how to pack a dolphin

[210_zoom 0]

How many riggers prefer to close the dolphin according to their manual vs the javelin method or vice versa.

I found closing the top (last flap) IAW the dolphin container kind of sloppy with the pilot chute.

Just was wondering.........

[skybeergodd 0]

I let the customer decide.....if they have no preference then I close it per the manual.

[riggerrob 643]

There are two approved methods for closing Dolphin reserves.
The manual says to put only the top flap over the pilot chute.
However, I also have a letter - signed by Mike Furry - saying that they tested both configurations, saw no difference in openings and now say that it is okay to close Dolphins the same way as Javelins (both bottom and top flaps over the pilot chute).
I have only closed Dolphins Javelin-style because I think it reduces the chance of accidentally snagging the pilot chute, and because I am too lazy to learn another method.

[likestojump 3]

I think the Javelin method looks alot nicer. I have packed both ways and also think that having both flaps over the PC leaves more room for the fabric under the bottom flap - and less bunched up fabric = good in my book.

[mark 107]

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I think the Javelin method looks alot nicer. I have packed both ways and also think that having both flaps over the PC leaves more room for the fabric under the bottom flap - and less bunched up fabric = good in my book.

Not a safety issue, but an attention to detail issue: the alternate instructions allow a change in closing order, but not a change in bridle routing or where you might put the pilot chute fabric. If you are putting pilot chute fabric under the bottom flap, you have altered the approved packing method.

Mark

[stratostar 5]

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I think it reduces the chance of accidentally snagging the pilot chute,

And it looks better too.

Mark, your right, but there is a lot of room placing it where the manual says to place it (if done right) so I see no reason to place under the bottom flap, but I guess some might by reading the note from Mike.

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[skydivingchad 0]

I actually heard a master rigger tell the owner of a Dolphin that his rig was unsafe to jump because of it being closed as per the containers instructions. He never once said that it is the way the directions state to close it.

He told the owner to call his rigger and have him reclose the reserve.
He also made it sound like the way it was closed was would cause a malfunction and that he had "special permission" to close it like a Javelin.

Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.
Pelt Head #3

[stratostar 5]

Well I wasn't there so I can't comment on that riggers statements. I have a number of saves with dolphins packed both ways. I also have had a client go to another dz in the area and have a person tell them I was fuck in the head and closed their rig wrong and they shouldn't use me as their rigger anymore, because the rig was closed with the bottom flap on top of the PC like a Javelin.

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[peregrinerose 0]

I was there and can comment on the master rigger's statements... Chad nailed it. Caused quite a stir in this area among more reputable riggers.

Below is an email I was forwarded when a different master rigger contacted Altico in regard to this situation....

It is perfectly acceptable to pack the DOLPHIN reserve container using the same closing sequence as the JAVELIN. During the testing of the DOLPHIN we packed the reserve containers with the top and bottom flaps over the pilot chute, and with only the top flap over the pilot chute; and there was no discernible difference in the deployment with either pack method.

I hope this information will be helpful; if any further information is needed, we will be happy to provide what we can.

Best Regards,
Mike Furry, President
ALTICO

Do or do not, there is no try -Yoda

[stratostar 5]

Some of us have had a copy of that statement for a number of years now.

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[peregrinerose 0]

I've packed 'em like a Javelin since I got my rigger's ticket because Dave said I could

Do or do not, there is no try -Yoda

[stratostar 5]

Would this be the same MR that packed Skinnys rig with the bent pin? Wait......let me place my bet!

(Edit to add not dearly departed skinny's rigger Mike G)

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo

[chutingstar 1]

I prefer closing Dolphins per the original closing sequence. I've found that with a 2" closing loop (pre-stretched), large ears for bulk up-top and the excess pilot chute material wedged between the upper side flaps and the top of the reserve pilot chute, that the rigs close nicely.

I wrote an article on closing the Dolphin in the February 2004 issue of Skydiving Magazine...and had most of that info on my Rigger Rant & Rave...but that part of my site is being redesigned right now...so I can't just link to the article. I'll try to get that back up soon, which may explain this better.

I've found that you can really nestle the Dolphin reserve pilot chute into the reserve pack job and it won't leave any snag points. When I do see issues with closed Dolphin reserve containers, it seems usually to be with the length of the closing loop, not enough bulk in the ears or the pilot chute material under the upper side flaps or freebag.

Mike

ChutingStar.com

[peregrinerose 0]

No comment

Do or do not, there is no try -Yoda

[stratostar 5]

That's what I thought........Good thing I placed my bet.

you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo