Hangar Flying => Hangar Flying => Topic started by: Charles Davis on July 28, 2005, 04:01:54 PM
Title: parachutes
Post by: Charles Davis on July 28, 2005, 04:01:54 PM
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
Title: parachutes
Post by: Waiter on July 30, 2005, 08:44:42 AM
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
Title: parachute
Post by: Charles Davis on July 30, 2005, 09:11:31 AM
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?
Title: parachutes
Post by: Waiter on July 30, 2005, 10:23:22 AM
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.