AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE AD/PARA/18 VIGIL Parachute Automatic Activation Device 7/2008 TX click here

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 cutter 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.