Inherited parachute...requesting advice for possible sale

[capehornestates 0]

Greetings from Colfax, CA! I have inherited what appears to be the complete gear of a relative. I have several questions related to the proper advertisement and future sale of this equipment. It is my desire to keep the relatives name private, although his name is stitched on the case. I want to be compliant to any laws pertaining to the listing of articles that fall under FAA etc. regulations. What I know this far is the following: There are two canopies-the main is a VECTOR and the reserve is SWIFT. The canopy has USA and the outside kit is stitched United States National Skydiving Team 1989 and WILLIE. There is a patch on the outside kit which reads US Parachute Team and additional stitching on the straps reading USA Team. Although it is not mentioned, he served as a team member of the Golden Knights. This was a difficult decision for our family, as we have great respect for his service, but we all have selected the memorabilia that holds dear to us, and feel this parachute will mean more to someone who either served with him or has a passion for the sport. I am a hospice and EMS nurse and know nothing about the sport. This was the only means to put the info out to others who may provide advice. Thank you.

[AggieDave 6]

What a neat "find."

Although the rig seemingly has some historical value, its dated enough that the gear is fairly outdated. Its old enough, mid-early 1980s vintage, that some riggers won't repack it or will for only a couple of more years.

Have you considered contacting the USPA to see if they would want it for the new national skydiving museum?

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[capehornestates 0]

I believe it actually is already "packed". There was inspection paperwork inside the pocket of the case reading numerous checkpoints, including: Work order, Packing Data Card, Harness, Connector Links, AAD, Pilot Chute & Bridle, etc. There is also a section with OUT & IN and numbers hand written after them. I'm afraid to see what happens if I pull the cord, so I've opted to leave it alone.

[174fps 1]

The packing Aggiedave was referring to is the FAA requirement that
the reserve canopy be packed and inspected within 120 days by a certified FAA rigger of someone jumping the rig.( the main also has to be packed within 120 days but that can be done by the person who will jump it)
Your best course of action would be to contact a DZ near you and have a Rigger inspect the rig, they can tell you if it is still airworthy, and give an estimate of the value of the rig.
The history of the rig might give it more value to some people.

[capehornestates 0]

I'm trying my best to keep up on terminology, so forgive me if I misunderstand. The parachute was given to me via large trash bag. I've had it a few years. We took it to a place in Lodi, Ca. and they stretched the canopy out, inspected etc. This is also the form that was found in the inside pouch of the case. They packed the main and the reserve. One thing I neglected to do while it was open was take a picture and now that it's packed, the colors, logo etc. are hidden. I did find a similar photo in the achives of the Golden Knights/Army website, but the photo has a copyright. I mostly wanted to know if there were laws pertaining to selling this equipment. I've noticed on some auction sites they have serial numbers etc. and I wasn't sure if this info was registered. Integrity is important to me and I want to do this right the first time. Thanks for the help and suggestions.

[JeepDiver 0]

Quote

Have you considered contacting the USPA to see if they would want it for the new national skydiving museum?

The best advice.

[LouDiamond 1]

You may also want to contact the Golden Knights and inquire if they are interested in the equipment as they ahve an extensive historical display as well.

You can call Operations at 910-396-1539 tell them who your relative is and explain your situation.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[MakeItHappen 15]

Quote

Greetings from Colfax, CA! I have inherited what appears to be the complete gear of a relative. I have several questions related to the proper advertisement and future sale of this equipment. It is my desire to keep the relatives name private, although his name is stitched on the case. I want to be compliant to any laws pertaining to the listing of articles that fall under FAA etc. regulations. What I know this far is the following: There are two canopies-the main is a VECTOR and the reserve is SWIFT. The canopy has USA and the outside kit is stitched United States National Skydiving Team 1989 and WILLIE. There is a patch on the outside kit which reads US Parachute Team and additional stitching on the straps reading USA Team. Although it is not mentioned, he served as a team member of the Golden Knights. This was a difficult decision for our family, as we have great respect for his service, but we all have selected the memorabilia that holds dear to us, and feel this parachute will mean more to someone who either served with him or has a passion for the sport. I am a hospice and EMS nurse and know nothing about the sport. This was the only means to put the info out to others who may provide advice. Thank you.

The rig probably belonged to Willie Lee at one time.
Try contacting Tim Wagner at wazt2_AT_yahoo.com and get Chris Wagner's contact info.
Chris was on the team with Willie and can help you out in identifying it.

Or run down to Perris Valley or Elsinore to get a rigger to tell you what it is. Should be less than an hour away from you.

Resale is probably not going to be much. You might see if Square1 can sell it for you.
There are some other countries that still use gear that old, but in the US, it'll be hard to find a buyer.

Logo type patches on the gear bag might be worth something in another 20 years.

.

.
Make It Happen
Parachute History
DiveMaker

[sraja 0]

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I mostly wanted to know if there were laws pertaining to selling this equipment.

Just like selling anything else - no special laws about selling parachutes. Though like everyone else here has recommended - if you do not know the right value of the item, do take the help of a FAA certified rigger to ascertain the same.

[peckerhead 0]

The best advice given here is to have someone knowledgable look at it In Person. I sent you a private message with contact information for someone on the west coast that can give you an accurate assessment. Click on "messages" above to read the message.

[capehornestates 0]

Thank you for this helpful info. I will contact Mr. Wagner immediately.

I live in Colfax, Ca. and am 15 minutes away from Auburn Airport. There has to be someone close to that location or maybe in Lincoln, Ca. I am searching on this site for a rigger...but I still don't know what that is. (I'm in the medical field). Would love to find a site that had pictures and arrows that helped point and I.D. each portion of the equipment. Still trying to figure out what a DOM is...

Thanks again!

[jceman 1]

Quote

Thank you for this helpful info. I will contact Mr. Wagner immediately.

I live in Colfax, Ca. and am 15 minutes away from Auburn Airport. There has to be someone close to that location or maybe in Lincoln, Ca. I am searching on this site for a rigger...but I still don't know what that is. (I'm in the medical field). Would love to find a site that had pictures and arrows that helped point and I.D. each portion of the equipment. Still trying to figure out what a DOM is...

Thanks again!

I think the idea of contacting Tim Wagner is spot on.

DOM stands for Date Of Manufacture, by the way.

Faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money.

Why do they call it "Tourist Season" if we can't shoot them?

[bch7773 0]

the reason people list serial numbers when they sell them is to prevent stolen gear from being sold. There is no laws stopping you from selling this gear.

if you are trying to sell this gear, i'd seriously doubt you would get more then like $100 for it. Its almost 20 years old at the possible youngest (DOM in 1989). and it could be older then that.

I think thats why some people are suggesting donating it to a skydiving museum... because it MIGHT be a tax write off if the museum is non-profit. I'm not sure on that though.

MB 3528, RB 1182