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 (16056)
Print
 
Broad Stripes and Bright Stars
Feb 23, 2026

Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

USPA Winter Board Meeting Concludes
Feb 17, 2026

USPA Winter Board Meeting Concludes

Guardians of the Drop
Feb 16, 2026

Guardians of the Drop

 

 
Photo by Alex Swindle

Wingsuiter Ben Poling takes a dock with a smiling Colby Groves at the Who In The Ville Stole the Christmas Boogie at Skydive Arizona in Eloy.

Skydive Store

 

Squirrel

Monday, October 1, 2018

Letters | Oct 01, 2018

Letters

"Sunset Load"
Featured Art | Oct 01, 2018

"Sunset Load"

Think About Your Vote
Gearing Up | Oct 01, 2018

Think About Your Vote

Innhopps

Skydiving Nationals a Wrap
Industry News | Sep 19, 2018

Skydiving Nationals a Wrap

September 1968
Featured Photos | Sep 13, 2018

September 1968

One Silent Weekend
Homepage | Sep 11, 2018

One Silent Weekend

Innhopps

Total Commitment
Features | Sep 01, 2018

Total Commitment

Innhopps

First129130131132134136137138Last