British Parachute Association
bpa.org.uk
Wharf Way, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9TF
Tel: 0116 278 5271, Fax: 0116 247 7662, e-mail: [email protected]
Riggers’ Sub-Committee
Thursday 20 November 2014 at 1600
at the BPA Office, 5 Wharf Way, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9TF
Present:
Paul Applegate (AR)
Pete Sizer (AR)
Chris Gilmore (PRv)
Noel Purcell (PRv)
Kim Newton (RE)
Andy Shaw (AR)
Rick Boardman (AR)
Paul Stockwell (PRv)
-
Riggers’ Sub-Committee Chair
Key:
RE = Rigger Examiner
AR = Advanced Rigger
PR(v) = Parachute Rigger (voting)
PR(nv) = Parachute Rigger (non voting)
Apologies:
John Curtis, Bill Sharp, Andrew Hilton, George Panagopoulos, Iain Anderson.
In Attendance:
John Hitchen
Tony Butler
Jeff Montgomery
Trudy Kemp
Observers:
Mal Richardson, Colin Fitzmaurice, Alex Busby-Hicks, Chris McCann,
Mike Rust, Stuart Meacock.
-
Chair STC
Chief Operating Officer
Safety & Technical Officer
Assistant to COO/STO
ITEM
1.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
The Chair invited declarations of interested relating to items on the agenda for this meeting.
Andy Shaw declared an interest in item 6 of the main agenda, as the owner of the equipment
concerned.
2.
MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THE RIGGERS’ SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING
OF THE 25 SEPTEMBER 2014
Page 1, Item 2 – Next & Next Century Tandem Systems. Kim Newton gave a progress report
on the WG set up to look at the various issues surrounding Next/Next Century Tandem Systems
(reserve loops).
Following the previous meeting, a BPA Safety Notice Bulletin (1/2014) has been issued regarding
the mandatory inspection of all Next and Next Century Tandem reserve loops at every 50 jumps
+/- 10 jumps, or three months, whichever comes first. A copy of the appeal questionnaire had also
been included with the Safety Notice for Advanced Packers (T) to complete and submit following
this inspection.
Kim reported that she had received quite a few completed questionnaires, only one of which had
reported damage to the reserve loop, which was found on an older version of the Next system.
She stated that she was in the process of investigating this further.
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Kim also reported that she has arranged a meeting with Stefan Ertler at Paratec in December
where her plan is to address a number of issues at that time. She would report back to the
Committee at the next meeting.
Page 2, Item 2 (Minutes & Matters Arising) – Military Tandem Canopy Panel of Inquiry. The
Panel of Inquiry has now completed its report and this item was on the main Agenda for this
evening.
Page 4, Item 7(ii) – (Manufacturers’ Safety Notices/Information Bulletins). Chris Gilmore
referred to the Product Service Bulletin issued by Paratec regarding the unauthorized use of spare
parts being installed in their products, which were not of Paratec origin nor manufactured by
Paratec authorised sources.
Chris stated that he believed there was some potential for confusion as to which reserves can be
put into Paratec containers as there was some discrepancy between the older and newer version
of the Paratec user manuals.
Kim Newton stated that she would raise this matter with Stefan Ertler during her meeting in
December.
There being no further matters arising, it was proposed by Noel Purcell and seconded by Kim
Newton that the Minutes of the Riggers’ Sub-Committee Meeting of 25 September 2014 be
accepted as a true record.
Carried Unanimously
3.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE STC MEETING OF THE 25 SEPTEMBER 2014
There were no matters arising from the previous meeting.
4.
BPA RIGGERS’ SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIR FOR 2015
The Chair of STC took the ‘Chair’ for this item. He reported that at the last meeting of each
year, Riggers’ Sub-Committee would report to STC on nominations for Riggers’ SubCommittee Chair so that STC may formally elect their Chair for the following year.
The Chair of STC asked for nominations.
A proposal by George Panagopoulos had been received nominating Paul Applegate as
Riggers’ Sub-Committee Chair for 2015.
