Reserve Packing Guide

Allan Hewitt - BPA Advanced Rigger/Examiner & AFF Instructor

The aim of the Reserve Packing Guide is not to teach reserve packing (this must be done on a one to one basis) but to cover reserve packing in general. Take your reserve packing seriously, stay current and treat it like the life saving device it is. If in doubt ask!

Preparation

• Packing reserves should be done in a clean well lit area away from any sort of contamination.
• Ram air reserves are best packed on a clean carpeted area.
• Select and count all your tools and make a note of how many you have.
• Check the documentation details matches the equipment details.
• Check the equipment against the safety information database to ensure that there are no outstanding safety notices.
• The manufacturer’s manuals for both the reserve canopy and the container should be available. and the reserve packer must be fully conversant with their contents

Deployment

• Before you start, ask the owner (if available) to put the rig on and carry out the correct cutaway and reserve drills.
• Pulling the cutaway and reserve handles should not require so much force that a skydiver would be thrown unstable.
• Make sure the pilot chute adequately clears the container flaps.
• Hold the pilot chute and walk away from the container to determine if the parachute feeds out of the pack easily and in the proper sequence.
• Cutaway the main canopy and put to one side.
• Spray some silicone on a clean cloth and wipe the cutaway cable clean, inspect for damage prior to replacing it.

Compatibility

Make sure the canopy you are packing are the right size for thecontainer and that all components parts are compatible with each other.

Inspection

No matter how neatly it's packed a reserve that's not been thoroughly inspected might be a threat to the safety of its user. Newness is not necessarily an indication that it's in good condition, that's why an inspection is critical.

The Pilot Chute

• Test the fabric strength by stretching and popping the fabric with the hands.
• The cap should be clean and properly stitched.
• Check the spring for serviceability.
• The base of the spring should be secured to the pilot chute fabric by at least four separate tacking's.
• There should be no marginal conditions in the pilot chute such as snags or patches, this part of the assembly has to work perfectly.

Bridle Line and Freebag

• Inspect for any signs of damage or excessive wear and tear.
• Be aware of the size of the safety stow; is it the correct length for the type of line.

The Canopy

Check the canopy fabric for snags, tears or other problems, by carefully inspecting it panel by panel; any patches should be checked for proper applications and security. Check the strength of the canopy fabric by pulling on fabric with both hands, (canopies with sub strength fabric are easy to tear) this simple but effective test is applied to many areas of the canopy. Inspect all seams and bartacks, etc, for security. If possible a canopy hoist is to be used as this is an excellent inspection aid.

Suspension Lines

Give the suspension lines a continuity check to ensure that each line is in the correct order on the connector link and is attached to the proper riser, also check lines for burnt or snagged spots. If it's rigged incorrectly and you pack it, then it becomes your mistake and someone else's life. Inspect all stitching for security. Always check the line sequence by using a canopy hoist or an assistance to hold the canopy open. It must always be checked when in a flying configuration.

Connector Links

There are two types of connector links commonly used in conjunction with reserves. Firstly, the Maillon rapid links; check they are tightly secured (hand tight and a quarter turn with a small spanner) do not over tighten. Check the barrel and replace it if it's cracked, beware of cheap imitations that have no tensile strength marked on them. Rapide links are not designed for side loading.

Secondly, soft links; these are designed and supplied by manufacturers to be used with the line type that's used on their canopies. Always try to use the canopy manufacturers approved soft links.

Risers

Check for serviceability, also check stitching, any sewing machine stitch can look good on one side and not have any thread on the other side.

Harness & Container

Thoroughly check the harness and container throughout inspecting grommets, pack tray, webbing for fraying, wear, abrasion, defective stitching, etc (look in hidden areas).

Reserve Ripcords

Check the ripcord, ripcord housings, ripcord pocket and associated sewing.

Closure Loop length

• A closing loop that's too short could result in a dangerously hard pull. One that's too long looks messy, and is susceptible to snagging and possibly premature deployment of the reserve.
• Attachment of a quick loop and cap to pilot chutes is important and maybe dangerous if not carried out correctly.
• Quick loops have been pulled tighter to tidy up pop tops, if this is done, a test pull must be done again to ensure the user can still operate the reserve and it's within the maximum pull force.

Automatic Activation Devices (AAD's)

Read the AAD manual and abide by its rules. AAD's that extract the pin (FXC Type) must be tested to ensure that they perform as designed to ensure they do extract the pin when fired.

Reserve Static Line (RSL)

Check the serviceability and correct routing. If routed incorrectly this could cause the canopy to hang up after cutting away or cause a premature deployment.

Packing & Finishing

• Pack the reserve as taught and according to the manuals.
• Determine as to how tight the closing loop is and perform a pull test. (See test pull procedure below).
• Count your tools after you've finished the pack job and make sure the number is the same as you started with.
• Service the 3 ring release system and reconnect the main parachute ensuring you perform a line sequence check with the canopy hoisted in a flying configuration.
• A test pull should be done by the owner (if possible). A pull test should be done to make sure the pull force is within the minimum (5 lbs) and maximum (22 lbs) allowed levels.

Sealing Reserves

BPA qualified riggers are allowed to seal reserves, if they wish, but only when using the BPA approved sealing method.

Documentation

An inspection report must be filled in during the inspection and packing process and given to the owner after packing. Keep a copy of this and it can be used as your reserve packing log. Both the inspection check list and reserve packing card are required to be kept with the equipment.

Summary

Reserve packers must be inquisitive. If you see someone packing a reserve go and talk to them, watch and ask questions. If you see a write up referring to reserve packing, read and study it. Read all the reserve packing manuals you can get your hands on. Attached at Annex C are some reports that have been collated from various sources, use them for their educational value, and don't make the same mistakes. Be professional and gain the knowledge that will enable you to be “safe”.

Servicing the 3 Ring Release System

The 3 Ring Release System

Knowing how the 3 ring release works will help a skydiver assemble and inspect it properly. Each ring forms a lever with a ten-to-one mechanical advantage as it passes through another ring. A force of 1000lbs on the large harness ring exerts a force of only 10lbs on the white loop, (the opening shock is usually no more than 1000 lbs or 500 lbs on each riser). It 's important to understand one of the properties of the nylon locking loop. When nylon stays in the same position for a long time, it begins to conform to that position – it takes a ‘set’. If the 3 ring release system stays assembled for too long, the nylon can become so stiff that the low drag from a malfunction (such as a streamer) will not allow the riser to release after cuting away.

Servicing

• Closely inspect it for wear and tear.
• Check the white locking loops to make sure its not frayed.
• Check the velcro on the cutaway handle and main lift web to be sure it's clean and it adequately holds the cutaway pad in position/.
• Check the cable ends for a smooth tapered finish, this prevents the cable from hanging up in the loop. If a burr or hook is present consult a rigger.
• Check the stitching that holds the large rings to the harness.
• Check the tacking's that prevent the cutaway and reseve housings from sliding through their keeper. When pulling downwards on the housings they should not move more than ½ inch.
• Take each riser and vigorously twist and flex the webbing near where it passes through each ring. The idea is to remove any set or deformation in the webbing. Do the same to the white loops.
• Check the housings for dents or other obstructions.
• Clean and lubricate the release cable with silicone spray or WD40. Put a few drops on a paper towel and firmly wipe the cable a few times, a thin invisible film should remain, too much will attract grit and dirt.
• Inspect the security of the fittings at the end of each housing.
• If necessary inform the owner that he/she needs to service it more often.

Incident Reports

There have been lots of incidents caused by a poor inspect or a bad pack job. Read the incident reports so you can see the types of mistake sthat others have made so you are aware of what not to do.