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Emergency Parachute questions
I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know
nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a professional Master rigger. Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute? (Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger) Is there anything to watch out for? Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute to know that it is still safe? If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the 150 knot capability? What other considerations should I think of? |
#2
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Do a Google search for "Butler Parchute".
Call and ask for Manny. Discuss your questions with him. He used to monitor the IAC Exploder and offer helpful comments to these types of questions. Jay Moreland wrote: I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a professional Master rigger. Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute? (Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger) Is there anything to watch out for? Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute to know that it is still safe? If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the 150 knot capability? What other considerations should I think of? |
#3
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I was in the same spot as you and bought a new chute. I was advised
that unless you're buying the used chute from a rigger, don't buy it. It could be damaged. You'll have no way of knowing about the damage until rigger checks it out. I bought mine from wingsandwheels.com but there are many other on-line places to shop. www.pia.com/silver has a lot of good information on chutes. They also have some used chutes but they don't seem to be significantly cheaper than a new one. Dave 68 7ECA Jay Moreland wrote: I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a professional Master rigger. Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute? (Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger) Is there anything to watch out for? Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute to know that it is still safe? If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the 150 knot capability? What other considerations should I think of? |
#4
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Jay,
Was in a similar situation and just this weekend took delivery of a new Sortie seatpack chute. I didn't know anything about parachutes, didn't want to become an expert, so I figured I was not a good candidate for buying a used one. Also I didn't really want to trust my last-chance piece of equipment to something I didn't know the full history on. With a bailout rig, there's no redundant system in case it fails. It cost me $1,500.00 but I felt it was one piece of equipment that was worth not scrimping on. I phoned Softie and spoke to Jim, explained the kind of flying I do and what my knowledge base was (none!). He talked me through all the types of rigs and the things I needed to consider. It took about 3 or 4 calls with various questions and dimensions of myself and the airplane to get sorted what I wanted. I haven't used it yet...wait, let me rephrase that...I haven't worn it yet in the airplane, so I don't know if it all fits in the seat pan and I can get in and out of the airplane with it on, but so far so good. I'd give Softie a call just as a place to start. They were really helpful and down to earth. Good luck whichever way you go! Shawn "Jay Moreland" wrote in message newsXbrd.172979$HA.168018@attbi_s01... I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a professional Master rigger. Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute? (Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger) Is there anything to watch out for? Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute to know that it is still safe? If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the 150 knot capability? What other considerations should I think of? |
#5
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A good habit to get into is to exit the airplane following each flight while
still wearing the parachute. You will find that it catches on something until you learn the proper body position for clearance. If you have to exit in an emergency, the learned body position will make it easier, although you certainly will be dealing with additional variables! BJC Formerly S-1S w National 360 "ShawnD2112" wrote in message k... Jay, Was in a similar situation and just this weekend took delivery of a new Sortie seatpack chute. I didn't know anything about parachutes, didn't want to become an expert, so I figured I was not a good candidate for buying a used one. Also I didn't really want to trust my last-chance piece of equipment to something I didn't know the full history on. With a bailout rig, there's no redundant system in case it fails. It cost me $1,500.00 but I felt it was one piece of equipment that was worth not scrimping on. I phoned Softie and spoke to Jim, explained the kind of flying I do and what my knowledge base was (none!). He talked me through all the types of rigs and the things I needed to consider. It took about 3 or 4 calls with various questions and dimensions of myself and the airplane to get sorted what I wanted. I haven't used it yet...wait, let me rephrase that...I haven't worn it yet in the airplane, so I don't know if it all fits in the seat pan and I can get in and out of the airplane with it on, but so far so good. I'd give Softie a call just as a place to start. They were really helpful and down to earth. Good luck whichever way you go! Shawn "Jay Moreland" wrote in message newsXbrd.172979$HA.168018@attbi_s01... I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a professional Master rigger. Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute? (Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger) Is there anything to watch out for? Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute to know that it is still safe? If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the 150 knot capability? What other considerations should I think of? |
#6
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Alan Silver is a rigger, another good source of information. He does a
seminar at AirVenture for the IAC group. dave wrote: I bought mine from wingsandwheels.com but there are many other on-line places to shop. www.pia.com/silver has a lot of good information on chutes. They also have some used chutes but they don't seem to be significantly cheaper than a new one. |