Paul Applegate stated that he was willing to accept the nomination. The Chair of STC asked if
there were any other nominees, and there were none.
It was proposed by George Panagopoulos (proxy) and seconded by Pete Sizer that the
Committee recommend to STC that Paul Applegate be re-elected for the post of Riggers’ SubCommittee Chair for 2015.
Carried Unanimously
The Chair of STC stated that the Riggers’ Sub-Committee nominated Chair would be notified to
STC that evening.
Paul Applegate then resumed his position as Chair for the remainder of the meeting.
5.
MILITARY TANDEM CANOPY PANEL OF INQUIRY
This item was held in-camera, and the observers apart from CIs, Rigger Examiners and
Advanced Riggers left the room.
The Chair reported that the Panel of Inquiry to investigate the use of an unauthorized
Prototype Military canopy found in an ex-military (grey) Tandem container, which had been
modified for use in sport parachuting had now completed its report, a copy of which had been
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circulated to CIs, Rigger Examiners and Advanced Riggers with their respective Agendas. The
Panel was chaired by Jay Webster and the other members were George Panagopoulos and
Kim Newton. Unfortunately, Kim Newton was the only Panel member who could be present
this evening.
It was noted that there was a typographical error in the General Background paragraph of the
written report and the date stated as 29th of May 2014 should have read 2012.
The COO reported that details came to light when a BPA Parachute Rigger was asked to carry
out a routine six month reserve re-pack and inspection on equipment belonging to a BPA
Affiliated Club. The reserve canopy (which did not belong to the Club, but which had been lent
by another Club) had a serial number which the Rigger did not recognise. The canopy
description was e-mailed to the manufacturer for advice. They informed the Rigger that the
canopy was one of a number of experimental canopies which had been sent to the UK for
military trials and was not safe to be used.
Members of the Panel studied the relevant paper work and then requested interviews with the
following people who had packed, modified, or installed this experimental military canopy:
Nicky Johnston, Geraldine McGuinness, Paul Stockwell and Chrissy Downer
The Panel came to the following conclusion that there have been several breaches of the BPA
Operation Manual. These are listed below with the panel’s recommendation.
Nicky Johnston:
BPA Operations Manual, Section 1, sub para 2.5:
Parachute equipment in good condition, correctly packed.
BPA Operations Manual, Section 6, sub para 2.2.1:
Only Tandem equipment acceptable to BPA (via Riggers’ Sub-Committee and STC) may be
used.
BPA Operations Manual, Section 6, sub para 1.3:
Modifications to equipment, including changes to the manufacturer’s specifications must be
approved by the BPA via the Riggers’ Sub-Committee, before use.
BPA Operations Manual, Section 6, sub para 8.7:
Prior to packing reserve parachutes, the tandem system, including main parachute, reserve
parachute, container, instructor harness, AAD and drogue must be inspected and certified as
serviceable on the Tandem ROI
The Panel found Nicky Johnston was in breach of these regulations and recommend that his
Advanced Rigger rating should be suspended for a period of three months.
Geraldine McGuinness:
BPA Operations Manual: Section 1, sub para 2.5:
Parachute equipment in good condition, correctly packed.
BPA Operations Manual, Section 6, sub para 8.7:
Prior to packing reserve parachutes, the tandem system, including main parachute, reserve
parachute, container, instructor harness, AAD and drogue must be inspected and certified as
serviceable on the Tandem ROI.
The Panel found Geraldine McGuinness was in breach of these regulations and recommend
that her AP(T) rating should be suspended for a period of three months.
Paul Stockwell:
BPA Operations Manual, Section 1, sub para 2.5:
Parachute equipment in good condition, correctly packed.
BPA Operations Manual, Section 6, sub para 8.7:
Prior to packing reserve parachutes, the tandem system, including main parachute, reserve
parachute, container, instructor harness, AAD and drogue must be inspected and certified as
serviceable on the Tandem ROI.
