
Click on the service listed at the right or scroll down below for a full description and price. Normal turnaround time for all services is five business days. Immediate or weekend rigging service is available as time allows. Download the ChutingStar Service Order Form on the right when shipping your rigging work to us.
• ASSEMBLY & REPACKS:
- Reserve canopy/container inspection and repack
The reserve canopy/container inspection and repack is the backbone of parachute rigging. Per FAA regulations, the entire harness, container and reserve parachute must be inspected every 120 days. ChutingStar riggers follow a thorough checklist during the inspection/repack process and stay up-to-date on manufacturer service bulletins. Repair notes and wear issues are detailed on the checklist paperwork with a copy given to the customer and one copy kept in a loft file for reference at the next service. Repack due dates as well as AAD battery and maintenance due dates are also recorded on the rigging checklist paperwork.
$60.
- Assemble reserve and/or main canopy to container
Reserve and/or main canopy assembly is required for new gear purchases or when moving canopies from one container to another. It is critical when buying new or used gear that the container and parachutes are compatible in size. Container/parachute sizing cannot be adjusted. Manufacturer assembly specifications are followed. Steering lines are sewn down to factory marks unless otherwise specified. The serial number and date of manufacture are noted on the packing data card.
$25 per assembly.
- Annual reserve canopy strength test
The annual reserve canopy strength test is required for Performance Designs reserve canopies by the manufacturer. The fabric strength test is conducted per PIA TS-108 and according to each manufacturer's manual and/or written recommendation. Strength tests are also completed on unknown stains.
$10.
- Repack main canopy with line check and new stows
During a main canopy repack at ChutingStar, the steering lines are untwisted, the line continuity is verified and the stow bands are replaced as needed. In addition the canopy and its components are examined for wear during the repack. Manufacturer packing recommendations and requirements are followed.
$10.
• AAD SERVICE:
- Install Cypres, Vigil or Argus automatic activation device (AAD)
AAD installation is required with a new gear purchase or when if having a Cypres, Vigil or Argus automatic opener installed for the first time. The date of manufacture, serial number and any prior service or battery dates are noted on the packing data card. If your container is not AAD-ready, channels and pockets must be installed.
$10 AAD unit installation;
$60 AAD pockets and channels.
- Cypres/Cypres 2 batteries and 4-year maintenance
Cypres batteries must be replaced every two years, 500 jumps or when the unit gives a low-battery reading. Cypres and Cypres 2 units must be sent to SSK for factory maintenance at 4 years and 8 years from the date of manufacture. Service time for the Cypres maintenance is two weeks. All rigs packed at ChutingStar will have Cypres battery and/or factory dates written on the packing data card. A Cypres 12.25 years old and a Cypres 2 12.5 years old are no longer airworthy and must be taken out of service. A new Cypres 2 can be purchased through ChutingStar. We are an Airtec dealer and keep new Cypres 2 units and replacement parts in stock. New Cypres 2 units now feature a jump number counter.
$90 new Cypres battery installation;
$200 4-year service with shipping;
$285 4-year service and battery with shipping.
- Vigil/Vigil II batteries and downloads
The Vigil II unit is waterproof with a battery life expectancy of more than 2000 jumps. The unit has a flatter profile than the original Vigil unit. The original Vigil AAD requires new batteries every 10 years, 1500 jumps or if the unit indicates “Bat Low” or “Bat Rpl.” The Vigil and Vigil II units are designed to have a life-expectancy of 20 years. We are an authorized Vigil II dealer with a dedicated Vigil IR Download Box for downloading info from your last 16 skydives.
$130 new Vigil battery installation;
$70 new Vigil II battery installation;
No charge for Vigil unit download.
- Argus batteries and functional test
The Argus AAD requires new batteries every year or when the unit indicates “Bat Low,” whichever comes first. A functional test of the Argus is required every 4 years and can be completed at ChutingStar. The Argus does not have a lifetime, but must pass the functional test every 4 years to remain in service. Chuting Star is the U.S. Technical Support Center for Argus.
$15 new battery installation;
$140 4-year Argus Functional Test.
• PARACHUTE MAINTENANCE:
- Inspect main canopy
A full inspection of your main canopy and its deployment system is recommended every 100 jumps. This is meant to supplement your general inspection each time you repack your main. ChutingStar riggers inspect the main risers, links, lines, bartacks, line attachment points, canopy fabric, stitching, main deployment bag, grommets and pilot chute system. Measuring of the line trim will also be completed for canopies with Spectra and Dacron lines.
$25.
- Line replacement or canopy reline
Complete or partial relines of your parachute is available. Most parachutes should be entirely relined every 500-700 jumps. Steering lines should be replaced every 250-350 jumps. Individual line replacement may be necessary due to snags, unusual wear or if a single line breaks. Mike Gruwell of ChutingStar has trained at the Performance Designs factory.
$50 new steering lines (middle and lower section);
$20 replace individual line;
$300 complete inspection and reline of Performance Designs canopies with HMA, Vectran or Spectra;
$275 complete inspection and reline of Performance Designs canopies with Dacron;
$395 complete inspection and reline of Performance Designs tandem canopies;
$300 complete inspection and reline of HiPerUSA canopies with black HMA;
$325 complete inspection and reline of Icarus canopies with Vectran;
$345 complete inspection and reline of NZ Aerosports JVX canopies with HMA;
$300 complete inspection and reline of Aerodyne sport canopies with Spectra, HMA or Dacron;
$425 complete inspection and reline of Aerodyne tandem canopies with Spectra, HMA or Dacron;
$475 complete inspection and reline of HOP330 tandem canopies with Spectra;
$95 inspection and reline entire canopy of all other manufacturers (plus line cost from manufacturer).
