Understand the purpose of RSL and MARD, their pros & cons.
What is a RSL?
A RSL (Reserve Static Line), is a system that automatically —meaning without the need to pull the reserve handle— initiates deployment of the reserve parachute, due to a lanyard connecting the main risers to the reserve pin.
The words Stevens, Collins lanyard, LOR, are also in use : these are the brand names of different sorts of RSL, created by inventors and manufacturers in the past.
A MARD (Main Assisted Reserve Deployment), is a type of RSL that uses the main canopy to help the deployment of the reserve.
The Skyhook is one kind of MARD, invented by UPT (Vector), as the Ace, Air Anchor, Boost, Mojo or Trap are MARD from other manufacturers.
What is a RSL for?
The purpose of a RSL, is to shorten the delay between the main cutaway and the reserve deployment.
It saves altitude, so it saves lives, as there have been and still are fatalities due to a late deployment of the reserve preventing appropriate deceleration before impact.
RSLs have spared many skydivers from dying.
When disconnecting your RSL?
In some “non-standard” malfunctions, you might want to have a little delay before your reserve actually opens, to allow time to clear issues. In these instances having a RSL connected might not be the best option.
For example when your main finds itself attached to anything else in addition to the 3 ring system including:
- part of your body
- some camera or camera mounting
- part of your rig (if a line get caught by a flap)
- another skydiver (in case of a premature opening or a canopy collision )
RSL On or Off: how to choose?
Depending on prefered discipline, and experience level, it is important that every skydiver takes some time to figure out which configuration makes the most sense. Through time, this decision might change, for a specific jump or because of a change in discipline.
For example, most, if not all CRW skydivers would not use a RSL, because their chances of having a “non-standard” malfunction is quite high.
On the other hand, a beginner skydiver, jumping with no camera or additional equipment, will have the most benefit of having a RSL, and furthermore, a MARD.
To help you make a decision, here are some aspects that you should take into consideration to better analyze the risks of each jump :
- expected opening altitude / chances to get to open low BEFORE any incident
- additional equipment that might interfere with the main opening (camera, stick, etc.)
- clothing that might improve chances of having a malfunction without interference (track pant, wingsuit, etc.)
- use of exotic objects during the jump (tube, flag, inflatable, fridge, car, etc…)
- amount of people in that jump
- canopy size and wing loading
- personal experience
- other jumpers experience
- water landing
This list isn’t exhaustive or omniscient: don’t hesitate to pimp it with relevant items to build up your personal check-list.
Answering the above questions can help you assess risks particular to your jumps. Answers can be varied, such as higher opening altitude, reduced number of jumpers or higher minimal experience requirements, while important safety principles will be explained during pre-jump briefing.
As there is no such thing as zero risk, and planning will only go so far, you still might have to cutaway on your next jump! By answering the above questions, you can decide what is a priority: having a fast reserve deployment, or having the option to delay reserve deployment.
Beware, here are some very important notice:
- Should you choose to disconnect/disengage your RSL, make sure you do it correctly and in a safe manner. Refer to the manual written by the manufacturer of your rig, and seek help from qualified people if you have any doubt or are unfamiliar with such procedure. The closest pal on the packing mat might very well not be that experienced person, even though he carefully reads our articles 😉
- Check connection/disconnection of your RSL at every step of your skydiving day (at the beginning of the day, when gearing-up, before boarding, before jumping and after repack)
- Any change in the deployment sequence of your reserve canopy (addition or removal of a RSL) might have implications on your emergency procedures: make sure you know what to do in any given scenario, and practice all of the emergency procedures regularly to create efficient actions.
In any case, spend time on proper thinking in advance, so that you have all elements in mind on D-day.
Your EPs evolve with your gear: check they are updated and practiced often, and that you have explored “non standard” scenarios.
Take care, and have great jumps!!
Aozora
The following warning is probably obvious for most people, but since you are dumb enough to jump off perfectly fine airplanes…
Those articles try to give simple explanations on gear and how it works.
For no reason, they can substitute for proper training delivered by skydiving schools or associations, nor manufacturer instructions.
Before modifying or replacing anything on your rig, make sure you have the required abilities and know-how, or ask someone duly qualified (instructor, rigger, senior rigger).
If you are still a beginner skydiver, your curiosity is warmly welcome. But please check with your certified instructors that you have fully understood the purpose and context, before considering any change of the procedures you were taught.
We are truly convinced that knowledge is a strength for mankind and its sacred emanation: the skydiver! But for the sake of their fate, critical thinking is necessary: please exert both with sagacity!
