melathechamp

I agree with you, I think this should be communicated to the jumpers. I would obviously not have jumped my rig if I knew the rigger didn't know how to pack. Googling his name led me to a report from the Norwegian Air Sports Federation where it was written that the rigger had lost his license based on several misrigged reserves. However, I would never do that without knowing what I now know. I suggested publishing the serial numbers of all packed rigs and communicating this to dropzones or via e-mail to jumpers etc, should this happen again. It must be stated that the federation is handling it professionally, and hopefully it would lead to a change in the routines.

Thanks for the info. I have been speaking to the head of his dropzone, and a report is being written. I have also been told that all rigs packed by this person will most likely be grounded. Good to hear I'm in good hands now!

I don't have the rig with me anymore, as it is with my rigger now. However, I have a photo that pretty much shows what it looks like.

You are totally right. I will definitely pop the reserve in front of a rigger next time. As you said, I did extract the pilot chute, but very carefully. I left everything else in place, inluding the entire bridle and freebag. I was able to show and explain to him what happened, and luckily we figured out what caused it. Anyway, lesson learned!

So i spoke to my rigger, and it seems my previous "rigger" did some major errors. It was then told to me that he lost his rigger license a while back, after repeatedly packing reserves wrong! I will try to explain, based on what the rigger said: First of all, he put all of the bridle on top of the #1 flap, instead of some under and some on top. Do not know if this caused anything, but it was pointed out as a mistake. Most importantly, he basically packed my reserve as it was a wings or javelin. He divided the reserve on each side, and put the pilot chute in the middle (see freebag in photo 0877 and 0872). This caused the #1 flap to fold and trap the bottom ring of the RPC (see the shape of the flap in photo 0875 and 0878). It is my understanding that the flap is supposed to lay flat on an evenly distributed freebag. He said the RPC would might come out in a high speed mal, but would for sure take a long time in a low speed mal. Who knows... I trust this new rigger, and I will definitely not use a rigger again without getting some references and verification he knows what he's doing.

I will discuss it with my rigger, and have him look at it closely. I am not familiar with how a reserve and the RPC is packed, but it actually seemed like the bottom of the RPC got stuck between the side flaps. What is the sub flap that should prevent this? Dont know if it matters, but the repack cycle here in norway is actually a year and not 6 months.

Ok, Thanks. Here is the video: http://youtu.be/RFNDLnZpqXo Any idea if this would open?

My rig is up for a repack, so i decided to pull the reserve for fun at home. I could hear the pop of the pilot chute coming out, but noticed that it didn`t leave the container. Turned out the bottom of the pilot chute was stuck inside the reserve container, and wasn`t coming out easily. It didn`t take very much force to pull it out, but doubt it would extract in freefall (and definitely not after a low speed malfunction), especially with the difficulty of inflating so close to the rig. Also, I believe I twisted the PC a little when the rig was on the ground, making it easier to pull out. I want to believe I would be able to manually pull it out in an emergency, but I am not sure. It definitely shook me up. Luckily, my dad got it on video and I will upload it later today after work. Until then, have anyone had the same happened to them, ground or air? My rig is a Mirage G4 M7 with a Spectre 210 and a PDR 218. I will show the video to the rigger when I hand in the rig later today (not the same rigger btw!). Cheers

Thanks, I have read through those and they pretty much say the same thing. A few questions pops (got it?) up though: 1: "Depending on the size of the airport and passenger volume, it is likely that the checked rig will be screened within 30 minutes. Remain in the area of the airline ticket counter and pay close attention to airport announcements for up to 30 minutes after you check in." Does that mean I should hang around where i check in (that is, before going through security)? I had an impression I should be at the gate... 2: "Pack the rig separately without any other items in the bag. Additional items, if suspicious, could trigger an inspection of the entire bag." Does that include clothes etc.? I was planning to pack some clothes with my rig, as I am bringing quite a lot of stuff with me (away for half a year). The other skydiving stuff I will either put in the other bag or carry on. 3: As huge pointed out, I have to reclaim my baggage and check it in again in NY. Any advantage/disadvantage of telling them whats inside when I check in? Thanks again for the replies, you guys are great

That is what I have read as well. But as you point out, who knows what they are doing... My plan is to print out a note that says (thanks Squeak): "THIS IS A LIFE SAVING DEVICE" Please have me present for any physical inspection. Mela T Champ 555-5416-5423 25 skydive way Oslo Norway. I will also print out the cypres x-ray card, and put it all on top of my rig, so that is the first thing they see when they open it. Lastly, I will be at the gate and listen carefully if they call my name (no listening to music!). I guess that is the best way to go... I am also considering telling the check-in crew in Norway that there is a rig in my bag, and that all is perfectly legal (show them the papers if necessary). Then ask if they can put a sticker or something on it that says what it is and that it is checked. Any views on that? Sorry about all the detailed questions, but I must say I'm terrified about travelling with my rig

I have been thinking about it, but I am going to school there for 5 months, so i guess having my own gear is cheaper. I also want to be jumping the same rig, and not jump different rigs and canopies every time.

Slightly other topic (not a direct reply to you Andy) What I was most worried about is them opening my bag, but as far as I know I must be present, which is good. But if they demand opening both the main and reserve, that would be pretty annoying. Then I would have canopies all over the place, and only be able to pack one of them. Does this happen? Is the chance of that happening higher or lower with checked in luggage vs carry on?

My insurance works in a way that total travel goods is insured by a total amount of $5000. However, "valuable items" (don't know the correct translation), which include sports equipment, phones and computers (basically anything other than clothes) are limited to $2500ish in total. However, I will look into a separate insurance for my rig.

Thanks, great advice. Do they often open the bags that are checked in? I guess a skydiving rig is somewhat unusual, but maybe checked-in bags are a little less "strict", i dunno?

Mirage G4 (M7?) with a spectre 210 and a PDR 218, so yeah, it's large. My travel insurance will cover about half of it, but it is capped at roughly $2500. If I want to raise that amount to $5000 it will be an extra 400-500 bucks in insurance, which is ridiculous, and probably not worth it? Regarding your point #4, wouldn't that just encourage them to open it? And I am connecting in New York, that's where I believe the trouble might happen. The security checks in the US cannot compare to Norway. Thanks for your reply!