- Canopy patches and other miscellaneous repairs
Most damaged canopies can be repaired immediately. Canopy patches, line attachment replacement and seam repairs are some of the services offered. ChutingStar keeps numerous colors and types of canopy fabric, links and line in stock for immediate repairs.
$40 canopy patch;
$60 per hour for miscellaneous repairs.
- Replace/install metal or soft links with slider bumpers
Metal and soft links are always in stock. ChutingStar stocks soft links manufactured by Performance Designs and HiPer USA. We also carry a variety of metal link sizes as well as webbing and silicone slider bumpers.
$40 soft or metal links with installation;
$10 slider bumpers with installation;
$25 PD Slinks for main canopy (parts only);
$30 PD Slinks for reserve canopy (parts only);
$18 HiPerLink soft links for main canopy (parts only).
• CONTAINER MAINTENANCE:
- Wash container and reassemble
Complete washing of your container is available. Your container is completely disassembled, washed, dried and reassembled. Allow one week for this service. Scotch Gard protection is also available for containers.
$75 wash, $10 Scotch Gard coating.
- Install/replace pilot chute pouch
The spandex pilot chute pouch must be replaced periodically due to wear. A worn or loose pouch can lead to a premature main canopy deployment. ChutingStar can also convert a leg-mounted pouch to a bottom of the container pouch. Bridle cover flaps and/or bridle Velcro is recommended on containers without sufficient bridle protection.
$60 BOC pouch installation (includes parts);
$60 Bridle cover installation.
- Miscellaneous container repairs
Repairs to most components of skydiving and pilot emergency containers are available. Chest strap replacements, harness adjustments/replacements, grommet or snap replacement, reserve/cutaway cable housing tacking, hard housing installation, Velcroless toggle conversion and Velcro replacements are several of the most common services. We are an authorized Mirage Service Center.
$60 Chest strap replacement;
$60 per hour for Harness adjustments/replacements;
$10 per grommet/snap;
$60 per hour for other miscellaneous container repairs.
• JUMPSUIT REPAIR:
- Zipper replacement
Zipper replacement is available for most jumpsuits. All zippers have locking “pulleys.”
$50 per zipper.
- Patches, bootie repair and other jumpsuit repairs
All makes and models of jumpsuits can be repaired at ChutingStar. Common repairs include patches, bootie replacement and seam repair. To prevent costly bootie repairs, ChutingStar recommends coating the bottoms and sides of your jumpsuit booties with Shoe Goo.
$60 rebuild booties;
$15 Shoe Goo booties;
$20 cordura patch;
$60 per hour miscellaneous jumpsuit repairs.
• MISC SERVICES:
- Senior or Master Rigger Rating Testing & Classes
Mike Gruwell is a DPRE (Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner) for the FAA. Testing for Senior or Master Rigger candidates is availble as well as for added type ratings. Contact us for a pre-test interview and to make a testing appointment. ChutingStar also conducts an Eight-Day Senior Rigger Course as well as a series of 2-day rigger rating prep classes. Five different classes are available. Contact us for the upcoming schedule. We are also available for instruction on any rigging skill set you would like to work on.
Oral & Practical Exam for Senior Rigger with one rating (back, seat or chest), $200;
Each additional type rating during Senior Rigger Exam (back, seat or chest), $50;
Oral & Practical Exam for Master Rigger, $250;
Oral & Practical Exam to add on additional rating (back, seat or chest), $100;
Eight-Day Senior Rigger Course at ChutingStar, $800;
Individual course instruction on any rigging subject, $100 per day;
Square Reserve Assembly, Inspection and Packing Class (2 days), $200;
Round Emergency Parachute Inspection and Packing Class (2 days), $200;
Basic Sewing Machine Operation and Maintenance Class (2 days), $200;
Minor Parachute and Container Repairs and Maintenance (2 days), $200;
Written and Oral Study Group (2 days), $200;
Master Rigger Major Repair Class (2 days), $200.
- “Skyhook Installation” – For UPT Vector 3 and Sigma containers
The United Parachute Technologies Skyhook RSL can be installed on all Vector 3 and Sigma containers by ChutingStar. The UPT Skyhook RSL automatically releases the non-RSL riser and uses your malfunctioned main canopy as a pilot chute to deploy your reserve canopy in about a half-second. This allows a sport reserve to be open in about 80 feet after cutaway. Base price is for most Vector 3 rigs. Includes parts and labor. Contact us for an exact quote. We also can install magnetic main riser covers on Sigma and Micro Sigma containers.
$355 Skyhook installaion on Vector 3 container (includes all parts for most rigs);
$100 Magnetic Main Riser Cover conversion (Sigma and Micro Sigma only).
- Writing/Editing Services
Mike Gruwell of Chuting Star writes and edits for several media outlets. Mike’s background is in the newspaper industry. He currently writes for Skydiving Magazine as well as the weekly Rigger Rant and Rave. Mike is available for any writing or editing services.
Price varies.
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