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QUASAR II SERVICE BULLETIN #26
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ISSUE DATE: April 18, 2007 - Posted Thu Apr 19 2007
SUBJECT: Quasar II, P/N115100, Quasar II Trainer P/N115102, Military Quasar II P/N 115103.
Quasar II Reserve pilot chute launch under conditions with main canopy still in main container.
IDENTIFICATION: All Quasar II harness/container systems. Including both Quasar IIs with ?Flinger/PRO? (Positive Reserve Opening) assembly installed as original installation or modification, and those without.
STATUS: Mandatory removal of ?Flinger?/PRO assembly and replacement of inner sub-flap with pilot chute Base Plate and pilot chute before next jump.
BACKGROUND: Recent on-the-ground activations of several Quasar II reserve containers with the main canopy still in the container, showed slow or impeded pilot chute activation. There have been no reports of in-air incidents. Repeated tests with the main tray open and riser covers off (simulating an open main to reserve cutaway), resulted in clean reserve pilot chute deployments clearing the reserve container. Further testing revealed the steel ?Flinger?/PRO assembly may take a set beyond the designed acceptable range, restricting movement of the side flaps and reserve pilot chute.
SERVICE BULLETIN: As a precautionary measure, Strong Enterprises requests that all Quasar II systems be returned to Strong Enterprises for modification, that includes:
- Removal of the steel ?Flinger?/PRO assembly.
- Top sub-flap replacement (improved with a Base Plate.)
- Pilot chute replacement.
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TANDEM SERVICE BULLETIN #24
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(Download Appendix M PDF file 244kb)
STATUS: Mandatory x
COMPLIANCE DATE: June 2, 2006
IDENTIFICATION: (TICC) Training Syllabus, Appendix M, PN 590011 Rev L
Dual Hawk Passenger Harness, PN 240075-4
BACKGROUND: Strong Enterprises started tandem parachuting in 1983, developed,TSO’d and has marketed the Dual Hawk Tandem system since 1985. Tandem jumping is the most popular method of providing a skydive to people interested in experiencing the sport. Presently there have been over 2,000 Dual Hawk Tandem Systems manufactured and sold thought the world. There are over 4,300 registered Tandem Instructors certified to use the Dual Hawk Tandem System. It is estimated that there have been over 2 million tandem jumps made on the Dual Hawk tandem System.Although there have been parachute malfunctions and canopy damage, there has been no incidents or reports of harness (student/passenger or instructor harness) failure. A recent (May 27, 2006) tandem passenger fatality, in which the student/passenger slipped out of the harness backwards between the back diagonal straps and the horizontal back strap during main canopy deployment has led to this Service Bulletin.
FACTORS: This specific accident involves a 5’4” female student/passenger thatweighted 230 lbs. The Tandem Instructor was 5’11” and 145 lbs. Ground video footage verifies that the harness was not properly adjusted and extremely loose on the student/passenger before boarding the aircraft. Video footage of the drogue fall shows the student/passenger’s horizontal back strap was located under at least one leg strap (between the leg strap and the passengers leg), not around the lower back as intended. Also, the main lift webs, diagonal back straps and lower attachment points from the tandem instructor to the student/passenger harness are all out to the maximum length.
SERVICE BULLETIN: It is important for Tandem Instructors to know that they are ultimately the responsible person for all aspects of the tandem jump. They are responsible to assure a proper fit ofthe harness, it’s comfort and safety as well as the entire performance of the tandem jump for themselves and the student/passenger. The procedure of fitting the harness must be accomplished on the ground, where adjustments in proper harness fit can comfortably be made, thoroughly checked and verified, before boarding the aircraft.
Each and every current Strong Tandem Instructor should review the Dual Hawk Tandem Service Manual (DHT) Rev. L, Appendix M, to re-familiarize themselves with instructions for fitting the Passenger Harness PN 240075-4 to the student/passenger. These instructions are attached to this Bulletin.
It is also important for Drop Zone management to establish guidelines of any physical or mental limitations for evaluating potential tandem student/passengers to as certain that they are capable of being able to provide a safe and comfortable tandem parachute jump within these parameters.
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PRODUCT SERVICE BULLETIN (Download PDF file 8kb)
#24, October 2001
ITEM: Dual Hawk Tandem 20.5’ Flex Pin Replacement
STATUS: Mandatory
INDENTIFICATION: Dual Hawk Tandem 20.5” Flex Pin Part No. 780019 used on 2
loop closing system. Manufactured from 24 August, 2000 to 26 October 2001.