#7
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Good tip, B. Dan at Softie said the same thing. He also suggested it
because in an emergency we typically revert to learned habit and it one's habit is to take off the parachute every time one gets out of the airplane, there's a risk that person would do the same thing when bailing out. I can certainly understand the logic behind that. Shawn "Byron J. Covey" wrote in message .. . A good habit to get into is to exit the airplane following each flight while still wearing the parachute. You will find that it catches on something until you learn the proper body position for clearance. If you have to exit in an emergency, the learned body position will make it easier, although you certainly will be dealing with additional variables! BJC Formerly S-1S w National 360 "ShawnD2112" wrote in message k... Jay, Was in a similar situation and just this weekend took delivery of a new Sortie seatpack chute. I didn't know anything about parachutes, didn't want to become an expert, so I figured I was not a good candidate for buying a used one. Also I didn't really want to trust my last-chance piece of equipment to something I didn't know the full history on. With a bailout rig, there's no redundant system in case it fails. It cost me $1,500.00 but I felt it was one piece of equipment that was worth not scrimping on. I phoned Softie and spoke to Jim, explained the kind of flying I do and what my knowledge base was (none!). He talked me through all the types of rigs and the things I needed to consider. It took about 3 or 4 calls with various questions and dimensions of myself and the airplane to get sorted what I wanted. I haven't used it yet...wait, let me rephrase that...I haven't worn it yet in the airplane, so I don't know if it all fits in the seat pan and I can get in and out of the airplane with it on, but so far so good. I'd give Softie a call just as a place to start. They were really helpful and down to earth. Good luck whichever way you go! Shawn "Jay Moreland" wrote in message newsXbrd.172979$HA.168018@attbi_s01... I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a professional Master rigger. Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute? (Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger) Is there anything to watch out for? Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute to know that it is still safe? If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the 150 knot capability? What other considerations should I think of? |
#8
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Jay,
Most 24' parachutes would be fine for your weight at sea level, but at 5400 ASL the landing would be hard. I've landed National 24' at 3500 ft and it was ok, but I also have 1500 jumps. The next size up is 26', and although it is more expensive, it is also a little larger and heavier.....and a little less easy for climbing in/out of the cockpit. You have to decide if the smaller/lighter/cheaper parachute system will offset the possibility of a lower leg injury on landing. Oh yes, bones take longer to heal as we get older. Something else to consider is potential opening speeds. The red line on my Pitts is 205 statute, well above the max deployment speeds of a number of parachutes (some are as low as 150 mph, other 150 kts). While I plan on delaying an opening for a couple of seconds after exit (if altitude is available), I draw from considerable experience and I can maintain the best body position for a good deployment without tumbling. Most pilots don't have this background. You do not want to deploy a parachute rated for 150 kts at 180 kts, as the opening shock increases in square to the speed increase, and the parachute most likely has only been tested to 175 kts. Nothing wrong with a 10 year old parachute, if it is properly inspected and the fabric strength tested. Any Senior or Master Rigger does this all the time as part of the repack. Because you are trusting your life to the person who inspects/packs your parachute, find a GOOD local rigger, as the parachute must be repacked every 120 days in the US. Ask around at a local Drop Zone for recommendations; it doesn't take a lot of skill to inspect/repack a parachute but, like everything else in life, attitude is everything. I've packed lots of parachutes over 40 years old as long as they are in good shape and the fabric strength tests ok, but there is a movement afoot in the industry to put a 20 year life span on parachute equipment. Newer parachute systems utilize a full diaper to assist in a more effective deployment; I'd say this is a must. The parachute of the right size for you comes in the appropriate container style for your needs (back/seat/chair), which is a combination of where you have space for the bulk and your size/height/length. I'm 6' 160# and I could probably use a seat pack in my S-1D, however the previous owner put a board over the seat pan and I am using a chairpack. It works well for me, as I'm up high enough for best view and the chair is much easier to climb in/out with than a seat pack. Also, with the pilot chute of a seat pack pointing down, in theory you would need to deploy on your head or at least 90 degrees to vertical. Chair and back is fine for head up or body at 90 degrees to the relative wind. In case you're wondering, I deal with parachutes as my full time occupation. Al MacDonald Flying High Manufacturing inc. "Jay Moreland" wrote in message newsXbrd.172979$HA.168018@attbi_s01... I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a professional Master rigger. Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute? (Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger) Is there anything to watch out for? Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute to know that it is still safe? If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the 150 knot capability? What other considerations should I think of? |
#9
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Shawn:
