Recommended Lifetime on Tandem Components

Uninsured United Parachute Technologies has established a recommendation of the "lifetime" of tandem canopies and other components:

Replace suspension lines every 350 - 500 jumps
Replace F-111 canopy after 600 jumps, or if porosity level exceeds
12 CFM 1500 - 2000 (ZP - Depends on environment, 1500 - 2000+)
Replace drogue centerline every 300 jumps
Replace drogue assembly every 600 jumps
Harness / container inspection every 200 jumps
Replace harness / container every 1000 jumps
Reserve canopy limited to 20 uses (send back to UPT for recertification)
Replace main risers every 600 jumps
Replace old RSLs with brass shackle & welded pins

These recommendations are based on years of observing tandem malfunctions and equipment failure reports. Tandem system owners should maintain a log for each component mentioned above. Different geographical areas present problems that can contribute to accelerated wear-n-tear. (such as Dz's located near salt water and sand) Due to this fact, certain components may degrade quicker than the above recommended lifetimes.