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.

Skydive Store

 

Innhopps

With Thanks
Five Minute Call | Feb 01, 2020

With Thanks

Innhopps

High Honor
Five Minute Call | Feb 01, 2020

High Honor

Max Cohn | D-20252
Profiles | Feb 01, 2020

Max Cohn | D-20252

Innhopps

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Letters | Feb 01, 2020

Letters

“Fly Free #4”
Featured Art | Feb 01, 2020

“Fly Free #4”

Donors
Five Minute Call | Feb 01, 2020

Donors

Innhopps

First8081828385878889Last