Evaluation of failed webbing parachute strap

[administrator]

Here is a copy of the draft report produced by Lindsay Main, Manager, Aspiring Enterprises. CAA believe there is a significant issue with these parachutes and there are a number of issues which need to be addressed urgently. Some are listed in the report but I note the following in particular.

Retirement life – age in service
Storage – damp or wet conditions
Design – the ring attachment mentioned in the report
Design load – not designed for tandem gross weight, therefore operational weight must be restricted

As hang gliders are not required to be on the aircraft register they are not subject to the emergency parachute requirements of being TSO’d (a design standard), however considering the initial report on this parachute perhaps consideration of adopting a TSO or similar standard needs to be looked at.

I am concerned that pilots may be flying with a false sense of security regarding the parachutes in use.

Regards
Rex Kenny