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 (7284)
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
 
USPA Seeks Web Designer-Copywriter
Jan 10, 2025

USPA Seeks Web Designer-Copywriter

Photo by Ray Cottingham | D-1653
Dec 17, 2024

Photo by Ray Cottingham | D-1653

 

 
Photo by Javier Ortiz

Three trails flock across the sky during the Momentum Flock and Flow camp at Skydive Paraclete XP in Raeford, North Carolina.

Innhopps

 

Fyrosity

99 Problems, But The Wind Ain’t One
Features | Jan 01, 2018

99 Problems, But The Wind Ain’t One

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Logan Donovan | D-31751
Profiles | Dec 01, 2017

Logan Donovan | D-31751

Fyrosity

Seatbelt Usage
Safety Check | Dec 01, 2017

Seatbelt Usage

Friday, December 1, 2017

The Rating Corner | Dec 01, 2017

Gaining Experience

Practical Tips for Cloud Clearance
Features | Dec 01, 2017

Practical Tips for Cloud Clearance

Skydive Store

Clint Vincent Retires (again)
Gearing Up | Dec 01, 2017

Clint Vincent Retires (again)

Container Lock
Keep An Eye Out | Nov 03, 2017

Container Lock

Winter Is Coming
Features | Nov 01, 2017

Winter Is Coming

Innhopps

First140141142143145147148149Last