are interchanged, the parachute rigger should follow the  canopy manufacturer’s instructions, as well as the parachute  container manufacturer’s instructions. However, the  container manufacturer’s instructions take precedence when  there is a conflict between the two.” In  Figure 5-2 , note the  bold print at the bottom of the page: “NO SUBSTITUTION  OF COMPONENT PARTS IS AUTHORIZED!” This  manufacturer specifically states that you cannot use anything  other than Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.  Substituting other parts places the rigger in violation of the  Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The rigger must make sure to have the latest revision of  the packing instructions, as well as any pertinent service  bulletins from the manufacturer or Airworthiness Directives  (AD) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration  (FAA). The rigger may have a set of packing instructions  that specifies a certain method for folding the canopy.  However, the manufacturer may have changed the method  and issued a revision to the manual or a complete new one.  If the rigger is not completely sure that he or she has the  latest information, then it is time to use the most valuable  tool in their inventory—the telephone. A quick call to the  manufacturer is all it takes to get the latest information. Most  manufacturers publish their service bulletins in hard copy  format and on their website. In addition, the Parachute Industry Association (PIA) also  has a listing of service bulletins at www.pia.com. It is  most important that all riggers make an effort to maintain  a comprehensive library of packing instructions and their  associated service bulletins. Under Title 14 of the Code of  Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, section 65.129(e),  the certificated rigger may not “pack, maintain, or alter  a parachute in any manner that deviates from procedures  approved by the Administrator or the manufacturer of the  parachute.” In addition, 14 CFR part 65, section 65.129(f),  also states that the certificated rigger may not “exercise  the privileges of his certificate and type rating unless he  understands the current manufacturer’s instructions for the  operation involved.” Once the rigger has all of the current manuals and  information, the inspection can continue. This covers not just  the canopy but also the entire assembly. In addition to looking  for damage or contamination to the system, the rigger must  make sure that all of the component parts are compatible and  approved by the manufacturer.  Figure 5-2  shows a sample  parts list for a typical sport parachute, having dual parachutes  in a single-harness system (a piggyback). This parts list  delineates exactly what parts are used in the assembly of the  system. The rigger should check each component part and its  identifying label or stamp against the parts list. Mismatched  component parts are among the most frequent problems  found in the field. Many riggers are under the impression  they can freely interchange component parts, but this may be  done only within certain limits. Paragraph 11(a) of Advisory  Circular (AC) 105-2, Sport Parachute Jumping, states: “The  assembly or mating of approved parachute components from  different manufacturers may be made by a certificated and  appropriately-rated parachute rigger or parachute loft in  accordance with the parachute manufacturer’s instructions  and without further authorization by the manufacturer or  the FAA. Specifically, when various parachute components  However, imagine one ripcord is 27 inches overall and is  used in a system that is approved under Technical Standard  Order (TSO) C-23b and is rated at 300 pounds. Another  ripcord is 28 inches overall and is used in a system approved  under TSO C-23c and is rated at 600 pounds for use with a  Reserve Static Line (RSL) installation. The problem here is  the mating of different TSO standard components. Installing  the first ripcord in the second container with an RSL lanyard  may be degrading the safety aspect of the system. So how  does the rigger tell which is which? The ripcord approved  under TSO C-23b has minimal markings, perhaps only a  A common problem found in the field concerns reserve  ripcords. Several manufacturers of sport rigs use a one-pin  ripcord with a mini trapezoidal handle and a cable length  27–29 inches long. Depending on the actual container it  goes into, it is possible to use one manufacturer’s ripcord in  another container as long as the rigger feels there is sufficient  excess cable for safety reasons. Component Compatibility Figure 5-2.  Sample parts list. Sample Parts List NO SUBSTITUTION OF COMPONENT PARTS IS AUTHORIZED! Quantity Description Part number 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 6111-(4) 4111-(4) 5115-(3) 2237-( ) 2119-( ) 2911-(2) 2511-(3)/2515-( ) 2611-(2) 2913-(4) 2913-(7) 2421-(3) 2621-(5)a 2521-( ) 2129-( ) 2241-( ) 2242-( ) 2323-(1) 2323-(2) 2811-(8) 1311-(4) Harness/container assembly Container assembly Harness assembly Stealth reserve pilot chute Square reserve freebag and bridle Safety stow loop Reserve ripcord Reserve steering toggles Reserve closing loop Main closing loop Main risers Main toggles 3-ring release handle Main deployment bag Main pilot chute T.O.P. P. O . P. Main bridle T.O.P. - Kill line T.O.P. - Kill line RSL lanyard Owner’s manual and registration card 5-4