Parachute option

On Mar 31, 6:43*pm, "Fred Blair"
wrote:
What is the lightest, smallest parachute that will support a 200 lb. pilot?

"Small" isn't precise enough. If you're tall, it also depends on your
ratio of torso height to leg length. For me (6'3"), the critical
factor is where the point of maximum thickness is. I need a chute
that's thicker in the lumbar area but very thin behind the shoulders
so I can sit back ALL the way in the cockpit and close the canopy.
Most chutes are uniformly thick or a little thicker behind the
shoulders and don't work at all for me. That said, I flew a 201
Libelle for years with an old Navy backpack that wasn't thin (or
light) at all. From the specs and photos, the best solution (in the
US) seemed to be a Softie Wedge. I bought a used one with a new canopy
and it came packed just like a regular Softie; i.e., not nearly thin
enough behind the shoulders. I sent it back to the rigger with
instructions to pack it like the photo. When it was returned, it was
better--and usable--but still much thicker behind the shoulders than I
wanted. I talked to the factory and they told me to send it to them
for repacking and they'd make sure it was done right. Haven't done
that yet so I'm hopeful.

Which brings up a good point: if you buy a chute like this, don't
assume the rigger will pack it the same way. I've had to deal with
this for years. Include the owner's manual but also a note regarding
where you want the maximum thickness.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"
USA