BACKGROUND: Strong Enterprises has found some Flex Pins that have cable strands
nicked at the swedge during manufacture. Frayed or nicked strands of cable are difficult
to see under the swedge and heat shrink tubing.
There has been one report of the cable broken at time of main packing.
If the flex pin fails at drogue release, it could cause a drogue in tow malfunction.
As a precaution Strong Enterprises is sending replacement 20.5” flex pins to all Dual
Hawk Tandem owners on record who are using the 2-pin closing loop system.
SERVICE BULLETIN: All 20.5” flex Pins manufactured from 24 August, 2000 to 26
October 2001 will be replaced at no charge with new 20.5” flex pins identified with clear
heat shrink tubing over the swedge. The replacement flex pins can be easily installed
by removing the older (black shrink tubing) flex pin. Installation time takes approximately
two minutes and should be done before the next jump. Free replacement flex pins are
enclosed with this Service Bulletin. Please return the old Flex Pins to Strong Enterprises.
QUALIFIED PERONNEL: Rigger, Packer, or Tandem Instructor.
DISTRIBUTION: Mailing to all Dual Hawk Owners who have:
a) Purchased Dual Hawk Tandem systems with 2-loop closing system. PN 103002
b) Purchased 2-loop closing system as an installation kit. PN 480055
c) Owners who have received additional 20.5” flex pins as replacements. PN 780019
d) Received replacement Drogues. PN 480026
e) Sent gear to Strong for repair and received updated containers PN 099230
f) Sent a drogue to Strong for repair and received update PN 099418
AUTHORITY: Ted Strong, President, Strong Enterprises
PSB #500101
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#23, September 09, 1997
ITEM: Disconnection of the RSL
STATUS: Compliance optional.
IDENTIFICATION: Dual Hawk Tandem Systems: PN 103000 through 103005 (Dwg. No. 1151). All serial numbers.
BACKGROUND: Through the development of tandem jumping equipment, the integration of an reserve lanyard system (RSL) has been both required and beneficial. In recent years the addition of a Cypres AAD and since 1 November, 1994, the requirement of the Cypres has made the requirement of an RSL less critical. A recent tandem accident is in part attributed to the RSL.
SERVICE BULLETIN: Disconnecting the Dual Hawk Tandem RSL is now authorized by Strong Enterprises. Complete removal of the RSL is not necessary. Disconnect; the RSL by opening the shackle, removing the yellow RSL webbing and folding it back up 3 to 4 inches under the Velcro¨ reserve riser cover flap. It is important for Tandem Instructors that will be using the Dual Hawk Tandem System with the RSL disconnected to review emergency reserve procedures. Procedures should incorporate touching all handles in sequence (drogue release handle, cut-away handle, reserve ripcord) as soon as the drogue is deployed. This should be performed on each and every tandem jump. It is also equally important that verification is performed before each jump that the Cypres AAD unit is turned on.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Equipment owner, Strong Enterprises Tandem Instructor, Senior or Master Rigger or foreign equivalent.
COMPLIANCE DATE: Not applicable.
DISTRIBUTION: All Dual Hawk Tandem System owners on record, national aero clubs, PIA, USPA, Parachutist, Skydiving, www.StrongParachutes.com.
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#22, February 20, 1997
ITEM: A) Dual Hawk Tandem, Use of Unapproved Components B) Dual Hawk Tandem Service Life
STATUS: Mandatory compliance.
IDENTIFICATION: Dual Hawk Tandem Systems; PN 103000 through 103005 (Dwg No. 1151 & 68E10001).
BACKGROUND: A) Strong Enterprises has determined that Dual Hawk Tandem Systems with components not approved by Strong Enterprises present a hazard that is not acceptable for tandem jumping. B) The rapid improvements of the Dual Hawk Tandem System have shown considerable safety enhancements. It is also evident that most systems older than eight years have considerable wear and deterioration with loss of performance and could pose a threat to the users.
SERVICE BULLETIN: A) Only components approved by Strong Enterprises may be used on the Dual Hawk Tandem System for tandem jumping. B) All Dual Hawk Tandem Systems shall have a service life of eight years from date of manufacture or be returned to Strong Enterprises for reinspection and recertification. It may then be placed back into service for five years. This service bulletin does not change the requirements for periodic inspections and maintenance as outlined in the FAA Exemption or manufacturers instructions.
