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?

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?

I can recommend Para Phernalia and their Softie line of parachutes. Of course,
I'm in Washington only about 300 miles from them..

I got a typical mini-softie backpack with a Pitts S-1 that I bought about 12
years ago, and promptly sent it home to Para Phernalia for inspection and
re-pack. When I switched to an S-2B, after much research I bought two Wedge
Softie backpacks. I love 'em...the B has plenty of legroom, and the Wedge tilts
me back just enough to be really comfortable. I've made several long trips, 10
flight hours in a day, and been very comfortable.

Especially if you're flying an S-2B, seriously consider the wedge, it really
makes a difference. I suppose that the other parachute companies make similar
packs, but I've had excellent service from Para Phernalia. They have a web site
at:

http://www.softieparachutes.com/

I originally had my Wedge's made with the "standard" harness, but discovered
(takes me a while to catch on) that between the Advanced sequences and the
Hooker harness, the buckles were causing more bleeding than was really
necessary. Dan changed my back-seat Wedge to the aerobatic harness with buckles
on the chest. No more bleeding; just a few rasberries early in the season. I'd
recommend the standard harness for the front seat chute, as it's easier to put
on, unless you like to punish your passengers.

Doug Sowder

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

Having had precicely one incident in which I had to 'try' to get out
of my Pitts very quickly (on the ground) I can add some interesting
'additional variables'

Make sure your headset is setup in such a manner that it can come
free easily too. I had an incident on the ground last summer where I
ran my smoke system to show off for a photographer. I shut the engine
down too quickly and still had some smoke fluid in the exhaust and of
course got a small fire under the plane. Nothing that caused any
damage but all of a sudden I look up and people are running in all
directions waving madly and yelling 'FIRE' .. well .. I released all
the buckles, slide the cockpit back jumped out of the plane, only to
have my head held back by the headset and cables. Not too dangerous
given I was not moving very fast but had I been in the slipstream it
could have been pretty violent and I guess could break your neck etc.
That chin strap held tight even as I tried to yank the thing off.

The other thing I discovered was that the shoulder straps provide
sufficient friction even when unbuckeled that when you try to stand up
they will actually prevent you unless you push them off your
shoulders. Try it some time. Just sit in the plane with all the belts
undone but the shoulder harnesses lose over your sholders ... now try
to stand up ... LOTS of resistance.

So .. add to your list:

Detach your chin strap on your headset and/or make sure it is
very weak and will break away easily. A folded over strap of velcro is
pretty damn strong!
If I were building an experimental, my headset jacks would push in
vertically instead of horizontally to allow them to pull free in the
case of a baleout.

Push the shoulder straps off each shoulder! Infact bungges or
elastics to do this may not be a dumb idea.

ALso .. don't run your smoke system on the ground unless you keep
the engine running for a minute or so afterwards to blow any remaining
oil out of the pipes. Also don't throttle back with the smoke system
on while on the ground!
Oh ... and don't let line guys put 100LL in your smoke tank .. don't
laugh I've stopped more than one.

By the way .. as an interesting aside ... the only person watching
that reacted properly was my 11 year old son who ran away from the
plane to the hanger to get a fire extinguisher.

Cheers and fly safe,

Peter


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?

Peter,

Tips based on experience are always the best kind. Thanks for posting. I
hear what you're saying about straps. I've experienced the same kind of
thing just trying to get out under normal circumstances but being too lazy
to take the straps off my shoulders. As for headset, I wear an HGU-55
helmet with quick disconnect at the helmet, though how quick and how much
tension it takes to break it I don't know. Do you or anyone else in this
group have experience of that element?

Thanks again for the writeup. It's all going in my personal bag of "stuff
to remember".

Cheers,
Shawn
"Peter Ashwood-Smith C-GZRO" wrote in message
om...
Having had precicely one incident in which I had to 'try' to get out
of my Pitts very quickly (on the ground) I can add some interesting
'additional variables'

Make sure your headset is setup in such a manner that it can come
free easily too. I had an incident on the ground last summer where I
ran my smoke system to show off for a photographer. I shut the engine
down too quickly and still had some smoke fluid in the exhaust and of
course got a small fire under the plane. Nothing that caused any
damage but all of a sudden I look up and people are running in all
directions waving madly and yelling 'FIRE' .. well .. I released all
the buckles, slide the cockpit back jumped out of the plane, only to
have my head held back by the headset and cables. Not too dangerous
given I was not moving very fast but had I been in the slipstream it
could have been pretty violent and I guess could break your neck etc.
That chin strap held tight even as I tried to yank the thing off.

The other thing I discovered was that the shoulder straps provide
sufficient friction even when unbuckeled that when you try to stand up
they will actually prevent you unless you push them off your
shoulders. Try it some time. Just sit in the plane with all the belts
undone but the shoulder harnesses lose over your sholders ... now try
to stand up ... LOTS of resistance.

So .. add to your list:

Detach your chin strap on your headset and/or make sure it is
very weak and will break away easily. A folded over strap of velcro is
pretty damn strong!
If I were building an experimental, my headset jacks would push in
vertically instead of horizontally to allow them to pull free in the
case of a baleout.

Push the shoulder straps off each shoulder! Infact bungges or
elastics to do this may not be a dumb idea.

ALso .. don't run your smoke system on the ground unless you keep
the engine running for a minute or so afterwards to blow any remaining
oil out of the pipes. Also don't throttle back with the smoke system
on while on the ground!
Oh ... and don't let line guys put 100LL in your smoke tank .. don't
laugh I've stopped more than one.

By the way .. as an interesting aside ... the only person watching
that reacted properly was my 11 year old son who ran away from the
plane to the hanger to get a fire extinguisher.

Cheers and fly safe,

Peter


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?