Para-Phernalia has published a new manual for the Softie dated 8/09, here, that specifies a 20 year service life. Softie manual indicates that 20 year life applies to Preserve canopies also.

Both the President of Para-Phernalia and my local FAA inspector consider this retroactive. FAA inspector indicated the last version of the manual should apply.

The FAA inspector also said that a rig GT 20years old, packed before the new manual but still within it's 180 day cycle (U.S.A.) is still good to go until the end of the 180 days. Of course this is one inspector.

Para-Phernalia is offering a trade-in program for direct from the factory purchases of a new rig.