On Monday, May 16, 2016 at 8:09:08 AM UTC-7, wrote:

Based on your reference to US FARs, I'll answer as if you were in the USA.


1. First, a straightforward question - Is the use of a parachute *required* in the AFM of all single seat gliders?

No.


2. If a parachute is *not* required as part of the glider's equipment, does that mean that if you do use it for seat cushion purposes only (e.g. no intention of aerobatics in flight) that it must have been repacked in the required 180 days?

YES -- it must be packed to be current for use, if it leaves the ground in the machine with you. Flying aerobatics has no bearing on this repacking reg. You can legally fly aerobatics in the US with no parachute.


Part 91.307 says in part, "No pilot of a civil aircraft may allow a parachute that is available for emergency use

to be carried in that aircraft

unless it is an approved type and has been packed by a certificated and appropriately rated parachute rigger --" it then goes on to explain the 180 day rule and so on.

Does 'available' mean that if you flew with an out of date repacked chute as a seat cushion but didn't put it on it would be legal?


"TO BE CARRIED IN"
has been used by the FAA in ramp checks at glider contest events to tell pilots that those out-of-service-date chutes had better not leave the ground unless repacked or unless the owner/pilot wished to be issued a pilot violation. There is a reason for the repack cycle interval.

Trying to dissuade the FAA inspector about your seat cushion 'intent' is about as productive as explaining to the Highway Patrol why you were in an inordinate hurry.
Every cockpit I've used hasn't had space to allow me to leave harness unbuckled, nor allow inversion of the chute and lumpy buckles under me. It's easier to find one that's in date, or find an appropriate seat cushion. If you feel strongly enough about 'needing' a chute, get one that's within its service date.

Cindy B