parachutes

[Charles Davis]

Burt recommended you wear a parachute during the initial flights.

I wonder about the practicality of always wearing a chute given the cramped cockpit and pusher configuration.

Which configuration is preferred for practicality and cross country comfort?  Seat, back or belly chute?

Thanks

[Waiter]

I have a 7 meter Strong back pack Emergency Chute. This is a small chute, but I'm a light person

I generally wear it for the following occations:

First flight (ALWAYS)

Envelope expansion (ALWAYS)

Flutter testing (ALWAYS)

ACM (Air Combat manauvering) (Most of the time)

Formation (sometimes)

When I use a chute, I simply pull the seatback cushion out. The chute isn't as comfortable as the cushion, but This could be a matter of perspective.

Waiter

[Charles Davis]

Waiter... great info and a really practical and optimal approach to safety.

Is there any way you can use a chute full-time and still have long range comfort?

[Waiter]

Risk / Comfort / Convenience will drive this individual decision.

If I decided to replace the cushion with the chute, I could probably pad it and make it a little more comfortable, but having the chute properly strapped on inhibits some movement and gets uncomfortable after a while.

Then I have the difficulty of strapping it on (and taking it off) when I get in / out of the plane.

ALSO, If the chute is in the plane all the time, I would definitely want to keep the chute inspection records up to date.


If you really wanted to do this, I would go all out and replace the seat belts etc with a custom made chute/harness assembly. The chute harness now becomes your seat belt assembly. You'll see these in some of the professional acrobatic planes, i.e. extra 300, etc.

Waiter