Yes, Mark, the experienced pilot should have no trouble at all flying a
rectangular parachute.

On my first and second jumps, the jump master on the ground rigged a
radio receiver to my chest strap, common for all new students.Â* I had
difficulty making out the commands and just did the maneuvers briefed
before the jumps.Â* My wife, at the drop zone, told me that the jump
master said something like, "He's not paying attention to the radio, but
he's doing the maneuvers, so we'll just eliminate the radio."Â* The
maneuvers he was talking about are simply, turn right, turn left, and flare.

Not intending to be a sport jumper, that's all I needed.Â* Simply pull
down on the right, or the left, or both toggles.Â* After an emergency
jump the pilot should look up to check the canopy (either round or
square), clear any malfunctions (about all you can do is kick your legs
and twist at the risers - experienced jumpers can probably add a lot to
this), or in the extreme, cut one or more lines if you have the proper
tool
https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Air-Force-Parachute-Suspension-Line-Cutter/163102014613?hash=item25f9a33c95:g:-eAAAOSw2q9a55h8.Â*
I note with sadness that this tool only has the hook blade.Â* Back in the
day we had both the manual hook blade and a switch blade knife, as well.

The real benefit, in my opinion, is the higher forward speed, IIRC
around 11 kts vs 3 or less for the round canopy, with a 4-line cut or
mesh panel at the back, and the quick steering which gives the user the
ability to fly to a "better" landing area and turn into the wind, or
across the wind, whichever seems better at the time.

On 6/22/2018 9:53 PM, wrote:
To quote my rigger, when asked about a round vs. squa

"A Round will get you down. A Square will get you there."

His opinion is that a square, with better directional control and a lower descent rate is a viable and desirable solution for users (or unwilling victims) who have the basic skills to line up into the wind and execute even a minimal flare as the ground approaches. His advice indicates that proper training is definitely recommended, but since we are supposedly experienced aviators with a healthy desire to make it out alive, it is better to be a Pilot In Command of the emergency equipment. A steerable, lower descent rate square chute will beat any of the semi-steerable round chutes commonly used in the sailplane community. (Provided it is implemented correctly.) Of course, because of the higher forward speed of the square design, the implications of landing downwind are a significant concern. But then attempting to land a "steerable" round in high wind conditions also presents a significant danger of being slammed backwards and then dragged.

My 2000 Paraphernalia Softie is getting close to the manufacturer's 20 year life limit. I know all the pro vs. con arguments, but since it is my own little pink body that is at stake, I intend to replace the old round with a square and take some training.


--
Dan, 5J