Parachutes de France (Techno reserve)

[SkydiverDS 0]

Hi All,

I have a PdF techno 155 reserve, never jumped, DOM around 2005. I was trying to find contact details for Parachutes de France, the manufacturer, to find out if they need to inspect and recertify it when it passes 40 repacks. 
Googling, I see that PdF was taken over by Zodiac, which was taken over by Safran, whose page seems to have nothing about parachutes. Does anyone know what happens with PdF reserves that might need recertifying? Or do they become unusable due to the disappearance of the manufacturer?

Blue skies,

Dan

[riggerrob 599]

This is the first that I have heard about "re-certifying" reserves made by Parachutes de France.

From page 21 of the Techno 98 manual: "Lifing policy is in accordance with the integrity and condition of the parachute and is left to the responsibility of the rigger." 

The 40 repack standard was written by Performance Designs. Most of the reserves that were sent to PD for "40 repack inspections" passed and were returned to their owners with a stamp saying that they were good for another 10-ish repacks.

The second question is "how many high-speed deployments." Most manufacturers will tell you that their reserves are good for 20 or 25 deployments.

I do know that some European countries set a 20 year life on parachutes. My guess is that the reserve in question is good for at least another year.

Consult your local regulations. 

Edited September 8 by riggerrob
add a paragraph

[SkydiverDS 0]

Thanks, super useful. 
the manual notes the need to check permeability after 40 repacks, saying “

This checking may be done at PARACHUTES DE FRANCE facilities” - which, as far as I know, no longer exist. Is there a standard protocol that applies after a manufacturer disappears?

Dan

[Deyan 36]

57 minutes ago, SkydiverDS said:

Thanks, super useful. 
the manual notes the need to check permeability after 40 repacks, saying “

This checking may be done at PARACHUTES DE FRANCE facilities” - which, as far as I know, no longer exist. Is there a standard protocol that applies after a manufacturer disappears?

Dan

PdF is pretty much out of business in regards to the sport gear. The 10 years since they've closed doors have already passed, so by law, they no longer have to provide service/spare parts.

If your Techno 155 is past 40 repacks, you can try and find a rigger who has permeability tester and is willing to "burn his/her hands" inspecting it. The reason I'm saying that is that to my knowledge PdF has never published the permeability testing protocol. Without it, the person doing the inspection will open him/herself for liability should something goes wrong with that reserve.  

FYI, the permeability limit set by PdF is 5 CFM.

[SkydiverDS 0]

3 hours ago, Deyan said:

PdF is pretty much out of business in regards to the sport gear. The 10 years since they've closed doors have already passed, so by law, they no longer have to provide service/spare parts.

If your Techno 155 is past 40 repacks, you can try and find a rigger who has permeability tester and is willing to "burn his/her hands" inspecting it. The reason I'm saying that is that to my knowledge PdF has never published the permeability testing protocol. Without it, the person doing the inspection will open him/herself for liability should something goes wrong with that reserve.  

FYI, the permeability limit set by PdF is 5 CFM.

Great, thank you, now I know what to ask :)

Would DZs make this an issue when they do gear and docs checks, or is it not a part of that protocol?

As you can see, I’m trying to work out if it is really necessary to replace it, given it has never been used!