The Panel found Paul Stockwell was in breach of these regulations and recommend his AP(T)
rating should be suspended for a period of three months.
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Chrissy Downer:
BPA Operations Manual, Section 1, sub para 2.5:
Parachute equipment in good condition, correctly packed.
BPA Operations Manual, Section 6, sub para 8.7:
Prior to packing reserve parachutes, the tandem system, including main parachute, reserve
parachute, container, instructor harness, AAD and drogue must be inspected and certified as
serviceable on the Tandem ROI.
The Panel found Chrissy Downer guilty of breaching these regulations and recommend her
AP(T) rating should be suspended for a period of three months. The Panel also recommend
that Chrissy has a six month suspended sentence of her PR qualification to run concurrently
with her three month AP(T) suspension due to previous reported issues with her Rigging work.
The COO reported that all the individuals concerned had accepted the Panel
recommendations.
Paul Stockwell (person concerned) was invited to return to the meeting and was asked for his
comments, after which he left the meeting.
The Committee then deliberated on the Panel report and recommendations, after which, it
was proposed by Rick Boardman and seconded by Pete Sizer that the above
recommendations of the Panel of Inquiry be accepted. The vote from those Rigger Examiners
and Advanced Riggers present, together with two proxy votes received was as follows:
For: 5 (incl 2 by proxy)
Against: 0
Abstentions: 1 (Kim Newton)
Carried
The Riggers’ Sub-Committee believed that the Rigger concerned (Andy Montriou) who found
the packing error deserved some form of recognition and they recommended that he be
awarded Certificate of Merit.
Paul Stockwell was invited to return to the meeting and was advised of the Committee’s
decision concerning his rating.
The meeting then resumed in open session.
6.
STUDENT HARNESS & CONTAINER SYSTEM – INITIAL CLEARANCE REQUEST
A proposal from Andy Shaw (AR) together with supporting paperwork had been circulated with
the Agenda requesting that the Skywide Systems ‘Fire Student’ - Student Harness &
Container System be accepted for use.
Andy Shaw gave the meeting further details of his request and presented the equipment
concerned for inspection. He stated that all the equipment had been FAA TSO’d.
The Chair reported that himself and George Panagopoulos had previously inspected the
equipment and that the manufacturer concerned had addressed a number of issues that had
been identified by them at that time.
Kim Newton stated that she had some concerns with the reserve handle, which appeared to
have a smaller diameter metalwork, which could possibly cause a wear problem where the
cable is attached to the handle, which raised some doubts with her.
Following further consideration, it was proposed by Andy Shaw and seconded by Rick
Boardman that the Skywide Systems ‘Fire Student’ - Student Harness & Container System be
accepted for general use.
For: 6 (incl 1 x proxy)
Against: 1 (Kim Newton)
Abstention: 1 (Andy Shaw)
Carried
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7.
TANDEM HARNESS & CONTAINER SYSTEM – INITIAL CLEARANCE REQUEST
A proposal from Malcom Knox (AR) together with supporting paperwork had been circulated
with the Agenda requesting that the Relative Workshop Ex- Military Vector Wonderhog Dual
Container/ Tandem Harness system (serial no. 43482) be accepted for use.
The Committee noted that the paperwork previously circulated had not identified the specific
harness to be used with this particular container.
However, during inspection of the container & harness, which was presented to the meeting it
was noted that the harness in use with this particular container had been manufactured by
Aircare (Nicky Johnston). It was pointed out that the Aircare harness had never been accepted
for use with other containers. Therefore, the Committee could only deal with the particular
serial numbered container as presented.
During discussion, it was agreed by those present that any other (similarly modified ex-Military
Tandem Vector equipment) would only be accepted for use on an individual basis and that
anyone else wishing to obtain a similar clearance for other rigs would need to submit the
appropriate paperwork to the Riggers’ Sub-Committee for consideration.
Following further consideration, it was proposed by Malcom Knox (proxy) and seconded by
Pete Sizer that this specific Relative Workshop Ex-Military Tandem Vector II Wonderhog Dual
Container (serial no. 43482) be accepted for use.
