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 (14528)
Print
 

 

 
Photo by David Cherry

At Skydive Arizona in Eloy, (clockwise from “driver”) Carlo Manuel, Dan Baker, Sam Laliberte and Joel Tremblay perform a car-drop stunt to promote Cleared Hot’s Vet Boogie.

SDEgypt

 

Skydive Store

Mike Bohn | D-28398
Profiles | Dec 01, 2018

Mike Bohn | D-28398

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Letters | Dec 01, 2018

Letters

November 1968 Editorial
Letters | Nov 13, 2018

November 1968 Editorial

USPA SIS

USPA Board Elections Conclude
Industry News | Nov 05, 2018

USPA Board Elections Conclude

One-Armed Canopy Flight
Foundations of Flight | Nov 01, 2018

One-Armed Canopy Flight

USPA SIS

Swooping San Diego
Features | Nov 01, 2018

Swooping San Diego

USPA SIS

First121122123124126128129130Last