May 25, 2012, 12:18 PM
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Quick ejector springs
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Got a couple of quick ejectors on some tandem harnesses that don't spring back to automaticly close the quick ejector. I have been told that it is a common thing to happen and as long as it snaps shut it the quick ejector is still good. I tend to agree that it doesnt interfere with the actual function of the quick ejector when it is being used. Just looking for other peoples opinions/knowledge on the subject.
Is the quick ejector garbage because of a broken spring?
Got a couple of quick ejectors on some tandem harnesses that don't spring back to automaticly close the quick ejector. I have been told that it is a common thing to happen and as long as it snaps shut it the quick ejector is still good. I tend to agree that it doesnt interfere with the actual function of the quick ejector when it is being used. Just looking for other peoples opinions/knowledge on the subject.
Is the quick ejector garbage because of a broken spring?
I recently refused to repack a PEP. The hardware for the leg straps and the chest strap were quick ejector and the return spring in all three of them were broken. Personally, I wouldn't use those harnesses. If a side connector were to come undone it could make a tandem jump go very badly. Replacing the side connection hardware on tandem harness is pretty easy anyway.
Fortunately, the adjustable QE Snaps (on tandem side straps) are comparatively easy to replace.
As for the fixed QE Snaps on pilot emergency parachutes ... the USAF developed a solution back during the 1960s. The USAF solution is a screw-in QE Snap. Just cut off the old QE Snap (hint: use the biggest set of bolt-cutters you can find). Sure the screw-in QE Snaps are expensive ($45 the last time I looked), but you would need a Master Rigger to spend at least that much time to sew in new (fixed) QE Snaps.
Rob Warner FAA Master Rigger Strong Tandem Examiner
Fortunately, the adjustable QE Snaps (on tandem side straps) are comparatively easy to replace.
As for the fixed QE Snaps on pilot emergency parachutes ... the USAF developed a solution back during the 1960s. The USAF solution is a screw-in QE Snap. Just cut off the old QE Snap (hint: use the biggest set of bolt-cutters you can find). Sure the screw-in QE Snaps are expensive ($45 the last time I looked), but you would need a Master Rigger to spend at least that much time to sew in new (fixed) QE Snaps.
Rob Warner FAA Master Rigger Strong Tandem Examiner
I did think of the separable QE hardware but I let the owner make the call since he would have to contact a Master Rigger to make this repair.
The other question is: "How often can you re-sew a piece of webbing before it must be discarded?" Both UPT and Rigging Innovations say that you can sew a piece of webbing a maximum of three times before it must be replaced. In the end, it costs about the same (whether you sew-in or sew-in new QE Snaps) but the webbing lasts longer if you screw-in.
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