Mirage (serial number) modified is not being kept by the factory (according to recent conversations with the company). The only way to know for sure is a visual inspection (packed or unpacked). There is no request or requirement in the bulletin for master riggers to send a record of rigs modified to Mirage. MikeChutingStar.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutingstar 1 #31 January 11, 2005 QuoteIs Mirage doing anything to remind riggers to avoid the errors they mention that contributed? Yes, there will be a Mirage packing seminar at the PIA conference this weekend. They also have a very clear owner's manual with closing tips as well as rigger specific articles on their new web site. MikeChutingStar.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DancingFlame 0 #32 January 11, 2005 QuoteWhat promped this change? Was there an incident or just rigs needing repair or what? I believe this change was caused by a strange accident in Russia (Summer 2004, Malevsky Cup). One of the teams (Russian Evolution Pro) went low, dumped low, cypres worked but they did not have two-out. There were a lot of speculations about that accident. All those guys had rigs done by Mirage. I remember very similiar problem with russian rig 'Element' (manufactured by ParaAvis). About a year ago ParaAvis posted bulleten requiring same changes... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #33 January 11, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteAny way to tell or should I just call the rigger? Call your dealer or Mirage and have them check the serial number. Documentation of each Mirage (serial number) modified is not being kept by the factory (according to recent conversations with the company). The only way to know for sure is a visual inspection (packed or unpacked). There is no request or requirement in the bulletin for master riggers to send a record of rigs modified to Mirage. Mike True. True. But a look at the serial number will indicate DOM for those of you with new rigs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #34 January 11, 2005 what's the cost for the mod? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #35 January 11, 2005 QuoteIs the Mirage unusual in the old placement of the cutter? Is there something unusual about the Mirage's loop routing? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> No, there is nothing unusual about the Mirage, as its old Cyres installation resembles that in Vectors, etc. The cutter is sewn to the underside of a kicker plate, so that it lays immediately below the pilotchute. The problem - as stated in Airtec's most-recent press release - is that as rigs get tighter, tolerances get tighter. A lot of things that used to be standard practice no longer work on tight rigs. For example, MA-1 pilot chutes, with wimpy - maybe 16 pound - springs used to work great in Wonderhogs. But now as reserve containers get tighter and tighter, with more stiffeners and tuck tabs, etc. 16 pounds is no longer strong enough to push all those stiffeners, etc. out of the way. Now the better manufacturers use springs with 30 or even 40 pounds of force. The other issue is that as rigs get tighter and tighter - because customers insist on buying the smallest possible container, but not the smallest reserve - they require more and more skill to close. Not all riggers can update their skills fast enough to match increasingly tighter containers, so they cheat by installing slightly longer closing loops. The longer the closing loop, the more uncut loop that has to be pushed out of the way after the Cypres cutter fires. The latest service bulletin reduces the amount of uncut Cypres loop by 2 grommets worth. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites chutingstar 1 #36 January 11, 2005 QuoteThe latest service bulletin reduces the amount of uncut Cypres loop by 2 grommets worth. It also reduces varying lengths from under-compressed pilot chutes. MikeChutingStar.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites larsrulz 0 #37 January 11, 2005 QuoteNo, there is nothing unusual about the Mirage, as its old Cyres installation resembles that in Vectors, etc. I thought the vector put the cutter under flap one like this SB is dictating, at least the V3s. None the less, do you (riggers in general) believe this will become necessary for wings and icons also? I got a strong urge to fly, but I got no where to fly to. -PF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AndyMan 7 #38 January 11, 2005 Is there a risk that the new location of the cutter not having protection from the backpad, will be more susceptible to damage from external forces? Thoughts? _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites larsrulz 0 #39 January 11, 2005 QuoteIs there a risk that the new location of the cutter not having protection from the backpad, will be more susceptible to damage from external forces? Thoughts? As a non-rigger, I was thinking the same sort of thing as now the cutter and reserve PC are metal-on-metal with only a layer of material (top of the PC) in between. I got a strong urge to fly, but I got no where to fly to. -PF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites hookitt 1 #40 January 11, 2005 Nope. The cutter is fine in that or any other location. It's a whole lot stronger than the materials around it. It can cut through a reserve ripcord cable so there's no need to worry about how tough it is.My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slotperfect 7 #41 January 11, 2005 Thanks, Mike - you da man! I stuck it to the top and PM'd HH to see if he''l link to it from the Home Page.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites firstime 0 #42 January 12, 2005 When do the riggers get written notification. My rigger has not rec'd anything to date, and I am do for a repack 2/25. I remember Javelin having the same problem or similar. Is this recomended or a recall that should be addressed asap??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slotperfect 7 #43 January 12, 2005 QuoteThe location of the AAD cutter assembly must be changed from below the #1 flap (below the reserve PC) to below the #3 flap (above the reserve PC). QuoteAFFECTED SYSTEMS: All Mirage and RTS containers manufactured prior to December 2004 equipped with Cypres or other loop-cutting AADs. See Modification Procedure for instructions on identifying previously modified and/ or compliant systems. QuoteAffected containers must be modified no later than the next repack, or 120 days from the last repack, whichever is earlier. Affected containers showing signs of loose rigging, such as being able to “tip” the reserve pilot chute from side to side, are more likely to experience activation problems, and should be addressed accordingly. Bold emphasis mine.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites firstime 0 #44 January 12, 2005 Thanks for your speedy reply. I guess that knocked the hell out of that conversation!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Hooknswoop 19 #45 January 12, 2005 Quote When do the riggers get written notification. I received a copy of the Capewell SB from the FAA about 6 months after it came out. If a rigger waits to receive something, they'll be waiting a long time. Tell your rigger to go to Mirage's web page, or www.dropzone.com, or the PIA rigger's forum and download and print a copy. