On Jan 22, 11:32*am, Eric Greenwell wrote:
On 1/21/2011 10:49 PM, Eric Greenwell wrote:

On 1/21/2011 4:35 PM, bildan wrote:

I'd like the NOAH idea better if it was available as a mere "butt
raiser" which lifts the pilots rump up and forward a few inches. I
think just a little lift would make a huge difference in ease of
egress. Raising the pilot in a reclining position, as the current
NOAH unit does, only works with canopy mounted panels.

And pedestal mounted panels like the DG single seaters, and swivel
panels like the Ventus uses. Maybe not good with a Nimbus 3 canopy
mounted to the cockpit sills, and similar panels. Maybe they have a
version with limited inflation - worth asking.

That should be "panel mounted to the cockpit sills", not "canopy".

I did consider the NOAH system years ago, but decided the need for it
was so unlikely, it wasn't worth the cost to install and maintain. I do
make sure I can get out of my glider easily under 1 G conditions by
pushing myself out of the cockpit after landing, wearing the parachute.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
email me)

Another thought. (subject to revision)

Getting out is difficult because of a lack of "grab handles". I
wonder if it is possible to add an extending strut with a grip which
deploys when the canopy is jettisoned. I'm thinking of a 35mm
diameter carbon fiber tube which extends vertically between the pilots
knees as the canopy ejects. A gas strut could power it and lift the
front of the canopy.

A strategically positioned grab handle plus an inflatable seat cushion
"butt lifter" (Perhaps triggered by a hard pull on the grab handle)
could make it pretty easy to get out. If egress with a personal
'chute can be assured, I'd have little interest in a BRS system.

Bill Daniels