I've found this article on a US blog where they are applying to change from 120 day to 180 day repacks and argue that modern chutes are better when repacked less frequently..........
CONTACT: Allen Silver Silver Parachute Sales & Service 510-785-7070 Fax 510-785-9231 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.SilverParachutes.com Longer Parachute Repacks on the Horizon Hayward, CA, 22 May 2007 — Silver Parachute Sales & Service is spear-heading a multi-organizational effort to extend the repack cycle of emergency parachutes from 120 days to 180 days. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the 180-day repack has just gone out for public comment. All pilots who use emergency parachutes are encouraged to comment on this NPRM. Two years ago Allen Silver and Darrin Silver; working on behalf of the Parachute Industry Association & United States Parachute Association; petitioned for an exemption to the 120-day repack cycle. “We're discovering that the newer parachute materials perform better when handled less frequently,” says Allen Silver, a master rigger with over 40 years experience in the field of parachutes. “Right now, twenty-five other countries safely use repack cycles of 180 days or longer.” In a letter dated August 10th 2005, the FAA stated that since such a large group was requesting the exemption, it would be appropriate to initiate a rule change project. This is good news for everyone who wears a parachute. Darrin Silver notes, “In addition to the safety benefits, pilots will now see reduced maintenance costs on their parachute equipment and can make it through an entire airshow or contest season without the downtime of having a parachute repacked!” Comments regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [identified by Docket Number FAA–2005–21829] may be sent using any of the following methods: DOT Docket Web site: Go to and follow the instructions for sending comments electronically. Fax: 1–202–493–2251 Mail: Docket Management Facility U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE. West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140 Washington, DC 20590–0001 For additional information on the proposal to extend the parachute repack cycle to 180 days, contact Allen Silver at 510-785-7070 or visit www.SilverParachutes.com. About Silver Parachute Sales & Service Silver Parachute Sales & Service has been serving aerobatic and glider pilots worldwide since 1972. They are dedicated to providing in-depth, personal parachute service to aerobatic and glider pilots. Silver Parachute Sales & Service specializes in emergency parachutes and offers complete rigging services including repack & recertification, major repair & alteration, as well as manufacturing the AcroBelt five-point ratchet restraint system and S.M.A.K. PAK parachute survival kits. _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