DISTRIBUTION: All Dual Hawk Tandem System owners, national aero clubs, PIA, USPA, Skydiving, Parachutist.
BULLETIN 22 EXPLANATION: Strong Enterprises has taken a proactive step to ensure public safety and the safety of our certified tandem instructors by issuing Service Bulletin 22 on 20 February 1997 (attached). The purpose of Bulletin 22 is to assure that Dual Hawk Systems more than 8 years old are still safe to use, and components that Strong Enterprises has not tested or approved as being compatible are not being used in these systems. Dual Hawk Tandem Systems that are not in compliance with Bulletin 22 are considered by Strong Enterprises to be un-airworthy. Therefore, the TSO on that system is void and any tandem jumps made on these systems are made in violation of FAR 105.43 (a). Any Strong Enterprises certified tandem instructor who enters into an aircraft with the intention of making a tandem jump, and the Dual Hawk System he intends using on that jump is not in compliance with Strong Enterprises Bulletin 22, has automatically voided his Strong Enterprises tandem instructor certification and that jump will be made in violation of FAR 105.43 (a) and Strong Enterprises' tandem exemption. The appropriate FAA FSDO offices will be notified of the serial number, location, and owner of all Dual Hawk Tandem Systems that are not in compliance with Bulletin 22. In consideration of the liability exposure of USPA, a copy of notices related to Bulletin 22 will be forwarded to USPA. Compliance with Bulletin 22 is quite simple: 1. Use only manufacturer approved components in your Dual Hawk system. 2. If a Dual Hawk system is more than 8 years old, return it to Strong Enterprises for inspection, refurbishing if needed, and recertification as airworthy. Recertified components are marked: 1. Hrn/con.: Labels sewn on the horizontal back strap of the passenger hrn., inside the main container, and on the front left reserve riser. 2. The main and reserve canopies: A label sewn onto the tail seam. Bill Morrissey Tandem Program Director.
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#21, March 22, 1996
ITEM: Dual Hawk Tandem Main Riser Replacement
STATUS: Mandatory to replace risers manufactured between 01 June 1994 and 31 July 1995. Recommended replacement of risers manufactured prior to 01 June 1994.
IDENTIFICATION: Strong Enterprises Type VII main risers on Dual Hawk Tandem systems: Part No. 834606 (Master 425 main); and Part No. 834607 (T-520 main) manufactured between 01 January 1994 and 31 July 1995.
BACKGROUND: Several users have reported middle rings that literally broke (separated from the riser and were lost on opening), and several that were deformed (either elongated or "potato chipped"). Investigation revealed that our vendor (D.J. Assoc.) supplied middle rings which, although dimensionally identical, were machined instead of forged, and therefore not as strong. Visually, the two types may not be reliably distinguished from each other.
SERVICE BULLETIN: All Strong Enterprises tandem risers manufactured between 01 June 1994 and 31 July 1995 will be replaced (at no charge to the owners) with new risers utilizing forged rings. The replacement risers will be easily identified by their larger, heavy-duty rings (the larger ring is approx. 1.165ä [300mm] ID and 0.180ä [60 mm] thick) and the label will identify the riser as part no. 834608. Free replacement riser sets are available from Strong Enterprises upon request as production permits. Canopy serial number must be provided and the original risers must be returned to Strong Enterprises. Strong Enterprises recommends that all other tandem main risers manufactured before March 1996 be replaced with the heavy-ring risers made after 01 March '96. As an inducement, Strong will offer these new risers at $90.00 per pair until 01 Sept. 1996. QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Senior parachute rigger or foreign equivalent. COMPLIANCE DATE: Before 01 September 1996.
DISTRIBUTION: DHT owners on record, national aero clubs, PIA, USPA, Skydiving, Parachutist.
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#20, May 04, 1995
ITEM: Stellar Reserve Canopy Recall
STATUS: Mandatory.
IDENTIFICATION: All Strong Enterprises Stellar ram-air reserve canopies manufactured prior to 01 May 1995; these include part nos. 430120, 430140, 430160, 430180, 430200, 430220 and 430240.
