councilman24
Moderator
Registered: 03/02/06
Posts: 119
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| | 02/19/10 at 11:20 PM | Reply with quote | #1 |
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I received a private message from a non U.S. rigger. Here is the question. I've answered it as best as I can. I'll let others chime in.
Repeat, from a non U.S. (european) rigger.
"is it legal to use other than the h/C System manufactueres Reserves on Tandems?
e.g. Precission reserve and A2 Aerodyne main in a Sigma?"
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Terry Urban
D-8531
Master Rigger
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riggerrob
Moderator
Registered: 06/14/06
Posts: 50
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| | 03/04/10 at 03:54 PM | Reply with quote | #2 |
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Mixing and matching tandem components is a grey area.
Officially, UPT says that the Sigma is a "system" and users can only install original components (e.g. canopies manufactured by Performance Designs), however UPT sews Sigma reserve risers so that they will easily accomodate two different types of connector links: MIL SPEC L-bar (standard on PD360 reserve) or Maillon Rapide #6 (standard on Precision 375 reserve.)
The FAA is more vague ... stating that Master Riggers are allowed to substute similar TSOed components. By that logic, a Master Rigger could substitute the reserve (Precision 375) from an Eclipse Tandem in a Sigma.
I suspect that UPT's public policy is an effort to legally distance themselves from accidents involving non-original components.
In practice, UPT knows that end users often install main canopies made by Aerodyne, Hop, Icarus, etc. some of which are better suited to narrow niche markets than PD canopies.
The farther one gets from American lawyers, the less weight UPT's official policy has, but it would be stupid to install a reserve that was not tested and certified for tandem use. The list of reserves certified for tandem use is short: Jump Shack ?, Parachutes de France ?, Next ?, Performance Designs 360 and 420, Pioneer Hi-Lifter 370, Precision 375, Strong 425 Mighty Mack Master).
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