Riggers Committee - British Parachute Association

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As a result of this incident Mike Bolton had proposed that all Tandem Student harnesses be equipped with securing pins as a mandatory requirement to prevent possibly a repeat incident occurring in future. Mike had stated that if this proposal was accepted, the necessary modifications to incorporate the pins could be made over a suitable timescale. The Chair reported that at the Riggers Committee meeting of 11 August 2005, the Committee had accepted a mod for locking pins produced by Bill Sharp. This mod had been accepted for general use on any student harnesses that have the same butterfly snap hooks as the Sigma (part nos: MS22042, MS22042-1, MS70121). A copy of the mod was tabled for information. A letter from Rick Boardman supporting Mike Bolton’s proposal had also been tabled to those present. Rick Boardman had stated that this subject had been debated at length by Riggers and STC in 2009 following a similar incident, and there being a suitable mod in place, Rick had proposed that the use of locking pins be made a mandatory requirement. Although the Riggers Committee had voted in favour of this proposal, CCIs after much deliberation had not agreed and had voted against the proposal (by a large majority) as they believed the incident to be an isolated case. They felt that if Tandem Instructors carried all the necessary checks prior to exit they saw no reason why anyone should find themselves in freefall with a hook undone. At the subsequent Council meeting, Council had asked STC to revisit this decision, which they had done and had again voted against making the use of locking pins mandatory. There then followed a lengthy discussion on this subject. A number of Riggers present stated that they were concerned that we could be reacting to an incident to which it had not yet been established as to how it had actually occurred. The discussion then focused on the Association’s accepted modification for locking pins and some concern was expressed that if the holes were not drilled correctly into the butterfly snap hooks then further damage to the hook area could occur. It was also noted that not all pins were suitable with all hooks and some Riggers present believed it was an engineering feat to match up the hooks and locking pins in a suitable way that did not alter the strength and integrity in this area. It was felt that perhaps the Committee could consider developing an alternative method for locking pins, which did not alter the integrity of the hook area. However, they acknowledged that there was an accepted mod, which if carried out correctly was fine to use. Following further discussion, the Committee felt that the decision as to whether or not the use of locking pins be made mandatory was a matter for STC. However, they were not opposed to the principle of having some form of safety feature/locking pin, but they were concerned that there may be further implications involved. 4. PERMISSION TO RUN 2 RIGGING COURSES AT NETHERAVON A request to host two Rigging Courses at Netheravon from 18 – 22 December 2012 and 5 – 9 January 2013 has been received by George Panagopoulos, a copy of which has been circulated with the Agenda. George has stated that there would be two Rigger Examiners present throughout each Course. George had also reported that at this time both Courses were fully subscribed. It was proposed by George Panagopoulos (proxy) and seconded by Pete Sizer that the above request be accepted. Carried Unanimously 2
5. AAD CUTTER LOCATION - DISCUSSION Paul Stockwell had asked that the subject of AAD cutter location be put on the agenda, which had been as a result of various e-mail communications that he had received. He reported that some manufacturers have advised to change cutter location, which he believed could present some significant issues. Paul gave the meeting some background information and also reported on a number of instances where he had discovered significant damage to closure loops around the cutter area on Tandem equipment. He had been in contact with the manufacturer regarding this matter and was awaiting a response from them. Following a lengthy discussion, the Committee agreed to continue to monitor the situation, but in the meantime they encouraged packers to check for any damage around the cutter area on Tandem equipment, and were asked to report any relevant issues or recurring problems to the Committee. 6. ADVANCED PACKERS COURSE REPORTS i) An Advanced Packers Training Course had been held at Netheravon from the 8 – 11 October 2012. George Panagopoulos had sent in a Course report, a copy of which had been circulated to those present. The Course had been attended by Ryan Briddon, Emile Cilliers and Jason Snailham, all of whom were advised to attend the examination phase of the Course at a later date following a number of supervised reserve pack jobs. ii) An Advanced Packers Examination Course had been held at QinetiQ, Boscombe Down from the 10 – 11 October 2012. Ray Armstrong had sent in a Course report, a copy of which had been circulated to those present. Paul Strickland and Stuart Ambler successfully completed the Course and had been awarded Advanced Packer (Grade S) status. iii) An Advanced Packers Training Course had been held at Netheravon from the 29 October – 1 November 2012. George Panagopoulos had sent in a Course report, a copy of which had been circulated to those present. The Course had been attended by Barry Loftus who was advised to attend the examination phase of the Course at a later date following a number of supervised reserve pack jobs. iv) An Advanced Packers Training Course had been held at Headcorn from the 5 – 8 November 2012. Pete Sizer had sent in a Course Report, a copy of which had been circulated to those present. The Course had been attended by Del Hopkins, Chris Smith and Henry Van Halewyn. All of whom were advised to attend the Examination phase of the Course at a later date following practice under supervision. v) An Advanced Packers Training Course had been held at Netheravon from the 12 - 15 November 2012. George Panagopoulos had sent in a Course report, a copy of which had been circulated to those present. The Course had been attended by Gary Chapman and Pete McLaughlin. Both candidates were advised to attend the examination phase of the Course at a later date following a number of supervised reserve pack jobs. 3
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Riggers Committee - British Parachute Association

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