Reserve testing requirements

[gowlerk 2,246]

After reading a current thread where it was mentioned that a number of reserve canopy manufactures require tracking of pack jobs, deployments, and testing I decided to look and see if I could find more than PD having these sort of requirements.

After checking the Smart manual I found this gem:

3.1.12 POROSITY Check the porosity in the following cases:
- After 10 uses
- After immersion in water - when the canopy is dry
- After 20 repacks (Based on 6 month repack cycle)
- After any use in abnormal conditions.

I'm just wondering now. How does Aerodyne propose that riggers do this porosity check? Maybe by putting my lips on the material and trying to blow through it? What kind of cover your ass requirement is this without clearly indicating how to accomplish this "check"?

Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

[riggerrob 643]

Porosity testing machines are expensive and rare.

Canopy manufacturers - testing new fabric and a few test canopies after X number of years in service.

Military Parachute Maintenance Depots - where inventory includes thousands of chutes.

Strong Tandem Service Centers - the only Canadian STSC is in Alberta

[skytribe 17]

gowlerk

I'm just wondering now. How does Aerodyne propose that riggers do this porosity check? Maybe by putting my lips on the material and trying to blow through it? What kind of cover your ass requirement is this without clearly indicating how to accomplish this "check"?

To get the definitive answer as them directly. If its similar to the 40 repack PD requirement it would mean sending it back to them or approved service center for recertification.

They put this requirement in there manual so they obviously had a reason for doing this.

As none of my customers with smart reserves are anywhere near this limit it is a moot point for now but knowing the definitive answer would be good information.

[dan43 0]

Did you ever find further information re this test?

I have just emailed Aerodyne, as I have a customers Smart reserve now at it's 20th repack.

I'll post a reply once I hear back, but interested to know in the mean time if anyone has had confirmation of how to perform their test.

Being in Australia, it's a bit time prohibitive to send it back for Aerodyne to conduct the test, but, if necessary, that'll have to be done I guess.