livendive 8 #1 December 5, 2006 QuoteSafety & Training Newsletter A Bulletin for the training community Vol. 6, Issue 6 December 5, 2006 Strong Enterprises Releases Harness Modification Following the May 27, 2006 accident involving a tandem student who fell out of her harness, the U.S. Parachute Association and the Parachute Industry Association immediately urged all instructors to review the factory instructions for fitting the harness to the student. The two associations also requested that the manufacturers research harness design modifications in order to close the gap above and below the horizontal back strap in case the harness is not adjusted correctly. Ted Strong, owner of Strong Enterprises, immediately began testing several different ideas before settling on the final design. The modified harnesses have been field-tested by several tandem examiners with positive results. The manufacturer now equips each tandem student harness with the "upside-down Y-modification" as standard equipment. As of November 1, all new harnesses sold are equipped with the modification automatically, and any harnesses received at the factory for repair will have the modification installed before they are returned to the owner. In addition, Strong will modify an existing harness for a $120 fee. Contact the manufacturer at 407-859-9317 or tandem@strongparachutes.com before sending a harness for modification. A retrofit kit should be available soon, which will allow any master parachute rigger with a harness-capable sewing machine to add the modification to an existing harness. Waiver Renewals Many drop zones have a waiver on file at USPA for student wind limits, water gear or use of non-rated jumpers to serve as coaches. These waivers expire each year on December 31 and must be renewed annually in order to remain valid. The waiver request form is available as a download at http://www.uspa.org/safety/waivers.htm. The S&TA requesting the waiver should complete the form and send it to USPA Headquarters, where it will remain on file. The form can be mailed to USPA Headquarters, faxed to 540-604-9741 or sent via e-mail to safety@uspa.org. The S&TA will receive a confirmation letter, which lists the waivered items, on USPA letterhead for the drop zone's records. Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