BACKGROUND: The bonding on some suspension lines (not control lines) may cause the lines to stick together. Although TSO "freeze and bake" environmental tests were performed without problem, field experience has made us rethink the use of this line.
SERVICE BULLETIN: All canopies will have their current lines replaced with unbonded lines at no charge to the owner. Converted canopies will have their data panels permanently marked "Service Bulletin 20 complied," and bulletin compliance will be logged on the data card. You may elect either of the following: (1) Return canopy prepaid to factory for line replacement; we will reimburse shipping cost. We will include repack at no charge if complete rig is sent. We will return canopy the same way you send it to us (UPS, airfreight, etc.) or you may pay the difference to expedite delivery. We anticipate 3 day turn-arounds. "OR" (2) Free replacement line sets and instructions are available from Strong Enterprises upon request (with serial number). We will reimburse owner $100 upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of installation and repack.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Master parachute rigger or foreign equivalent.
COMPLIANCE DATE: By June 10, 1995.
DISTRIBUTION: Owners on record, national aero clubs, FAA, PIA, USPA, Skydiving, Parachutist.
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#19, November 01, 1994
ITEM: Dual Hawk Tandem Updates Manadated
STATUS: Mandatory.
IDENTIFICATION: Strong Enterprises Dual Hawk Tandem part no. 1165-4 (TSO label references SE assembly drawing No. 1151).
BACKGROUND: This bulletin mandates five updates that were previously recommendations. SERVICE BULLETIN: Inspect all Dual Hawk Tandems for compliance and unless previously updated, make the following changes in accordance with instructions available from Strong Enterprises: (1) Replace yellow-cable cutaway handle with breakaway drogue release PN 862020. (Ref. 3/13/94 addendum to DHT Manual and Tandem Jumping #15, Feb. '94.) (2) Change type VIII main risers to type VII main risers. (Ref. Tandem News #14, March '93.) (3) Change reserve free bag from light blue bag with nitrile O-rings or rubber bands to orange bag PN 730324 with bungee stows and plastic chokers. (Ref. Tandem News #7, Jan. '91; NOTE: This bulletin cancels Service Bulletin #10.) (4) Modify Master reserve canopies manufactured prior to 10 Sept. 1990 by adding reinforcing tape across tail. Canopies not previously updated will have stabilizers that stop about 1 1/2" short of the tail, while updated units will have the stabilizers sewn directly to the tail. (5) Install Cypres AAD. (Ref. Tandem News #12, May/June '92 & TN #16, Aug '94.)
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Master parachute rigger or foreign equivalent.
COMPLIANCE DATE: Cypres installation by 01 July 1995; other four items by 01 January 1995.
DISTRIBUTION: DHT owners/operators on record, national aero clubs, PIA, USPA, Skydiving, Parachutist.
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#18, May 26, 1994
ITEM: Reserve ripcords with Soldered Tips On Cable Extensions
STATUS: Advisory.
IDENTIFICATION: Two-cable reserve ripcords, Part No. 611290S (Martin-Baker handle) or 613290S (Mini-Dee handle), with cables extending beyond the pin designed for use Automatic Activation Devices. This bulletin applies only to those cables that have the tip of the cable extension soldered, and does not apply to those cables with electrically fused tips nor to those that have ball swages on the tips. These ripcords are generally used with with large-hole Y-adapters and may be found on Strong Enterprises Mini-Hawk/Student Hawk, part no. 1165-3 (referenced inside the reserve cover flap as assembled in accordance with SE drawing no. 1152).
BACKGROUND: To be compatible with AAD's, the original reserve ripcord design was reconfigured with cables that extended beyond the tip of each pin and terminated with a ball swage. This was later manufactured without the ball, using solder to seal the cut ends of the steel cables. The process of de-greasing, fluxing, soldering and cleaning the cable may cause accelerated oxidation which may cause increased friction between the ripcord pin and the closing loop resulting in excessive pull force requirements, ie, "hard pulls."
SERVICE BULLETIN: Visually inspect the last 2 inches of each cable for signs of corrosion. If any is found, wipe clean with cloth rag. If owner desires, Strong Enterprises will, prior to 01 January 1995, exchange original ripcord with new electrically severed unit (exempt from this bulletin) at no charge beyond the inbound shipping.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Senior or Master parachute rigger, or owner.
COMPLIANCE DATE: Inspect at each reserve repack.
