1st Reserve Repack

[Lucky123 0]

Could not wait for my first repack so I could pull my reserve handle and make sure everything was working properly - everything worked just fine.

Is this something I should do at every reserve repack?

[dragon2 2]

Ask your rigger. Some prefer you to pull your handles, usually in front of them, but some like to measure the force required.

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[Blink 1]

I wouldn't worry about it, it's your reserve, you can pull it whenever you want, their job is to pack it.

They can test the pull force when they're done.

[ZigZagMarquis 9]

Um... you mean that you "couldn't wait until your reserve repack was due, it came due, so you could pull the handles"... and you did... and now you feel much better... Sure, I'd recommend doing that every reserve repack, why not, but put the rig on and cinch everything down like you're really about to jump and go through the drill seriously like, or better yet, do it in a hanging harness, but with your rig hooked to some substitute risers and really cutaway and launch the reserve, why not, it ain't a bad thing.

.... OR... "you couldn't wait until your reserve was due", so you pulled the handles now? Wouldn't see much sense in doing that every time.



Anyway, as a rigger, if someone wants to pull their handles on their rig before they give their rig over to me for a repack, why not. If they don't and they want to just hand me their rig and let me do it to keep things more tidy until I get their rig home / go to repack it, that's okay too... except that, I worry less about this with folks that have been around awhile, have had a few reserve rides vs. a newb who hasn't yet had a reserve ride and maybe hasn't been in a hanging harness since FJC... them, I'll suggest they put thier rig on and pull the handles.

[councilman24 37]

I encourage my customers to pull their reserve. But I want them to do it in front of me for a few reasons.


1. I want to see the function. Something I observed on the first inspection and repack of a rig ended up in the total recall of all Quasar II rigs with flingers. (I want the main in it for the same reason. At least some of the cycles. I don't ask people to pack it if it's open. But don't open the main if it isn't.) Just because the ripcord pulled and the pilot chute launched DOESN'T mean it would have worked.. Lots more beyond that.

2. I know how the rig was handled after the reserve was open. The stuff is rugged but it can be easily damaged when the rig is open. The spring can get bent, the bridle, bag or canopy can get snagged, stuff can get spilled on it, you cat could pee on it, etc.

3. I want to look at the rig before it's opened to see if the loop is the right length. The pack job loosens up some over time after it's packed. I can tell if the loop is too long (or too short) more easily at the end of the cycle. BTW loops are often/usually replaced at each repack so it's not like it never changes.

4. I want to observe the rig to see if the distribution of canopy material is appropriate. And then take the reserve out carefully to see how it was distributed. Whether I did it last or not.

5. If my seal is still on it I know there are fewer things that could be wrong.

6. I want to observe the technique of my customers. Some are pilots, others are jumpers. But as an instructor also I can offer critques on technique or offer training to those that need it.

7. It's easier for me to transport and store if it's closed before I'm ready to work on it.

And probably a lot more I haven't written.

If your dropping off at a DZ and not directly with the rigger I'd suggest leaving it closed. It's a lot safer closed than hanging open around the DZ.

Also, it's time to watch it get inspected and repacked. IF your rigger doesn't want you watch, find a new rigger. You don't need to watch every time. Just once some time. One, you will learn alot about your rig AND your RIGGER. I do tell people that they will get a BETTER pack job if they don't watch because I won't be distracted. One customer (and new girl friend) promptly replied, 'I'll just watch you pack someone elses!' And some customers I've wanted to charge extra to watch because they were such a pain in the butt hanging around.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[ZigZagMarquis 9]

Quote

5. If my seal is still on it I know there are fewer things that could be wrong.

5a. If my seal is still on it, but the most recent signature on the packing data card isn't mine, I can "talk it over" with the owner.

[councilman24 37]

Yep, last occurance was my seal on two rigs supposedly packed at oshkosh. Owned by a museum. NOT the signature of the rigger whose seal code was on the card. Either absent pilot or owner did it. The owner didn't own up.

But now they know they can't get away with it if they really want me to pack them.

One reason to open it if you don't trust/know your rigger.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[rushmc 23]

Quote

I wouldn't worry about it, it's your reserve, you can pull it whenever you want, their job is to pack it.

They can test the pull force when they're done.

I am sorry to nit pick but, a repack is a necessary evil of what the rigger is required to do.


To explain, the rigger is required to "inspect" and to "certify the rig is airworthy". Because of the inspection a "repack" is required.

No disrespect meant

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[rushmc 23]

Also, it's time to watch it get inspected and repacked. IF your rigger doesn't want you watch, find a new rigger. You don't need to watch every time. Just once some time. One, you will learn alot about your rig AND your RIGGER. I do tell people that they will get a BETTER pack job if they don't watch because I won't be distracted. One customer (and new girl friend) promptly replied, 'I'll just watch you pack someone elses!' And some customers I've wanted to charge extra to watch because they were such a pain in the butt hanging around.

Yes Very well stated! (for the bolded type)

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[riggerrob 643]

I quit arguing about "pencil packing" years ago.

Now manifest just charges them for every time my name appears on their reserve packing data card!
Tee!
Hee!

[upndownshop 0]

Quote

I quit arguing about "pencil packing" years ago.

Now manifest just charges them for every time my name appears on their reserve packing data card!
Tee!
Hee!

Played a joke on my rigger once, walk around with a stack of signed blank data cards....."Repacks for sale $30.00, rigger Jons signature on them!!"" He was packing a main at the time. He got a kick out of it... Thought I would have sold a few...not a one though

[fcajump 164]

Quote

I encourage my customers to pull their reserve. But I want them to do it in front of me for a few reasons.


1.

I usually don't like "me too" posts, but here is another rigger that votes for "pull it" - yes, but in front of and in consultation with the rigger. It helps both of you.

JW

Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...