Sunpath SB 03032000

SERVICE BULLETIN

DATE: March 03, 2000
SERVICE BULLETIN # SPSB: 03032000
SUBJECT: CLOSING LOOP RETAINER MODIFICATION
STATUS: MANDATORY

IDENTIFICATION:
Javelin Harness and Container Assemblies: All Sizes manufactured during August 1993 and earlier.

BACKGROUND:
A small diameter suspension line got caught under the grommet on the main closing loop retainer of a Javelin Harness and Container Assembly and resulted in a fatality. The retainer in the main container pack tray of the above mentioned assemblies is installed in such a way that the closing loop grommet faces the main deployment bag when packed. Small diameter main canopy suspension lines (similar to Microline 550 and Vectran 500) could get caught around the grommet and may result in a reserve being deployed into a cutaway yet still attached main canopy.

SERVICE BULLETIN:
The grommet on the affected closing loop retainer should be shielded from any interaction with the main canopy suspension lines, during stowage or depoyment of the main canopy. The recommended method of shielding the grommet is addressed in the attached pictures and explanation.

COMPLIANCE DATE:
Before the next jump.

AUTHORITY:
Derek Thomas, President
Sun Path Products, Inc.
4439 Skydive Lane, Zepherhills, FL 33540
Telephone: (813) 782-9242
Fax: (813) 788-3057
Email: info@sunpath.com

DISTRIBUTION:

1. All registered owners affected by the Service Bulletin
2. All Sun Path Products, Inc dealers
3. PIA Technical Committee
4. IPC Technical Committee
5. FAA ORL MIDO
6. All parachuting publications
7. National Aero Clubs, Parachuting Section
8. Sun Path Products, Inc
9. All FAA riggers

	1. Existing closing loop retainer on rigs manufactured prior to and including August 1993. NOTE: This modification is to be carried out by suitably qualified riggers. CAUTION: BE CAREFUL NOT TO STITCH THROUGH ANYTHING BUT THE CLOSING LOOP RETAINER ITSELF!
	2. Fold exposed grommet on loop retainer back on itself (i.e. toward the reserve container and get the folded over edge as close as possible to the point of contact with the reserve). Recommended tacking thread to be used is: Waxed 5 cord, Super tack Type-1 - Size 2, Lite Super Tack Type 1 - Size 3. Begin hand tacking the closing loop retainer from the inside of the fold over (this is to end up with the knot on the hand tacking unexposed upon completion) and make (5) five continuous looping stitches from one side to the other. Refer to Figure 3 for the reverse view of the stitching pattern.
	3. Reverse side view of Figure 2. Pull each revolution of hand tacking tight to ensure a secure stitch pattern.
	4. Continue with stitching pattern and return back to start point completing a total of (9) nine looping stitches. Both ends of the hand tacking thread should now be on the same side of the closing loop retainer. Remeber to end the last hand tack on the inside of the fold over. Pull each revolution of hand tacking tight to ensure a secure stitch pattern.
	5. Reverse view of Figure 4.
	6. Tie off both ends of thread with a surgeons knot (refer to Poynter's Parachute Manual Volume 1).
	7. Twist Ends of waxed thread together and trim at 1 1/2 inch. Fold trimmed waxed ends in between the layers of the Closing Loop Retainer.
	8. Finished stitching view grommet side now facing reserve container showing closing loop installed.
	9. Finished stitching view of reverse side of Figure 8. Refer to Figure 1 to ensure that the grommet on the closing loop retainer now faces in the opposite direction (i.e. toward the reserve container). Modification to be recorded on the Reserve Packing Data Card as follows: SPSB 001, Date, Rigger's Certificate Number and Signature NOTE: Modification to be periodically inspected. After completing the modification, the closing loop length will need to be adjusted to compensate for the shortening of the closing loop retainer.