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 (7856)
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 Ioannis Vlachiotis

During Euroinvasion 2024 at USPA International Affiliate Swakopmund Skydiving Club in Namibia, Jeroen Nollet and David Grauwels, members of renowned 4-way formation skydiving team Hayabusa, fly over the moon-like landscape where “Mad Max: Fury Road” was filmed.

Squirrel

 

USPA SIS

Dusty Hanks | D-18969
Profiles | Feb 02, 2018

Dusty Hanks | D-18969

February 2018
Covers | Feb 01, 2018

February 2018

January 2018

January 2018

2-Way Phalanx Exit
Foundations of Flight | Jan 09, 2018

2-Way Phalanx Exit

AXIS

Misrouted Reserve Pin
Keep An Eye Out | Jan 02, 2018

Misrouted Reserve Pin

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Safety Check | Jan 02, 2018

Observer/Expectation Bias

Squirrel

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

The Rating Corner | Jan 02, 2018

Decision Making

Craig O’Brien | D-19294
Profiles | Jan 02, 2018

Craig O’Brien | D-19294

Finding the FLOW
Features | Jan 01, 2018

Finding the FLOW

USPA SIS

First140141142143145147148149Last