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 (16749)
Print
 

 

 
Photo by Alex Swindle

Jumpers launch from a Skyvan during Arizona Airspeed’s Intro(ish) to Bigways: Valentine’s Edition at Skydive Arizona in Eloy.

Squirrel

 

Stolen Gear

The First 75
People | Jul 10, 2021

The First 75

What the BLEEP Does USPA Do for Me?!
Features | Jul 06, 2021

What the BLEEP Does USPA Do for Me?!

AXIS

Anemometer—A Look Back
Anemometer | Jul 01, 2021

Anemometer—A Look Back

Jacques-André Istel | D-2
Profiles | Jul 01, 2021

Jacques-André Istel | D-2

AXIS

Swooping By Numbers
Safety & Training | Jun 25, 2021

Swooping By Numbers

Planning the Jump, Jumping the Plan
Features | Jun 21, 2021

Planning the Jump, Jumping the Plan

USPA SIS

First5152535456585960Last