LavaLady

Hi there. Excellent that you are interested in learning to pack. If you are jumping in OZ, go and have a chat with your Chief Instructor, your DZSO or an instructor you are familiar with and let them know you are keen and are looking for suggestions. Check the APF Regulatory Schedules to see the prerequisites to apply for your APF Certificate B. Apart from the minimum 50 jumps and a few other things, you need to be certified to be able to pack for yourself. So this is the time to get into it, and your training DZ will be offering options.

APF web site now a .com address. https://www.apf.com.au/apf-members/equipment/equipment

Hi Jerry. The APF is a very different beast than the USPA. It is a CASA Approved Self-Administering Aviation Organisation. The APF Operational Regulations and the subsidiary Regulatory Schedules are the Australian Parachute Federation’s controlling reference documents for governing the safe and efficient conduct of parachuting activities. The Operational Regulations (OR) are approved by CASA as APF’s primary regulatory document. OR 2.1 details obligations of members of the APF. It includes that members are not only bound by the ORs and RS, but also: "mandatory standards published as equipment standards, service bulletins and rigging advisory standards, and technical directives;..." Unlike in the USA, all bar one civilian skydiving centre in Oz is a member club of the APF, as are all individuals. Kim Hardwick

Whilst it is true that in Australia, SWS do not meet APF Equipment Standard 081014, visiting foreign parachutists (just like in the USA), can jump them under specific conditions detailed in APF Equipment Standard 010901. APF ES 080114 APF ES 010901

https://www.pia.com/piapubs/TSDocuments/TS-104CanopyVolume.pdf

With limitations. Like Certificate B and above for a start. "This extended-airworthiness inspection / repack cycle does not apply to parachute assemblies used for and during student, novice, or emergency descents. That is, reserve or emergency parachute assemblies used during student training operations – including the emergency parachute worn by the pilot of an aircraft - must continue to be maintained to a 6-month inspection/repack cycle." Note: Tandem ops are under category of student training in Oz. This is step 1. Further review is on-going.

Jim's paper attached that was presented at the 2011 PIA.

Hi there. I know that rig. I was also a member of that Oz 8-way team (Rijidij). We got those team rigs in 1993 - so pretty ancient now. May not even be set for AAD installation unless it got a retrofit. The main canopy really will be too small for your use for quite a while. Great to read you are booked on that AFF course - hope you have a ball! Contact me directly if you like, for a further chat. Kim Hardwick Technical Officer at the Australian Parachute Federation. [email protected]

Needs an update, but maybe something you can work with. Cheers, Kim

If you do facebook, try a search there with ChutingStar

DOS - Dual Operating System. Used by a few operators in Australia. Has come in handy a few times when a student has executed their EPs (handle pulls) out of sequence. For eons in Oz only the SOS was approved. The DOS method was introduced as a trial well over a decade ago, and now TAS is also approved. Systems in use here with the DOS (according to reports received through APF incident notifications) - Javelin, Telesis, Icon. Likely, on request from the manufacturer.

You will need to join the Australian Parachute Federation. There are options for short term and full year. When you rock up to a DZ you're current qualifications will be assessed and you will be able to apply for the equivalent APF Certificate, if you wish. This can all be found in the APF Operational Regulations, which are on the APF web site. http://www.apf.asn.au/ArticleDocuments/468/APF%20Operational%20Regulations%2020140501.pdf.aspx See Part 4 - Visitors from Overseas or Outside the APF System. Bring your current licence/qualifications and log book. Hope you have a beaut time downunder. Kim Hardwick Technical Officer Australian Parachute Federation

Tail of the fully linked, 16-way chunk out the door of the Otter.

http://www.apf.asn.au/ArticleDocuments/137/Propeller_Warning.pdf.aspx

I would recommend getting in touch with your APF and they'll be able to help ya find locals. Kim :)

