doug.mcilwraith

Fair one. Don't be too harsh on the guy who's trying to help you out though. Depends on the dropzone/person. At my home DZ I've definitely gear checked (inc reserve pins, AAD) those just off student status even if they have not asked. I caught one of a my FS students with an AAD not switched on once. He'd swore blind he'd turned it on. Turned out that he had - shortly before swapping the kit he had hired. Thats why BPA regs state that A license holders must have a visible AAD check. With our hire/student kit this incorporates a reserve pin check also due to AAD placement. As a student, or just off student status, don't be shy to talk to your JM, espcially at new DZ's. Let him/her know what you are up to and your skill level. As you start to progress you'll get to figure out who you want touching your kit and who you don't. Bottom line is, once off student status, *your* kit its ultimately *your* responsibility.

Not quite the same is it? Main flaps are designed to open frequently. I've seen lots of containers with bent reserve flaps (specifically on Wings containers). This is usually cause by people yanking the flap open/closed on run in without removing the tuck tabs. One rig specifically comes to mind that had the continual problem of the reserve flap opening and flapping around during freefall eek. Subsequently fixed, but not good at all. The bottom line is that you "ask" somebody if they want a pin check. They reserve the right to say no. Personally I check my reserve in the morning and perform pre-exit checks with my finger. After carefully weighing the pros and cons of this "system" its the one I adopt. Don't assume I want your mitts on my gear. Until its legislated through the appropriate governing body (USPA/BPA) Don't assume its your right to check reserve pins. Interestingly, the BPA require pre exit checks (including reserve pin) for students only. Sensible. Note that this is not a requirement for licensed skydivers - although advised. The assumption being that the skydiver in question is responsible enough to have performed this on the ground.