DISTRIBUTION: Registered owners, PIA, USPA, Skydiving, Parachutist.
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#17, March 11, 1994
ITEM: StiffinerTo Reinforce CYPRES AAD
STATUS: Recommended.
IDENTIFICATION: Strong Enterprises Dual Hawk Tandem, part no. 11 65-4 (TSO tag references S. E. assembly drawing 1 1 51), which have an Airtec CYPRES automatic actuation device installed.
BACKGROUND: At a local drop zone, a Tandem Cypres was nonfunctional. In repacking the reserve, the Cypres was found to be broken in half. The drop zone has three Dual Hawks with Cypreses that have been in service for two years. Their other units were fine. It is believed that pressure and vibration from the harness backstraps under the reserve stressed the casing. We have found cracks may occur on either side of the case on the mold line where the three sections of the case join, or separation may occur along this mold line. Some new, unused units have been found to have cracks in the casing, one crack occurred while putting a new Cypres into its pocket. According to Airtec, the metal casing inside the plastic casing was slightly too big on some units, but the problem has been resolved.
SERVICE BULLETIN: Visually inspect the Cypres case for cracks. According to Airlec, if the crack is not too bad, you can leave it like it is and continue using the unit--the crack does not affect the function and safety of the unit. Reinforce units with a stiffener supplied by Strong Enterprises: Position stiffener plate over the data panel of the Cypres and wrap photographer's "gaffer's tape" or duct tape (or equal) tightly around the stiffener and AAD at both ends of the stiffener (across the width of the Cypress).
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Senior or master parachute rigger or foreign equal. COMPLIANCE DATE: At next reserve repack.
DISTRIBUTION: DHT owners, Tandem Newsletter, PIA, Parachutist, Skydiver Magazine.
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#16, JULY 15, 1992
ITEM: Specific Tandem 3-D Rings Grounded
STATUS: Mandatory. Affected 3-D rings must be replaced by Strong Enterprises before next jump.
IDENTIFICATION: Instructor harnesses of following Dual Hawk Tandem Systems, PN 1165-4 (Ref: assembly drawing 1151): Serial numbers 107067-206098 Manufactured between July 1991-June 1992. Except those with replaced rings which have a lot number stamped on the front of the 3-D ring.
PROBLEM BACKGROUND: We have discovered two 3-D Rings from this lot of hardware that deformed because they were not hardened (tempered) properly. As a matter of precaution, we will replace the 3-D rings on the affected Dual Hawks.
REQUIRED ACTION: Check serial number and date of manufacture. Stop using the affected equipment immediately. Remove the handles and reserve. Send the harness/container assembly to Strong Enterprises prepaid. The replacement of the rings and shipping both ways will be free of charge if returned to Strong Enterprises by October 1, 1992. We will return equipment via the same carrier and priority. We anticipate a turn-around time of 2 weeks maximum.
AUTHORITY: Address all inquiries to our Tandem Department.
DISTRIBUTION: Registered owners by serial number, DHT Examiners, parachute publications, FAA.
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#15, January 08, 1992
ITEM: Drogue Bridle Reinforcement Stitching
STATUS: Mandatory.
IDENTIFICATION: Strong Enterprises main drogue, part no. 480016, serial numbers: 109809-109917, manufactured Sept. 1-Dec. 24, 1991, and those that have had factory drogue canopy or bridle replacements during the same time period.
BACKGROUND: We have experienced one in-flight drogue failure resulting in main pack closure, with successful reserve ride. SERVICE BULLETIN: Add two rows of ziz-zag stitching at top of kevlar bridle, per attached drawing. QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Owner, senior, master parachute rigger or parachute loft.
COMPLIANCE DATE: Immediately, prior to next jump.
DISTRIBUTION: Specific DHT owners of record, customers.
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#14, November 14, 1991
ITEM: Tandem Main Riser Damage
STATUS: Required.
IDENTIFICATION: Strong Enterprises main risers, made of type VIII webbing, on Dual Hawk Tandem systems installed on: Master main canopy, part no. 410064,(prior to serial number 495, manufactured August 25, 1991); or T-500/T-520 main canopies, part no. 410076/410075 (prior to serial number 112, manufactured August 25, 1991). (Click on illustration for a larger view.)
