Bridle mis-routing/pin checks

[strop45 0]

Ok, so a couple of questions:

1) how do you mis-route your bridle so that it causes a container lock?
2) how do you check for this when you are doing a pin check?

There has been considerable discussion over these questions in the incidents forum, however there isn't any clear consensus. At least poster replied to question 1) with the way I close my rig every jump. Its worked for the last 400 or so jumps, so I guess I must have luck on my side?

Frankly I can't see any easy way you can achieve a container lock without making it extremely obvious(e.g. taking bridle back under flap then over flap to bottom of container.)

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." -- Albert Einstein

[NovaTTT 2]

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Ok, so a couple of questions:

1) how do you mis-route your bridle so that it causes a container lock?

See Here

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2) how do you check for this when you are doing a pin check?

The first check is done while packing - pay attention and make sure you're routing the bridle correctly. If it doesn't look right or you think you've made a mistake, start over.

The second is while stowing the PC, making sure you're properly securing the excess bridle.

Third, is when you do your prejump inspection. Pull the bridle out from under the flaps and make sure it goes directly to the, (1) PC, and (2) bag by leading directly under the flap on the right side.

When you're doing pin check, do the check of 3's (3 rings, 3 straps, 3 handles). When you're checking the PC handle, visually inspect the bridle. It's not necessary to pull it out. You will see if it goes from the pin to under the flaps and out at the corner.

"Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

[Remster 30]

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Ok, so a couple of questions:

1) how do you mis-route your bridle so that it causes a container lock?

See Here

There's other ways. You could, while rushing to pack, have the PC side of the bridle 9from the pin) go under a flap.

Remster

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[strop45 0]

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See Here

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Yip, saw that, don't understand it or see how it can be done. My pin is only about 15mm long. Not sure you you could insert it and leave less than 15mm of slack in the section of bridle from the pin to the D-bag. It seems to me that the section of bridle from the pin top to the PC is the most critical piece.

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." -- Albert Einstein

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[billvon 2,995]

>1) how do you mis-route your bridle so that it causes a container lock?

Here's one clever way:

1) Route the bridle so that it comes from beneath the bottom flap
2) Before closing, route it back under one of the two side flaps
3) Close the rig. The bridle now comes from under the bottom flap, goes across flaps 3 and 4, dives back beneath the flaps, goes under them again and exits beneath the flaps before going to the PC.

(Yes, I've seen this one.)

>2) how do you check for this when you are doing a pin check?

Pull out the bridle and make sure it goes from the pin to the PC, and has enough slack behind it to allow the pin to be pulled.

[Hellis 0]

heres a picture of one.
i looped the bridle around the last colsingflap making the bridle exit at the top.
when i pull the bridle (PC pulling) the pin does not move at all.

its unlikely that you would pack like that but if you would do a rushpack because you have to be on the next load, you might not notice when the bridle loops around the colsingflap.

i tried to upload it here but it was too big, tried to make it smaler but i didnt work.
so heres a link instead:
http://www.hellis.me/DSC00190.jpg


how to check for it?
i think the easiest way is if everyone at the DZ agree on one way of routing the bridle and pin, in that way you will easily see if someone else made a misstake, and they can easily look at your gear aswell.

[strop45 0]

Thank you for that. Your description and Hellis' picture show the scenario well.

One further question, if you are doing a pin check on a low time jumper (say 50 jumps) who packed their rig, do you normally pull the bridle out and trace it from the pin to the PC?

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." -- Albert Einstein

[Hellis 0]

another way is to rout the bridle back up and under the colsingflap as this picture shows.

http://www.hellis.me/DSC00191.JPG

this one could fool someone if its done in a nice way.
if you would hide all the excess bridle above the pin i thik it could fool someone doing a quick pincheck.
i left it out for the picture.

[Hellis 0]

i would say no, i would rather help them with the packing and show them what will happen if you do a misstake.

i think its better to show how to and how not to, rather than as you are about to board the plane say 'you fucked up!'

[JohnMitchell 16]

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heres a picture of one.

http://www.hellis.me/DSC00190.jpg


how to check for it?
i think the easiest way is if everyone at the DZ agreed on one way of routing the bridle and pin, in that way you will easily see if someone else made a mistake, and they can easily look at your gear as well.

Thanks for the excellent picture showing the rigging problem.
Different rigs can have different routings. I feel you shouldn't, and probably couldn't, get everyone to do it the exact same way. I think that modifying how one packs may be a better preventative.

While stowing the risers, putting the bag in the pack tray, closing the container, etc. I keep the pilot chute and bridle stretched out on the floor "above" the rig. When the 4 flaps are close, the bridle is coming straight up out of the right side flap. Pin the rig, remove your pull up cord. Grab the bridle and "snatch" the pilot chute to you. Watch to make sure it inflates, one last and very positive check that you cocked it properly. Then, stow the pin-to-pilot chute bridle properly for your rig and pack the pilot chute into the pouch. Leaving the pilot chute stretched away from the pack tray while closing can keep this kind of misrouting from happening.

I've often said that a little mechanical ability and an understanding of how the gear works goes a long way to making this sport safer. When in doubt, tug up on the steering line of your set brakes to make sure you set them correctly. Check directly that your pilot chute is cocked, instead of just reading some window. Examine your bridle routing before you pack your pilot chute. Is it correct or fouled under another flap? Build these small double checks into your packing routine, and you will increase your safety.

Bottom line, never get complacent at the bottom end of the skydive. Never forget the ground is coming up. If the first one isn't working, get scared and use your reserve. The ground doesn't wait for anyone.

[JohnMitchell 16]

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Thank you for that. Your description and Hellis' picture show the scenario well.

One further question, if you are doing a pin check on a low time jumper (say 50 jumps) who packed their rig, do you normally pull the bridle out and trace it from the pin to the PC?

Actually, that bridle misrouting in the picture should be caught by a standard gear check. It is a little on the subtle side, though. Now I have a new thing to test instructor candidates with.

[erdnarob 1]

You are asking me to show my tricks when I verify a solo certificate candidate equipment knowledge by doing on purpose mistakes on an equipment.

What I do is the following : I open the last side flap, put the bridle part (coming from the pilot chute pocket) under it from bottom to the top and close the flap again and lock it with the pin. When the pilot chute is out, the bridle is pulling on that side flap instead of going directly to the pin and pull it out.

How to detect it : From the pilot chute pocket, follow the bridle cord. It has to go directly to the pin. You can remove the bridle (when it has been tuck under the flap) in order to visually see that it will do its job ie. pulling the pin.

Know how a parachute deployment works in details. Get somebody explains it to you. Know the function.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.