Keep an Eye Out | Exposed Velcro

Published on Friday, July 29, 2022

Keep an Eye Out | Exposed Velcro

Flap stiffeners and magnets have replaced hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro) on most components on modern skydiving containers but have not eliminated it altogether. Most manufacturers still incorporate Velcro as part of restraining the reserve-static-line (RSL) lanyard. When the rough side (the hook side) and the soft side (the loop side) aren't mated correctly, both parts are exposed on opposite sides.

During the gear-check instructional phase of a recent AFF Instructor Rating Course, an examiner found the loop side of the Velcro exposed near the RSL attachment shackle (photo 1). This telltale sign indicated that the hook side was also exposed, and further inspection revealed that not only was it exposed, it had caused noticeable damage to the reserve riser (photo 2). Fortunately, the problem was caught early and the riser did not need replacement, but if the Velcro had stayed unmatched, it may have abraded the riser to the point where replacement was a necessity.

Comments (0)Number of views (8011)
Print

Leave a comment

This form collects your name, email, IP address and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. For more info check our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use where you will get more info on where, how and why we store your data.
Add comment
 

 

 
Photo by Alex Swindle

Tara Niles-Carmichael (left) puts a piece on a Mrs. Potato Head that Courtney Wilson holds during A Skydive with Dragons, a Sisters in Skydiving boogie at Skydive Arizona in Eloy.

Skydive Store

 

Fyrosity

Jim McCormick | D-12379
Profiles | May 01, 2019

Jim McCormick | D-12379

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Letters | May 01, 2019

Letters

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Letters | May 01, 2019

Letters

Stolen Gear

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Letters | May 01, 2019

Letters

“100 Years of Freefall”
Featured Art | May 01, 2019

“100 Years of Freefall”

Part 16
Gearing Up | May 01, 2019

Part 16

Squirrel

Donors
Donors | May 01, 2019

Donors

Stolen Gear

First9899100101103105106107Last