It's new. From the Description: "Cutaway! Australian Parachute Federation's malfunction training video is designed to be used as an educational supplement to the required first jump course. Featuring demonstrations by Australian skydiving champion, Michael Vaughan, it shows the different types of malfunctions that can occur and how to deal with them effectively using emergency procedures. Produced, Directed and Edited by Andrew Forsyth Written by Don Cross, Ralf Jaeger and Gary Myors Aerial Performances by Michael Vaughan Director of Aerial Photography Shane Sparkes Safety Skydiver and Hand Model Rob Douthat Director of Photography Craig Hardiman Sound Design by Andrew Forsyth & Post OP Group Graphics by Andy Eisenberg & Andrew Forsyth The APF wishes to thank the following for their generous support: Glenn Singleman, Don Cross, Mike Carre, Michael Vaughan, Jules McConnel, Paul "Poo" Smith, Jai Campion, Jo Chitty, Nigel Brennan, Simon "Sas" DiSiascio Executive Producer Don Cross. Chief Instructor Skydive Nagambie. Produced by Pemberton Productions Pty. Ltd. 2013 Proudly presented by the Australian Parachute Federation"

Quote from the CI of the operation at which this issue was first observed/reported: "This issue has emanated from my own DZ where we utilise a C-206. Up until 3 weeks ago we were jumping the original Sigmas with the Tuck Tab design Riser Covers, however we have slowly been upgrading with a retro-fit kit from UPT. So far we have only 3 out of 8 Sigmas with the modifications. The original interference was noted by our pilot and was quickly diagnosed by the staff. There has been testing done by the staff and pilot in the meantime to find a workable solution to ensure the matter does not become a danger or inconvenience to anyone involve. At this stage we are operating with a skeleton staff of 2 TMs which makes the issue a moot point as the seating arrangement with 2 Tms does not require the use of the seating bench that we have been using. The bench in question sits beside the pilot and is approximately 380mm tall and runs lengthwise from 300mm behind the leading edge of the rear door and forward to the dash. The problem only becomes clearly evident when the tallest TM (6'4") sits on the bench which bring the magnets in close proximity to the compass. I have spoken to our pilot, who is monitoring the situation and will ensure that the situation does not cause any adverse effects to the operation of the compass. A changing in the height of the bench is being investigated, so when we have 3 TMs in the aircraft, all will be able to remain out of the immediate proximity of the compass and prevent interference."

One of our Aussie aircraft operators recently gave us notification of a perceived issue with magnetic riser covers (eg Sigma) interfering with compass calibration on jump planes. He states that the problem goes away as soon as the jumpers leave the plane. They have found that they can minimise the problem by not putting anyone with that equipment near the front of the plane. He feels that this is not a long term solution nor is it acceptable to continue operating with an unknown or variable quantity of magnetic interference in the aircraft. Searching dz.com I have found a limited discussion on this subject - but from 5 years ago. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=2664371#2664371 Post #16. So these covers have been in use for a few years now. Has anyone heard of any similar reports? (I have not) Specifically on whether there is any effect on aircraft compass calibration. If yes, has there been any resolution? Kim Hardwick Technical Officer Australian Parachute Federation (PS. One manufacturer has also been emailed directly. Just making this post as well to broaden the research net.)

Some transitions on this one.

http://hq.apf.asn.au/images/0/0c/PASB1101_Re_Argus_Installation.pdf

http://www.apf.asn.au/Docs-Forms/Technical-Directives/default.aspx Two docs here. The TD04/2010 and an explanatory event history.

All civilian operations (bar one) are APF affiliated in Australia.

http://www.apf.asn.au/Docs-Forms/Technical-Directives/default.aspx Two docs here relevant to the TD 04/2010. The TD itself and an 'event history' report put together by the APF Deputy Director Rigging.

APF Memorial page for Fiona http://www.apf.asn.au/Members/What-Members-are-up-to/Memorial-Page/default.aspx

Became aware a few weeks ago of this SB - but was advised it was in 'Draft' form and that the real one was still to be issued, so was requested not to promulgate. After a number of requests to AAD, still did not receive the PSB-5, but first became aware from this site! (Thanks Mike) This despite the fact the the distribution list states Federations. Vigil SBs that we are aware of are posted at: http://docs.apf.asn.au/index.php/Service_Bulletins Have requested from Vigil a copy of PSB-4 (have been advised there is one), with no luck at this point.