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LIFE LIMITS PARACHUTES

 

Life cycle for pilot or skydivers parachutes

Q: Is there such a thing as a life limit on parachutes?

A: Yes, the life cycle or life limit is now every 180 days at your inspection & repack.

Unless the manufacture states in writing in the manual.

There is one U.S. manufacture, and one British, so far, to place a life cycle on their parachutes.

PARA-PHERNALIA & FREE FLITE ENTERPRISES - General Information  1.4    SERVICE LIFE Para-Phernalia, Inc. and Free Flight Enterprises have established a 20-year service life from the date of component manufacture for the Softie Pilot Emergency System and the Preserve parachute line of emergency parachutes. Para-Phernalia, Inc. at 360-435-7220 or FAX at 360-435-7272. Monday - Thursday 07:00 - 17:00 Pacific Time (GMT -8).

The other is GQ Security, UK, the one manufactured in England, that manufactures the Model 350, there is a 15 year life cycle.

All other U.S. made emergency parachutes, the FAA Parachute Rigger that repacks the parachute is certifying that the parachute is airworthy for the next 180 day cycle. In other words....it is up to the FAA Certificated Parachute Rigger to inspect, test if necessary, and  re-certify airworthy your parachute. The parachute may last 8 years or 30 years, it all depends on the care and condition of the parachute. (just like the annual inspection by your A&P mechanic for your aircraft),

I inspect every pilot parachute that comes into my parachute loft, those that don't pass you never see, the ones that make it are advertised here & have gone through my tough inspection and will last many years if taken care of.  My name is Don Mayer, Master Parachute Rigger, FAA Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner, 36 years experience, owner of the Parachute Shop.      1-800-872-2488

FROM NATIONAL PARACHUTE INDUSTRIES

It is our "opinion / recommendation" as a manufacturer that 20 years is the service life of an emergency parachute.  We (National Parachute) are not lawyers to interpret the "legal" aspect or policemen to enforce it....so there is no method for a "statement" to be made.  The way I see it at this point is that you, or any Rigger who disagrees with our recommendation, can make your own decision to service parachutes over 20 years old. 

Currently and to the best of my knowledge, there is not a "law" or regulation enforceable by the FAA against a Rigger packing a parachute 21 or more years old.  If NATIONAL or any Parachute Company states this (20 year service life) is mandatory, what good is that unless said Company was willing and able to enforce it (see above in red text).  

Sincerely,
NATIONAL PARACHUTE / Larry Krueger
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Parachute Shop - Pepperell Airport - 165 Nashua Road - Pepperell - MA 01463 USA   
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