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Old December 7th 08, 01:45 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Gregg Ballou
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Posts: 23
Default Parachute 20 year limit



Does anyone remember incidents where the pilot was seriously injured?

Don't know of any. But I wouldn't be surprised. Given the average
age of glider pilots they need all the help they can get not having to
heal.
Does anyone know of an incident(s) where a ram air parachute, used by a
pilot with no jump training, would have significantly improved the
outcome?

Not enough events to draw from. Pilot rigs with squares are new(square
reserves have been around 20 years) and it's likely the early adopters
are mostly former jumpers.
Does anyone know of an incident(s) where a ram air parachute, used by an


experienced ram air parachutist, would have significantly improved the
outcome?

If you count skydivers using square reserves then lots. With (I'm
guessing)1-2 glider bailouts worldwide per year we don't have the number
of incidents to draw from.
My position is that if someone is in the market for a new parachute and
the price difference isn't a deal breaker then a square is the sensible
choice.
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