AD/Para/15 VEGA 120 Type Reserve Canopy (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Parachute Equipment

AD/PARA/15 VEGA 120 Type Reserve Canopy 12/2005 DM

Applicability:

VEGA 120 type reserve canopies manufactured by the PARACHUTE SHOP company.

Requirement:

Remove VEGA 120 type reserve canopies from service.

Note:  DGAC AD F-2005-169 refers.

Compliance:

As of the effective date of this Directive.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 October 2005.

Background:

During an emergency application of a VEGA 120 type reserve canopy, the parachutist noticed a tear starting from the trailing edge.  A safe landing was accomplished despite the parachute damage.   This was the first use of this canopy, and the parachutist weighed only 50kg.  Further DGAC action is anticipated.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

10 October 2005