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 (14966)
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

 

USPA SIS

Niklas Hemlin | D-22356
Profiles | Jun 01, 2023

Niklas Hemlin | D-22356

Joy Riders Break Florida Records
Industry News | May 29, 2023

Joy Riders Break Florida Records

Why Compete?
Homepage USPA | May 25, 2023

Why Compete?

Skydive Store

Jeanice Dolan | D-21144
Profiles | May 16, 2023

Jeanice Dolan | D-21144

Skydive Store

Anemometer | Competition
Anemometer | May 01, 2023

Anemometer | Competition

Innhopps

First2324252628303132Last