Vigil immediate mandatory cutter replacement

[skydivepete 0]

The French parachute association ordered an immediate mandatory cutter replacement for all new Vigil cutters (february and beyond)!

pete

http://www.ffp.asso.fr/IMG/pdf/CS_136.pdf

[slotperfect 7]

I have stuck it to the top for emphasis . . . if someone can find an English version or post a translation that would be beneficial for those of us who don't speak French.

Thanks,

Arrive Safely

John

[ericfradet 0]

This safety note involves only some Vigil cutter from March 2007 => the ones of which the cutter hole makes an oval in the width ( noticed Incorrect in the safety bulletin) instead the cutter hole makes an oval in the length of the cutter body ( noticed Correct).
the Vigil from february 2007 and before, are not concerned, neither the ones from April and after april 2007

[IanHarrop 37]

Quote

I have stuck it to the top for emphasis . . . if someone can find an English version or post a translation that would be beneficial for those of us who don't speak French.

Thanks,

A Google translation... poor... but it helps.

=====

Transmitter: Eric Fradet

Subject: Damage noted on ringlets of closing of container of help.

Materials concerned: Any parachute folded with a Vigil disconnecting switch out of stainless manufactured in March 2007.

Origin: During the folding of several containers of help with a Vigil disconnecting switch out of new stainless, the ringlet of closing of bag breaks clear during traction exerted to close the last side reduction. Moreover, at the time of the reopening of bags folded recently with this type of disconnecting switch, of the cases of started ringlets were announced to the CTP, even when the disconnecting switch is placed under the extractor.

Text: The analysis shows that certain Vigil disconnecting switches provided by AAD March and April 2007, recognizable with inscription 03-07-1 or 03-07-2 or 03-07-3 have a manufacturing defect. The chamfer of the drilling of the disconnecting switch stainless was ovalized perpendicular to the body of the disconnecting switch instead of longitudinal direction. Consequently, during handling and of tractions inherent in closing of container of help, the ringlet undergoes aggressions. When the ringlet did not break with the closing of the container of help, of deteriorations can continue and are not visible with a closed bag. The risk is an accidental opening of the bag by rupture of the ringlet of the parachute of help, consecutive with the operations and displacements aboard aircraft, in fall free, under aerofoil or on the ground.

FRENCH FEDERATION EDERATION OF PARACHUTING
62 street of Fécamp - 75012 PARIS
Tel.: 01.53.46.68 .68 - Fax: 01.53.46.68 .70 e-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ffp.asso.fr

IDENTIFICATION

Actions: Manufacturer AAD (manufacturing of Vigil) identified the problem due to one soustraitant weakening and produced a technical note, following the request made by AAD.

1 immediate Opening of the equipment concerned, identifiable thanks to the documents provided by the manufacturer of the release, without need for retraction of the aerofoil of help.

2 To identify the disconnecting switches in question. (réf: 03-07-1; 03-07-2; 03-07-3).

3 systematically To deposit any disconnecting switch with the reference 03-07-1; 03-07-2; 03 - 07-3 some is the shape of the chamfer (considered to be correct or incorrect).

4 /Pour replacement, to contact AAD by email ([email protected]) by specifying the job number of Vigil, the date of purchase and the complete co-ordinates of the owner.

5 A reception, to mount the disconnecting switch of replacement and a new ringlet.

6 To note the action on the material booklet (this action is not worth periodic retraction).

7 To inform the Federation (Eric Fradet) for statistics and action near the manufacturer.

Qualified personnel: Plieurs.
Go back to application: Before the next jump.

"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy

[JohnJ 0]

Also you can visit Vigils Website.

The SB found is a French national SB
Vigils statement: It's under investigation.

For those who don't want to visit their website:

Brussels, 4 May, 2007



VIGIL NOTICE



It has been reported to us, that some full stainless steel cutters in the field have damaged and cut reserve closing loops while the container is being closed. This has only been reported on cutters placed on top of the pilot chute. It has only occurred on some cutters from the batch shipped during March and April of 2007

( Printed D.O.M. + batch number on the cutter body is “03-07-1” or -2 or -3 ).

It is our thought, that the movement between the grommet on the container/pilot chute, and the cutter body while the container is being closed is causing this damage.

It is estimated that about 10% of this lot of cutters may cause this problem.

It has occurred on four cutters in Europe, and three in the USA so far .

All the cutters remaining in our stock have been returned to the manufacturer for inspection. Some of these cutters have a slightly different shape to the hole that can be the cause of this type of damage.

AAD is busy investigating the reports and working in conjunction with the cutter manufacturer to determine the exact cause. Once we have further information we will issue a product service bulletin with a resolution for our customers.

If you have a unit that was delivered during this period, and have the cutter location above the pilot chute, you should be aware of the potential for loop damage.

We also urge you to inspect your reserve closing loop.

If damage to the loop is found, please contact your dealer or [email protected] for further instructions.

As soon as we have more information we will post this and issue a service bulletin with further action.



VIGIL Team


John J.


edit: corrected some confusing writing

[Popovitch 0]

Hi,

They made modifications.

Thanks.

http://www.ffp.asso.fr/IMG/pdf/CS_136_modifiee.pdf

[skydivepete 0]

ok thanks eric and Yann
What about the cutters with the plastic protection that gave problems in the past