March 21, 2012 6:11 pm   Posted by

BULLETIN: Apache Wingsuit

apache_cutaways

 

Apache suit owners,

Today in testing, we’ve found that the pull strength with the auxiliary handles we’ve shipped out recently on our Apache model wingsuit can be higher than the TSO standard.

We recommend you NOT use them.

Tony
Tonysuits

 

Recently two jumpers showed up at Skydive Elsinore with Tony Suits new Apache Wing. The suits came with auxiliary handles (Thumb loops) which attached to both the cutaway and reserve cables and were routed through slits made in the jumpsuit. This was designed as Tony Suits new Apache Wing-suit actually covered access to both the cutaway and reserve handles. *Please see attached Photos for reference.

This obviously posed concerns as it could of been a violation of the TSO testing which each rig manufacturer has to go through with the modification and usage of the Reserve Parachute.

More important than just regulation, is the possibility of the jumper being restricted from performing his or her emergency procedures!

When Elsinore staff pull tested the equipment they found that the pull test resulted in forces exceeding the TSO testing standards of 22 pounds. John Hamilton of Skydive Elsinore contacted Tony Uruagallo of Tony Suits and after sharing this information, he immediately conducted further testing himself and found the same results when the thumb loop were attached and issued the following statement:

Jumpers, please be on the lookout for anyone jumping Apache Wing Suits with the usage of Auxiliary Handles (Thumb loops) and advise them of the situation. There can be mods done on the Apache Wing-suits from the manufacturer or qualified rigger which places the handles in their original configuration and accessible to the outside of the wingsuit.

February 25, 2012 6:27 pm   Posted by

Help Karen climb the Stairs!

On April 28, 2012 one of our AFF Instructors, Karen Nepute, will be taking part in the Fight For Air Climb — held for the first time this year in Boise Idaho. She will set out to climb the stairwell in the U.S. Bank Plaza to raise awareness and funds for the American Lung Association. She is gathering donations to find treatments and cures for lung disease, to keep kids from smoking and to help smokers when they want to quit, and to protect our right to breathe clean air.

We are asking or your help. By making a contribution on Karen’s behalf, you will be helping the American Lung Association provide community-based education programs, fight for clean air standards and fund life-saving research.
Here is why she is climbing and why we are asking for your support:

  • Every day in the U.S., at least 10 people die from an asthma attack. Nearly one out of 10 Idaho children suffer from asthma. Help fund programs that teach kids how to manage their asthma so they can lead normal, healthy lives.
  • Lung cancer kills more than any other cancer. Provide desperately needed research to find a cure.
  • Tobacco addiction starts early: over 80% of adult daily smokers started smoking before they were 18. Fund programs that keep kids from starting to smoke and that help smokers to quit.

Our goal for her is to raise $1000.00. Please go to ClimbBoise.org and  make a $25, $50 or $100 gift — or any amount that you can. Choose the option to “sponsor a climber” and search for “Karen Nepute” - then follow the prompts to make your donation by credit card. If you prefer to donate by check, simply make it out to American Lung Association, Idaho and mail it to the address below – please include a note saying you are making a pledge to Karen Nepute for the Fight For Air Climb.
Fight for Air Climb – Idaho
c/o American Lung Association
2625 Third Avenue
Seattle, WA 98212-1213

The American Lung Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and is recognized nationally for its responsible management of donations: all gifts are tax deductible.

Please take a deep breath….and be thankful that you can. Millions of others suffer from lung disease daily and your support makes the everyday act of breathing that much easier for many people.

Together we can fight lung disease, prevent tobacco-related deaths, and protect our air.

See all >
March 21, 2012 6:11 pm   Posted by

BULLETIN: Apache Wingsuit

apache_cutaways

 

Apache suit owners,

Today in testing, we’ve found that the pull strength with the auxiliary handles we’ve shipped out recently on our Apache model wingsuit can be higher than the TSO standard.

We recommend you NOT use them.

Tony
Tonysuits

 

Recently two jumpers showed up at Skydive Elsinore with Tony Suits new Apache Wing. The suits came with auxiliary handles (Thumb loops) which attached to both the cutaway and reserve cables and were routed through slits made in the jumpsuit. This was designed as Tony Suits new Apache Wing-suit actually covered access to both the cutaway and reserve handles. *Please see attached Photos for reference.

This obviously posed concerns as it could of been a violation of the TSO testing which each rig manufacturer has to go through with the modification and usage of the Reserve Parachute.

More important than just regulation, is the possibility of the jumper being restricted from performing his or her emergency procedures!

When Elsinore staff pull tested the equipment they found that the pull test resulted in forces exceeding the TSO testing standards of 22 pounds. John Hamilton of Skydive Elsinore contacted Tony Uruagallo of Tony Suits and after sharing this information, he immediately conducted further testing himself and found the same results when the thumb loop were attached and issued the following statement:

Jumpers, please be on the lookout for anyone jumping Apache Wing Suits with the usage of Auxiliary Handles (Thumb loops) and advise them of the situation. There can be mods done on the Apache Wing-suits from the manufacturer or qualified rigger which places the handles in their original configuration and accessible to the outside of the wingsuit.

February 25, 2012 6:27 pm   Posted by

Help Karen climb the Stairs!

On April 28, 2012 one of our AFF Instructors, Karen Nepute, will be taking part in the Fight For Air Climb — held for the first time this year in Boise Idaho. She will set out to climb the stairwell in the U.S. Bank Plaza to raise awareness and funds for the American Lung Association. She is gathering donations to find treatments and cures for lung disease, to keep kids from smoking and to help smokers when they want to quit, and to protect our right to breathe clean air.

We are asking or your help. By making a contribution on Karen’s behalf, you will be helping the American Lung Association provide community-based education programs, fight for clean air standards and fund life-saving research.
Here is why she is climbing and why we are asking for your support:

  • Every day in the U.S., at least 10 people die from an asthma attack. Nearly one out of 10 Idaho children suffer from asthma. Help fund programs that teach kids how to manage their asthma so they can lead normal, healthy lives.
  • Lung cancer kills more than any other cancer. Provide desperately needed research to find a cure.
  • Tobacco addiction starts early: over 80% of adult daily smokers started smoking before they were 18. Fund programs that keep kids from starting to smoke and that help smokers to quit.

Our goal for her is to raise $1000.00. Please go to ClimbBoise.org and  make a $25, $50 or $100 gift — or any amount that you can. Choose the option to “sponsor a climber” and search for “Karen Nepute” - then follow the prompts to make your donation by credit card. If you prefer to donate by check, simply make it out to American Lung Association, Idaho and mail it to the address below – please include a note saying you are making a pledge to Karen Nepute for the Fight For Air Climb.
Fight for Air Climb – Idaho
c/o American Lung Association
2625 Third Avenue
Seattle, WA 98212-1213

The American Lung Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and is recognized nationally for its responsible management of donations: all gifts are tax deductible.

Please take a deep breath….and be thankful that you can. Millions of others suffer from lung disease daily and your support makes the everyday act of breathing that much easier for many people.

Together we can fight lung disease, prevent tobacco-related deaths, and protect our air.

See all >