For: 4 (incl 1 by proxy)
Against: 2
Abstentions: 2
Carried
The COO stated that he believed the Riggers’ Sub-Committee should look at the whole
system of accepting equipment, as in his opinion, it was not satisfactory for equipment to be
formally inspected around the table, as this should have been done already. He believed that
two independent ARs should conduct an initial assessment of the equipment prior to then
completing and submitting the appropriate paperwork for the Committee to consider.
It was agreed to include this as a main Agenda item for the next meeting.
During discussion on this item, Chris Gilmore commented that there is potential for confusion,
as many of the Tandem systems had been accepted for use without specific named canopies
and often the container manufacturers were not the canopy manufacturers. Some Tandem
systems were open to all reserve canopies, and some were not.
Chris reported that he was working on a draft document, which he outlined to those present,
and which was aimed at newly qualified Advanced Packers Tandem. He hoped this would
address some of these issues. He stated that he would initially liaise with other RE’s/ARs for
their thoughts and comments before putting forward a proposal for consideration.
The Chair then referred to correspondence from Bill Sharp, in which Bill had made reference
to a mandatory card system that some organisations have introduced for each individual
components (main, reserve, container etc), which accompanies the equipment. Only a certain
type of high up rating holder can initially inspect and issue appropriate cards/paperwork, which
‘licences’ the system. Any work carried out would then be noted on the individual cards, and if
the component is then sold, the relevant card goes with the sale.
The Committee gave due consideration to Bill’s comments, but Riggers present felt that as we
already had the Tandem mods website where approved Tandem parachute modifications are
listed, they felt that the system we had in place was adequate at this time.
During the discussion, it was suggested that perhaps in the future that for any Tandem
modifications that had been accepted by the Committee, that a copy of the relevant Minute
where details of the mod had been recorded be kept in the Tandem Equipment Main
Parachute Packing/Inspection Log (Blue Book), which accompanies individual Tandem main
canopies.
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8.
REQUEST TO HOST A BPA RIGGERS COURSE
A request for permission to run a BPA Rigging Course at UK Skydiving, Dunkeswell from the 19 –
23 December 2014 had been received from George Panagopoulos, a copy of which had been
circulated with the agenda.
Kim Newton reported that she would be examining on the first day of the Course and that Bill
Sharp would be examining on the rest of the Course.
It was proposed by George Panagopoulos (proxy) that the above request be accepted.
Carried Unanimously
9.
BPA RIGGERS’ SUB-COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE – ANNUAL REVIEW
The Chair reported that at the last meeting of each year, the BPA Rigger’s Sub-Committee
Terms of Reference would be reviewed and any proposed variations shall be subject to
approval by the Safety & Training Committee and ratified by Council to maintain consistency
across the Committees as applicable. A copy of the current BPA Riggers’ Sub-Committee
Terms of Reference was circulated with the Agenda for information.
The Chair asked that if anyone had a specific proposal to amend the Riggers’ Sub-Committee
Terms of Reference it would need to be submitted in a timely manner to be included on the
outgoing Agenda for consideration.
10.
ADVANCED PACKER COURSE REPORTS
i)
An Advanced Packers Tandem Upgrade Examination Course had been held at
Skydive Headcorn from the 10 – 13 September 2014. Pete Sizer had submitted a
Course report, a copy of which had been tabled to those present.
Simon Soper attended the Course and achieved the required standard to be awarded
Advanced Packer (Tandem) status.
ii)
An Advanced Packers Training Course had been held at Dunkeswell from the 30
September 2014 – 30 October 2014. Andy Shaw had submitted a Course Report, a
copy of which has been tabled to those present.
The Course was attended by Dylan Morris-Roberts who was advised to practise under
supervision in preparation for examination phase of the Course.
11.
.
BPA SAFETY NOTICES/INFORMATION BULLETINS
i)
A BPA Safety Notice (1/14) had been issued concerning Next / Next Century Tandem
loop wear.
