AD/Para/18 VIGIL Parachute Automatic Activation Device (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/18 VIGIL Parachute Automatic Activation Device 7/2008 TX

Applicability:

All reserve parachute harness containers equipped with a VIGIL automatic activation device, manufactured by Advanced Aerospace Designs (AAD).

Requirement:

Check the VIGIL automatic activation device manufacture date on the manufacturer (AAD) identity card.

If the date is 1 August 2006 or earlier, remove the VIGIL automatic activation device from the harness container and quarantine the device.

If the date is later than 1 August 2006, check that the VIGIL automatic activation device cutter is made of stainless steel and the hole has got a vinyl sleeve.  If not, replace the selector and the closing loop.  This replacement must be with parts supplied by AAD, and must be performed by a qualified, approved person.

Record the above actions in the parachute logbook.

Note:  DGAC Emergency AD UF-2008-005 refers.

Compliance:

Before further use after 23 May 2008.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 23 May 2008.

Background:

The DGAC received reports of reserve parachute harness containers equipped with the activation device not opening during a parachute jump and unpredictable opening on the ground.  This situation could lead to a catastrophic result in the case of an opening within the dispatching aircraft or during a parachute jump.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

22 May 2008