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 (14520)
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.

Skydive Store

 

Skydive Store

Return To the Sky
Five Minute Call | Oct 01, 2018

Return To the Sky

Skydive Store

B.J. Worth | D-3805
Profiles | Oct 01, 2018

B.J. Worth | D-3805

A Great Idea
Tales from the Bonfire | Oct 01, 2018

A Great Idea

Monday, October 1, 2018

Letters | Oct 01, 2018

Letters

Monday, October 1, 2018

Letters | Oct 01, 2018

Letters

Skydive Store

"Sunset Load"
Featured Art | Oct 01, 2018

"Sunset Load"

Think About Your Vote
Gearing Up | Oct 01, 2018

Think About Your Vote

Skydiving Nationals a Wrap
Industry News | Sep 19, 2018

Skydiving Nationals a Wrap

Skydive Store

First126127128129131133134135Last