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.

AXIS

 

Innhopps

Up is the New Down
Features | Feb 01, 2017

Up is the New Down

Jessie Farrington | D-6853
Profiles | Jan 01, 2017

Jessie Farrington | D-6853

Jason Russell | D-23161
Profiles | Dec 02, 2016

Jason Russell | D-23161

Innhopps

Cornelia Mihai | D-31070
Profiles | Nov 02, 2016

Cornelia Mihai | D-31070

November 2016
Covers | Nov 01, 2016

November 2016

Tom Sanders | D-6503
Profiles | Oct 02, 2016

Tom Sanders | D-6503

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Innhopps

Friday, August 26, 2016

Paul "Pop" Poppenhager | D-47
Industry News | Jun 01, 2016

Paul "Pop" Poppenhager | D-47

Friday, April 29, 2016

Safety & Training | Apr 29, 2016

Vigil Information Bulletin

Friday, April 29, 2016

Innhopps

First156157158159161163164165