FWIW I also bought a new Softie seatpack chute for use in my Yak-52. The chute fit's perfectly in the seat pan and doesn't move at all. I check it every flight to make sure there is no wear starting. So far no problems. I was surprised how comfortable the chute feels when on. I always keep the chute on when exiting the airplane for the same reasons others have noted. BTW, I liked the Softie so much I bought a second one for the back seat...mighty thoughtful of me to think of my instructor's well being don't you think Greg Arnold p.s. If anyone knows of a good aerobatic instructor that will instruct in my Yak 52, please let me know. I live in Mobile, Alabama. "ShawnD2112" wrote in message k... Jay, Was in a similar situation and just this weekend took delivery of a new Sortie seatpack chute. I didn't know anything about parachutes, didn't want to become an expert, so I figured I was not a good candidate for buying a used one. Also I didn't really want to trust my last-chance piece of equipment to something I didn't know the full history on. With a bailout rig, there's no redundant system in case it fails. It cost me $1,500.00 but I felt it was one piece of equipment that was worth not scrimping on. I phoned Softie and spoke to Jim, explained the kind of flying I do and what my knowledge base was (none!). He talked me through all the types of rigs and the things I needed to consider. It took about 3 or 4 calls with various questions and dimensions of myself and the airplane to get sorted what I wanted. I haven't used it yet...wait, let me rephrase that...I haven't worn it yet in the airplane, so I don't know if it all fits in the seat pan and I can get in and out of the airplane with it on, but so far so good. I'd give Softie a call just as a place to start. They were really helpful and down to earth. Good luck whichever way you go! Shawn "Jay Moreland" wrote in message newsXbrd.172979$HA.168018@attbi_s01... I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a professional Master rigger. Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute? (Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger) Is there anything to watch out for? Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute to know that it is still safe? If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the 150 knot capability? What other considerations should I think of? |
#10
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Al,
I wish I'd thought to post here when I was looking for a rig and gotten your advice. I think I might still have ended up with my Softie seat pack, but I've sure found your posting useful. I was surprised to find that you've packed chutes that are over 40 years old! Are these typically warbird seatpacks? Thanks for your expertise! Shawn "Al MacDonald" wrote in message news:JlIrd.21354$cE3.19326@clgrps12... Jay, Most 24' parachutes would be fine for your weight at sea level, but at 5400 ASL the landing would be hard. I've landed National 24' at 3500 ft and it was ok, but I also have 1500 jumps. The next size up is 26', and although it is more expensive, it is also a little larger and heavier.....and a little less easy for climbing in/out of the cockpit. You have to decide if the smaller/lighter/cheaper parachute system will offset the possibility of a lower leg injury on landing. Oh yes, bones take longer to heal as we get older. Something else to consider is potential opening speeds. The red line on my Pitts is 205 statute, well above the max deployment speeds of a number of parachutes (some are as low as 150 mph, other 150 kts). While I plan on delaying an opening for a couple of seconds after exit (if altitude is available), I draw from considerable experience and I can maintain the best body position for a good deployment without tumbling. Most pilots don't have this background. You do not want to deploy a parachute rated for 150 kts at 180 kts, as the opening shock increases in square to the speed increase, and the parachute most likely has only been tested to 175 kts. Nothing wrong with a 10 year old parachute, if it is properly inspected and the fabric strength tested. Any Senior or Master Rigger does this all the time as part of the repack. Because you are trusting your life to the person who inspects/packs your parachute, find a GOOD local rigger, as the parachute must be repacked every 120 days in the US. Ask around at a local Drop Zone for recommendations; it doesn't take a lot of skill to inspect/repack a parachute but, like everything else in life, attitude is everything. I've packed lots of parachutes over 40 years old as long as they are in good shape and the fabric strength tests ok, but there is a movement afoot in the industry to put a 20 year life span on parachute equipment. Newer parachute systems utilize a full diaper to assist in a more effective deployment; I'd say this is a must. The parachute of the right size for you comes in the appropriate container style for your needs (back/seat/chair), which is a combination of where you have space for the bulk and your size/height/length. I'm 6' 160# and I could probably use a seat pack in my S-1D, however the previous owner put a board over the seat pan and I am using a chairpack. It works well for me, as I'm up high enough for best view and the chair is much easier to climb in/out with than a seat pack. Also, with the pilot chute of a seat pack pointing down, in theory you would need to deploy on your head or at least 90 degrees to vertical. Chair and back is fine for head up or body at 90 degrees to the relative wind. In case you're wondering, I deal with parachutes as my full time occupation. Al MacDonald Flying High Manufacturing inc. "Jay Moreland" wrote in message newsXbrd.172979$HA.168018@attbi_s01... I need advice on a pilot emergency chute. I am only a pilot and know nothing about parachutes. I need an emergency parachute because I will be doing aerobatics in a Pitts-like biplane: required by FAA. My weight is #140. The altitude I will be landing if I am unlucky enough to need to use the chute is 5400 feet. I am considering purchasing a used parachute that I would have inspected and re-packed regularly by a professional Master rigger. Is buying a 10 year old parachute like a Security, Softie, Strong...etc going to be significantly less safe than a brand new parachute? (Assuming it checks out as OK by the Master rigger) Is there anything to watch out for? Are there any special tests that I need to have done on a used parachute to know that it is still safe? If the red-line on the aircraft is 180kts, should I worry about the parachute being rated to only 150 knots or should I assume that I will slow down to terminal velocity in an emergency and will only need the 150 knot capability? What other considerations should I think of? |
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