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.

Squirrel

 

Squirrel

The Aloha Spirit Thrives!
Homepage USPA | Aug 11, 2023

The Aloha Spirit Thrives!

Innhopps

Rising to the Challenge
Records | Aug 07, 2023

Rising to the Challenge

What’s Your Excuse?
Safety & Training | Aug 03, 2023

What’s Your Excuse?

Shauna Finley | D-34907
Profiles | Aug 01, 2023

Shauna Finley | D-34907

Innhopps

Women Set Virginia Head-Down Record During SIS Event
Records | Jul 24, 2023

Women Set Virginia Head-Down Record During SIS Event

Innhopps

First1112131416181920Last