BACKGROUND: Over the last four months Strong Enterprises has received notification of several main risers failing. The manufacturing dates on these risers span several years. All failures have occurred at the toggle pocket location on the rear riser. SEE SKETCH: Because neither age nor number of jumps is a reliable gauge, it is not possible to determine ahead of time when a failure might occur.
SERVICE BULLETIN: Please notify us by returning the enclosed postcard with the information requested . Upon receipt of this information we will send you a new pair of main risers so you can exchange them with the pair presently on your canopy. The old pair needs to be returned to Strong Enterprises.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Senior or Master parachute rigger or parachute loft. COMPLIANCE DATE: Required compliance by January 2, 1992.
DISTRIBUTION: Dual Hawk Tandem owners.
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#13, July 09,1991
ITEM: Defective Slider Stops
STATUS: Mandatory.
IDENTIFICATION: All ram-air main and reserve parachute canopies manufactured by Strong Enterprises prior to July 1, 1991.
BACKGROUND: A total of three canopies have been reported with slider stops "out of round" i.e. having a flat side, potentially allowing a slider grommet to pass over the stop and hang up causing a streamer malfunction.
SERVICE BULLETIN: This is a one-time inspection. Unpack the canopy and use your fingers to feel the slider stop discs (six per canopy) at the lower edge of the stabilizer panels, Any disc with a detectable "flat" side must be replaced and reported to Strong. Free replacement stops are available upon request (with serial number). Permanently mark the outside of each slider stop pocket with "INSP" or similar, and log bulletin compliance on the data card.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Reserve canopy: Senior or Master parachute rigger with back rating or parachute loft with canopy rating; must log inspection compliance on data card. Main canopy: Owner or rigger. COMPLIANCE DATE: Immediate; prior to next jump.
DISTRIBUTION: USPA, PIA, Skydiving, Parachutist, Para Newsbrief, Tandem Newsletter, Strong Dealers, USPA affiliated Drop Zones, Tandem Owners.
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#12, December 07, 1990
ITEM: Dual Hawk Drogue Bridle Pin Location
IDENTIFICATION: Six-gore drogue part no. 480016 with 1 1/2-inch wide Kevlar bridle, manufactured before November 1990; used on Strong Enterprises Dual Tandem Hawk. This bulletin does not affect the Student Hawk solo drogue, PN 480017.
BACKGROUND: Pin too close to ring may cause premature openings; pin too close to bag creates potential for drogue-in-tow.
SERVICE BULLETIN: Measure the distance from the confluence wrap to the eye of the pin (Dimension A on attached drawing). Also measure the distance from the eye of the pin to the close edge of the forged ring (Dimension B). If Dimension A is 3 inches (76 mm) or more and Dimension B is 15 inches (380 mm) or more, then continue to use drogue "as is." If Dimension A is more than 3 1/8 inches (79 mm) and Dim. B is less than 15", move the type IV tape and pin toward the "bag" end of the bridle so Dimension A is 3 inches - 0, +1/8 (76-79 mm). Note that Dimension B may be less than 15 inches (380 mm) after modification; this is acceptable. Mark "-2" and the date of modification on the underside of the type IV tape to indicate compliance. QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: Master parachute rigger or parachute loft.
COMPLIANCE DATE: Inspection is recommended prior to next jump; modification, if necessary, should be accomplished within 120 days.
AUTHORITY/FFI: Bill Morrissey Tandem Department Strong Enterprises 11236 Satellite Blvd. Orlando, FL 32837 Tele. (407) 859-9317 FAX (407) 850-6978
DISTRIBUTION: Tandem Owners, Tandem News.
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#11, May 16, 1988
ITEM: Dual Hawk Tandem Drogue Riser
PROBLEM: If the hook velcro on the drogue riser protector flap is facing towards the cables, then any unmated portion of the hook velcro could catch on the ends of the cloth through loop.
We have found that even a small amount of tension from the hook velcro can prevent the release of the rings and drogue.
NORMAL CONFIGURATION: When the ripcord protector flap is closed over the ripcord cables, the hook velcro should be facing away from the cables.
SOLUTION: For any drogue risers found with the hook velcro facing towards the ripcord cables, remove the velcro and reinstall it with the hook facing away from the ripcord cables when the ripcord protector flap is closed. If it is not possible to change the velcro before the next jump, then when inspecting the ripcord cables, make sure the protector flap velcro is completely mated. |
