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 (6447)
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
 
Queen B—Alfa Garrison, B-1
Oct 07, 2024

Queen B—Alfa Garrison, B-1

Bill Morrissey | D-516
Oct 01, 2024

Bill Morrissey | D-516

 

 
Photo by Preston Pettigrew

While making a tandem skydive with instructor Leland Procell at Orange Skies Free Fall Center in Fort Morgan, Colorado, tattoo artist Katie Casey begins inking the leg of drop zone owner Mike Bohn with a canopy design that she later finished on the ground.

SDEgypt

 

Peregrine

Max Pyro Event Sets Texas Sky Ablaze
Five Minute Call | May 01, 2020

Max Pyro Event Sets Texas Sky Ablaze

AXIS

Arizona Hosts Rookie Round-Up
Five Minute Call | May 01, 2020

Arizona Hosts Rookie Round-Up

Back to Back
Five Minute Call | May 01, 2020

Back to Back

Larry Yount | D-18792
Profiles | May 01, 2020

Larry Yount | D-18792

AXIS

Friday, May 1, 2020

Five Minute Call | May 01, 2020

Corrections

“Sunset Swoop!”
Featured Art | May 01, 2020

“Sunset Swoop!”

Making It Through Together
Gearing Up | May 01, 2020

Making It Through Together

USPA SIS

First5960616264666768Last