Unstable 8 #1 March 8, 2012 More out of curiosity than for any good reason, I've followed the Astra AAD for about 8 years now, although I've never owned one. Interesting AAD's ~ I've always wondered if they would have farred better had they come out later, but that is neither here nor there (Riggerrob has posted some excellent threads as to the pros and cons of the Astra, I'm sure a search will provide good information for those deciding if they are a viable alternative to a Cypres or Vigil. However, I've also noticed that Paragear has pulled them from their catalog, and I'm not finding as many posted. Does anybody in 'the know' have information as to whether or not FXC has discontinued production or support of the Astra?=========Shaun ========== Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 24 #2 March 8, 2012 They were still in production???? I've seen maybe 1 in the last several years....Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 3 #3 March 9, 2012 They still list it on their web site. Sparky http://www.fxcguardian.com/2AutoSensingDevices.htmMy idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 24 #4 March 9, 2012 I saw that, but I also saw that they have not posted any info,service calls, tech service bulletins, or anything else since 97.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Unstable 8 #5 March 9, 2012 Quote I saw that, but I also saw that they have not posted any info,service calls, tech service bulletins, or anything else since 97. Yeah, and their links labeled *new* are from 1998....=========Shaun ========== Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverek 55 #6 March 12, 2012 A student died in the US in 2004 when his Astra did not fire. It was still in "Ready" status after he hit the ground at 120 mph. I think that was the beginning of end for Astra... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
likestojump 3 #7 March 12, 2012 QuoteA student died in the US in 2004 when his Astra did not fire. It was still in "Ready" status after he hit the ground at 120 mph. I think that was the beginning of end for Astra... Not to be repetitive, but the Astra DID NOT kill, nor did it contribute to his death... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverek 55 #8 March 12, 2012 QuoteQuoteA student died in the US in 2004 when his Astra did not fire. It was still in "Ready" status after he hit the ground at 120 mph. I think that was the beginning of end for Astra... Not to be repetitive, but the Astra DID NOT kill, nor did it contribute to his death... Here we go again ;-)... I know that, you are responssible for your life, blah, blah, blah. I was just talking about Astra's relalibility. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pchapman 261 #9 March 12, 2012 Any links to a report on that accident available? Some of us don't remember it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverek 55 #10 March 12, 2012 I could not find it online, but I recall is is in the spring issue of Parachutist magazine (2004 fatality summary), from year 2005. Fatality occured in the U.S. in year 2004. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Unstable 8 #11 March 12, 2012 Quote A student died in the US in 2004 when his Astra did not fire. It was still in "Ready" status after he hit the ground at 120 mph. I think that was the beginning of end for Astra... RLY? Again, any links to the incident would be VERY interesting. WIthout getting into the philosophies of AAD reliability and Maintenance, stuff like 1. Calibration 2. Maintenance 3. Battery replacement & management 4. Correct Rigging All play a part in a student hitting the ground at 120 mph. My guess is that there were a number of factors in play that allowed the AAD it's opportunity to fail.=========Shaun ========== Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverek 55 #12 March 12, 2012 OK, I found it. Check fatality number 21 here: http://www.skydivingfatalities.info/search.asp?MinDate=1%2F1%2F2004&MaxDate=31%2F12%2F2004&Country=US&CountryOp=%3D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverek 55 #13 March 12, 2012 Dropzone.com discussion on the Astra accident here: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=1301903;page=1;mh=-1;;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC http://www.dropzone.com/fatalities/Detailed/60.shtml Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Unstable 8 #14 March 12, 2012 I spent some good time digging through all those posts... Unfortunatly they all left more questions than answers. =========Shaun ========== Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverek 55 #15 March 12, 2012 Quote I spent some good time digging through all those posts... Unfortunatly they all left more questions than answers. To all - this is probably the most informative, I think: http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1338595#1338595 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