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bbarnhouse 0 #46 January 12, 2005 If you send the container directly to Mirage they will do the work for you at no charge. You will have to pay shipping of course. I spoke with the folks at Mirage yesterday, and was told that the system retro has to be done at the factory. The bulletin stated otherwise. I will call again today for clarification and let you know.B2 Okay I've spoken with Justin at Mirage and he will make a post to answer all the questions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bodypilot90 0 #47 January 12, 2005 ok thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freakyrat 1 #48 January 13, 2005 Set your Privacy Level in the Tools Menu to Low just for this download. Also it sometimes makes it easier if you have Adobe Acrobat Open first. That worked for me. After I was finished I went back into the Privacy tab and set it back to Medium. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites riddler 0 #49 January 14, 2005 QuoteOver the past month I was charging $10 for the mod. Make a template. Cut. Cut. Sew. Hot-glue. Sew again. Rethread. Mirage says this takes 15-20 minutes. About how long is this taking the Master Riggers to do? Seems like it would take me longer. Of course, everything about rigging seems to take me longer Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #50 January 14, 2005 I sent an email to Mirage and they stated they will do the work for free. Or you also have the option of sending them the container, AAD, Reserve and they will do the mod, repack you and return ship it to you for $60. Depending on which master rigger you take it to, or ship it to this might be the best option.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 4 Next Page 2 of 4 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
chutingstar 1 #36 January 11, 2005 QuoteThe latest service bulletin reduces the amount of uncut Cypres loop by 2 grommets worth. It also reduces varying lengths from under-compressed pilot chutes. MikeChutingStar.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
larsrulz 0 #37 January 11, 2005 QuoteNo, there is nothing unusual about the Mirage, as its old Cyres installation resembles that in Vectors, etc. I thought the vector put the cutter under flap one like this SB is dictating, at least the V3s. None the less, do you (riggers in general) believe this will become necessary for wings and icons also? I got a strong urge to fly, but I got no where to fly to. -PF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #38 January 11, 2005 Is there a risk that the new location of the cutter not having protection from the backpad, will be more susceptible to damage from external forces? Thoughts? _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
larsrulz 0 #39 January 11, 2005 QuoteIs there a risk that the new location of the cutter not having protection from the backpad, will be more susceptible to damage from external forces? Thoughts? As a non-rigger, I was thinking the same sort of thing as now the cutter and reserve PC are metal-on-metal with only a layer of material (top of the PC) in between. I got a strong urge to fly, but I got no where to fly to. -PF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 1 #40 January 11, 2005 Nope. The cutter is fine in that or any other location. It's a whole lot stronger than the materials around it. It can cut through a reserve ripcord cable so there's no need to worry about how tough it is.My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #41 January 11, 2005 Thanks, Mike - you da man! I stuck it to the top and PM'd HH to see if he''l link to it from the Home Page.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstime 0 #42 January 12, 2005 When do the riggers get written notification. My rigger has not rec'd anything to date, and I am do for a repack 2/25. I remember Javelin having the same problem or similar. Is this recomended or a recall that should be addressed asap??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #43 January 12, 2005 QuoteThe location of the AAD cutter assembly must be changed from below the #1 flap (below the reserve PC) to below the #3 flap (above the reserve PC). QuoteAFFECTED SYSTEMS: All Mirage and RTS containers manufactured prior to December 2004 equipped with Cypres or other loop-cutting AADs. See Modification Procedure for instructions on identifying previously modified and/ or compliant systems. QuoteAffected containers must be modified no later than the next repack, or 120 days from the last repack, whichever is earlier. Affected containers showing signs of loose rigging, such as being able to “tip” the reserve pilot chute from side to side, are more likely to experience activation problems, and should be addressed accordingly. Bold emphasis mine.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstime 0 #44 January 12, 2005 Thanks for your speedy reply. I guess that knocked the hell out of that conversation!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #45 January 12, 2005 Quote When do the riggers get written notification. I received a copy of the Capewell SB from the FAA about 6 months after it came out. If a rigger waits to receive something, they'll be waiting a long time. Tell your rigger to go to Mirage's web page, or www.dropzone.com, or the PIA rigger's forum and download and print a copy. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #46 January 12, 2005 If you send the container directly to Mirage they will do the work for you at no charge. You will have to pay shipping of course. I spoke with the folks at Mirage yesterday, and was told that the system retro has to be done at the factory. The bulletin stated otherwise. I will call again today for clarification and let you know.B2 Okay I've spoken with Justin at Mirage and he will make a post to answer all the questions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freakyrat 1 #48 January 13, 2005 Set your Privacy Level in the Tools Menu to Low just for this download. Also it sometimes makes it easier if you have Adobe Acrobat Open first. That worked for me. After I was finished I went back into the Privacy tab and set it back to Medium. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddler 0 #49 January 14, 2005 QuoteOver the past month I was charging $10 for the mod. Make a template. Cut. Cut. Sew. Hot-glue. Sew again. Rethread. Mirage says this takes 15-20 minutes. About how long is this taking the Master Riggers to do? Seems like it would take me longer. Of course, everything about rigging seems to take me longer Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #50 January 14, 2005 I sent an email to Mirage and they stated they will do the work for free. Or you also have the option of sending them the container, AAD, Reserve and they will do the mod, repack you and return ship it to you for $60. Depending on which master rigger you take it to, or ship it to this might be the best option.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
