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 (14461)
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.

AXIS

 

SDEgypt

Jen Domenico | D-22977
Profiles | Oct 02, 2017

Jen Domenico | D-22977

Monday, October 2, 2017

Stolen Gear

Monday, October 2, 2017

Safety Check | Oct 02, 2017

Aircraft Emergency

Sprint to a Record
Features | Oct 01, 2017

Sprint to a Record

Stolen Gear

Bag Lock Malfunction
Keep An Eye Out | Oct 01, 2017

Bag Lock Malfunction

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Monday, September 25, 2017

Squirrel

First150151152153155157158159Last