Glenn,

Funny you should say that about making a jump. That was on my list of
things to do before I turned 30, so I did it a few years ago. I can safely
say, without a hint of exageration, that I have never been more frightened
in my life than I was in the time between leaving the aircraft and feeling
the tug of the chute grabbing air. But I thought after one jump that now I
knew what to expect so maybe the second jump would be better. That time was
equally frightening. Combining that with the fact that I enjoyed the
airplane ride to altitude more than I enjoyed the jump convinced me that I
had not, in fact, found a new hobby! Still, I'm glad I did it.

The whole issue of using the chute looms very large in my mind. I know I
have to have a predetermined bailout condition so I'm not trying to make my
mind up in the panic of the moment, and that practicing the exit is
important. But I'm not really sure if, in the situation, I'd really have
the balls to jump. I hope to never find out, but it does worry my
sometimes.

As for making a jump with my bailout parachute, I had thought that was a
good idea. You know, what better way to get to know your equipment than to
use it? Then I had a discussion about this with a new Pitts pilot who also
happens to be an officer in the British Army Parachute Regiment. He argued
against jumping in the bailout chute as it's only designed as a lifesaver
and not to be used repeatedly and, since it requires a ripcord to be pulled,
I'd be unlikely to find anyone who'd jump with me to make sure I didn't kill
myself. And if, for some unknown reason, I damaged it on the jump, I'd have
to buy a new one at over $1,000. All seemed good enough points to me. That
and I didn't really wanna do it anyway, so any excuse was good enough for
me!

Thanks for the tips and advice. I've been surpised at the amount of help
I've gotten on this one. I'm leaning toward the Softie Wedge as it's been
recommended many times and seems no better or worse than anything else out
there.

Cheers,
Shawn
"GKgloc" wrote in message
...
In article , Dale

writes:

Or even better, pull it at the riggers loft and stick around to watch
him pack it.

Good thought, and you could ask your rigger all those questions like:
"Hey,
what's that?" or "Which toggle or steering line do I pull to steer the
chute?"

But the regs require the rigger to air the parachute for 24 hours. That's
why
you often see the A-I-R written on the packing data card.

A-ir (for minimum 24 hours)
I-nspect (inspect entire system, including harness, container, etc.)
R-epack (in accordance with the manufacturers instructions)

Like your airplane mechanic, be skeptical of everything he does, and don't
be
afraid to ask lots of questions. I actually don't mind when a parachute
owner
asks questions.

Also, (going out on a limb here) I believe EVERY pilot, especially
aerobatic
pilots should make at least ONE jump to acclimate themselves with being
out of
the plane and under canopy. Also, knowing how to do a proper PLF is
important
(being able to walk to a road or nearby house for help).

Blue skies.........

Glenn