scottcave 0 #1 February 3, 2015 I've been a Sr. Rigger for just over a year now. In that time, I've had a couple clients ask me to make modifications to make their old gear (Talon 1 and Vector 2) more free fly friendly. In both cases, I consulted with the manufacturers who said there are no approved modifications to make the gear more free fly friendly and that the jumper should get gear that was engineered with those purposes in mind. Still being a little wet behind the ears, I'm sticking with what the manufacturers are saying and declining to make the requested mods. I've passed that information on to my clients and suggested they talk to a master rigger if they want to get more information. I'm wondering what you experienced master riggers would tell them if they were to contact you. In both cases, it was an issue with the reserve flap coming open while sit flying. In one case the reserve pin popped at the same time the main was deployed resulting in a 2-out. He landed the biplane off field without injury. I have no idea if the 2-out was actually caused by the loose reserve flap, but I'm sure it didn't help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skytribe 17 #2 February 3, 2015 I don't think I've seen any modifications over the years aimed at the reserve container except for CRW flaps/bumpers. The freefly mods I've seen on older containers tended to be aimed at keeping main flap closed. ie Walrus teeth. and addition of a flap to cover any exposed bridle. The Velcro used on these containers should also be inspected to ensure its not worn out to keep riser covers closed. The manufacturers are really correct when they state they should get gear that is engineered for the purpose. This would be the safest gear if they intend to freefly. As to the reserve flap opening in freefall - it does happen but often is the result of a pin check and incorrectly setting the flap. I wouldn't have thought this was the cause but as you stated it probably didn't help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #3 February 3, 2015 Well, technically, modifications are beyond the privileges of a Senior Rigger. So "I can't do that sort of thing" is a perfectly reasonable answer. You might ask these guys what specific mods they want you to do. I'm going to guess they don't know. It's sort of like on the car boards, where someone gets a "killer deal" on a car, but it's an auto trans. They ask about the best way to convert it to a manual. The best answer is "sell it and buy one that's a manual.""There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #4 February 3, 2015 Back in the 1990s, I sewed BOCs onto a hundred or more rigs. Replacing tired Velcro is also a high priority. I have sewn bridle covers onto dozens of different rigs: Infinities, Javelins, Sidewinders, Vectors, etc. I have added magnets to the main pin covers on variety of rigs too. Scott, if you want to see some of my work, come visit me in Port Moody. I will allow you to drool over my double-needle binder and harness machine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
