What should the owner and/or user of parachute equipment expect from a PASA parachute rigger?

“A parachute rigger has a critical responsibility to anyone who uses a parachute. For many, a special meaning can be attributed to ensuring the safety of a piece of equipment that may save their life or that of a friend. For others, attention to detail may keep a stranger safe during recreational activities such as skydiving or sport parachuting events.” – Parachute Rigger Handbook

“The owner and/or, in the case of B, C and D licence holders, the user of equipment is responsible for its maintenance.” – PASA BSR’s

Much as a vehicle is maintained as being safe for use by the owner, with the assistance of a qualified mechanic(s) and legally required to be roadworthy, so too is parachute equipment by the owner, with the assistance of a qualified rigger(s) and legally required to be airworthy.

So what do I expect when I receive my equipment back from an Inspect and Repack?

• I expect that my rigger has done their job with pride, integrity and skill using their best judgment based on their experience and the information at hand.
• That my system is airworthy and will function safely to the limits imposed by the manufacturer.  That it has been inspected, maintained and repacked in accordance with the applicable manufacturer’s manuals, the applicable laws, and to the best of the rigger’s ability.
• I expect all the paperwork to be completed accurately and fully as required (correct repack interval, maximum weight and speed filled in, name and phone number, record of applied service bulletins, record of repair or modification, correct serial numbers and component data and date of manufacture on the system’s data (reserve) card; data panels on harnesses and/or containers filled in, packing and/or use records on canopies checked off etc.).
• I expect to receive, via email, an Inspection Record accurately completed by the rigger (I don’t want to see a checked box next to ‘Main Ripcord Housing’ when my rig doesn’t have one!). I want to read informative, suggestive and useful comments in the Record (For eg. next to the checkbox for ‘Main Deployment System’ - “some wear to stop line, please ensure twists are removed at every packjob!” or next to ‘Freebag and Safety Stow’ – “replaced safety stow”).
• I expect my reserve container to be sealed as per the manufacturer’s and PASA’s requirements.
• I expect to be fully satisfied with the service I’ve received for the money I’ve paid.
• I expect to don my rig and take to the sky fully confident, trusting and comfortable!

Timmy D727, RM92

Registration is now open for PLC 2019. Please register by filling in the waiver. Registration closes 17 September 2019. 

Event dates: 21, 22 and 24 September 2019

Registration: R500 (T Shirt, Goodies and Ceremony lunch)

Prize money: thus far we have raised ZAR 16000.00 which is up for grabs and many other prizes can be won! Our prize money sponsors are: Aerodyne, Theo van der Sandt and anonymous FS supporters. 

CP: Speed, Distance, Zone Accuracy and Freestyle

Canopy accuracy is the single skill that all of us require on every jump and it is the original competition format of our entire sport. Competition in this discipline is more fun, and more tricky, than perhaps you have realized. Come and learn the basics with us.

The SAP committee is hosting a coaching clinic in partnership with Skydive Parys on 28 and 29 September 2019. All PASA members welcome and encouraged to attend. 

Chief coach is Thatch. 

Clinic format is combination of classes, 6x jumps and debriefs. Suitable gear will be provided (rental fee applies). 

Approx. price for the clinic, including jumps, gear rental and packing = R2700.00 (final pricing TBC). 

R800.00 of the total is required as a deposit to secure your slot – non-refundable. 

Limited slots available. Think fast.

Please register interest here 

For further information please contact:

ned.luker@gmail.com / ned@flyaerodyne.com 

031 502 6435 

It is with great pleasure that the SSA announces the host for PASA 2020 South African Nationals Championships in all disciplines will be Johannesburg Skydiving Club.

Mark the dates in your calendar: 

- Training dates: 20-21 April 2020

- Competition dates: 22-26 April 2020

- Carletonville Airfield

Bulletin 1 can be expected 3 February 2020. For details on the bid please follow this link.