All Next and Next Century Tandem reserve loops must be inspected every 50 jumps
+/- 10 jumps, or three months, whichever comes first
ii)
A BPA Safety Notice (2/14) had been issued concerning Vector Military (grey), MVT
canopies and AADs that had not been cleared for use in the UK.
iii)
A BPA Safety Notice (3/14) had been issued concerning Military Tandem Canopies
(XV400 – REV X30).
The manufacturer of this Tandem canopy has stated that they are NOT SAFE FOR
USE in Sport Tandem Environment and must not be used as main or reserve
canopies. These canopies are grounded with immediate effect.
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12.
MANUFACTURERS’ SAFETY NOTICES/INFORMATION BULLETINS
There had been no manufacturers’ safety notices or information bulletins received since the
last meeting.
13.
A.O.B.
i)
Pete Sizer had produced an update to the BPA Safety Notices/Information Index, a
copy of which had been tabled for information:
(1)
BPA SAFETY NOTICE INDEX
78. Next Tandem loop wear – inspect every 50 jumps
79. Vector Military (grey), MVT canopies and AADs
80. Military Tandem Canopies
(2)
SN1/14 29/9/14
SN2/14 29/9/14
SN3/14 29/9/14
BPA SAFETY INFORMATION INDEX
100. Loop wear on Tandem Next. SI1/14, 25/6/14
(15)
STRONG ENTERPRISES
33.
(24)
Only approved components to be used with Tandem Systems, SB34.
1/6/14
SUNPATH PRODUCTS
17. Skyhook RSL modification. PIN. 9/1/14
(43)
PARATEC
6.
7.
8.
ii)
Loop wear on Tandem Next.
SI1/14. 25/6/14
Only use authorised components, PSB 09.2014-01. 22/9/14
Next Tandem loop wear – inspect every 50 jumps, SN1/14.
29/9/14
The Chair reported on a malfunction/deployment incident report has been received since
the last meeting.
After tracking away from a 3-way and pulling his main parachute (Firebird Cayenne Light
150), the jumper concerned had a twist in the lines that he was able to clear. He then
pulled his slider down and got hold of the brake toggles. As he pulled down on both
toggles, he noticed the right one did not come away from the riser. Unfortunately the left
brake was already released and the canopy started to rotate. Because he was
concentrating on the problem he lost altitude awareness and as he didn’t have control of
the canopy, he initiated the cut way procedure at approximately 1,300ft.
The jumper concerned has since been in touch with the canopy manufacturer stating that
he believed the reason that caused the brake toggle to stick was the fact that the ‘finger
trapped’ portion of the brake line became trapped between grommet and the ‘hard’ part of
the toggle which is stowed on the riser causing the line to become trapped preventing the
toggle from releasing. The manufacturer replied to the jumper and included a photo
mock-up (attached to minutes) showing the correct and incorrect way to set the brake.
The manufactures have stated that they will, for future toggles, reduce the space between
the ring and the hard part, as a measure to prevent this type of incident from happening
again.
iii)
The Chair referred the Committee to the recently published Code of Practice for BPA
Instructors & Coaches (BPA Form 288), which he believed may contain information which
was relevant to Riggers and Packers.
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iv)
Pete Sizer reported that he would be running an AP Course from the 8 – 11 Dec 2014 at
Skydive Headcorn. He also planned to run another Course from the 2 – 5 February 2015
and stated that at this time he had two slots available on this particular Course.
Date of next Meeting:
Thursday 5 February 2015 at 4pm at the BPA Offices,
Glen Parva, Leicester
2 December 2014
PAPERWORK REQUIRING CIRCULATION WITH THE NEXT AGENDA MUST REACH THE BPA
OFFICE BY MONDAY 19 JANUARY 2015
Distribution:
Chairperson Riggers’ Sub-Committee, All CIs, All Riggers, Advanced Packers, Council, CAA
Editor – Skydive
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