ron@brl-vgr.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>) (04/13/84)
I just got this through ARMY channels: SAFETY ALERT: PARACHUTE, THREE-RING RELEASE: A Safety alert has been issued on a three-ring release mechanism, manufactured by Three-Ring, Inc., Deland Fla., and used on sport-type parachutes: as a result of experimental tests of commercial sport type parachutes which incorporate the three-ring release mechanism, a potential defect has been uncovered. Recent jumps have resulted in permanent deformation of the main harness ring which may prevent jettisoning of the main canopy in an emergency situation. At present the total extent of this problem is unknown. All parachutes which employ this release should be considered as a potential safety hazard and if unused, have the strength of the release rings verified before use, or if used, inspected 100 percent to determine if any permanent deformation has occurred. If deformation has occurred, the harness should not be used. All parachute systems employing hte three-ring releases using forged rings with markings RW-1-82 or RW-1-83 are grounded. Await disposition instructions from the parachute manufacturer and Three-Ring, Inc. -------- -Ron
alcmist@ssc-vax.UUCP (Frederick Wamsley) (04/17/84)
<even ibm fixes bugs *sometimes*>
more 3-ring info:
bill booth, who manufactures 3-ring release systems, has issued
instruction on how to deal with harnesses containing possibly defective
releases. the u.s. parachute association has publicized and approved his
recommended procedures.
-the circular bottom rings are safe (old style).
-square-bottom large rings stamped rw-1-81 and rw-1-84 are safe.
-rings stamped rw-1-82 and rw-1-83 should be pull-tested and/or
replaced. the jump shack is offering to do pull-testing, or you can
say the hell with it and replace them without testing them. booth
is making replacement rings available to harness manufacturers free.
i would recommend contacting the shop that built your rig to arrange
testing/repair.
if you know somebody with a machine shop--the testing *must* be
observed by a licensed senior or master rigger. get booth's instructions
on how to conduct the test.
fred wamsley
d-8844