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 (14937)
Print
 

 

 
Photo by David Cherry

At the USPA National Championships of 4-Way Formation Skydiving at Skydive Arizona in Eloy, Ranch TNT competes in the open class and earns selection to the U.S. Parachute Team for the female 4-way division at the world championships.

Squirrel

 

AXIS

Friday, June 23, 2017

Monday, June 5, 2017

Defining an Era
Features | Jun 01, 2017

Defining an Era

Squirrel

Deadly Serious
Features | Jun 01, 2017

Deadly Serious

Thursday, June 1, 2017

The Rating Corner | Jun 01, 2017

Providing Your Students the Best

A Long Night in a Swamp
Tales from the Bonfire | Jun 01, 2017

A Long Night in a Swamp

Skydive Store

John Bull | D-6450
Profiles | Jun 01, 2017

John Bull | D-6450

Minimum Age to Skydive
Gearing Up | Jun 01, 2017

Minimum Age to Skydive

15 Minutes of Fame
Tales from the Bonfire | May 01, 2017

15 Minutes of Fame

USPA SIS

First154155156157159161162163Last