FS Mini Survival Softie Emergency Parachute (New)

[John O. Graybill]

Visit eBay Motors > Parts & Accessories > Aviation Parts > Pilot Gear
for photos and description.

[John O. Graybill]

John O. Graybill wrote:
> Visit eBay Motors > Parts & Accessories > Aviation Parts > Pilot Gear
> for photos and description.

Search on item number 130071474391

[Jack]

John O. Graybill wrote:
> John O. Graybill wrote:
>> Visit eBay Motors > Parts & Accessories > Aviation Parts > Pilot Gear
>> for photos and description.
>
> Search on item number 130071474391


Very amusing ad.

But what about the case where someone buys the 'chute and decides to
BASE-jump with it hoping to commit suicide -- because the ad says they
will die -- but then survives due to the chute working properly, despite
being out of time limits and/or having been repacked by the new owner?
They could be so disappointed they might initiate a law suit. ;]


Jack

[GM]

Jack wrote:
> John O. Graybill wrote:
> > John O. Graybill wrote:
> >> Visit eBay Motors > Parts & Accessories > Aviation Parts > Pilot Gear
> >> for photos and description.
> >
> > Search on item number 130071474391
>
>
> Very amusing ad.
>
> But what about the case where someone buys the 'chute and decides to
> BASE-jump with it hoping to commit suicide -- because the ad says they
> will die -- but then survives due to the chute working properly, despite
> being out of time limits and/or having been repacked by the new owner?
> They could be so disappointed they might initiate a law suit. ;]
>
>
> Jack

This chute has only a 20' diameter canopy. My rigger told me that the
26' canopy most round rescue chutes have make the difference between an
open and closed casket funeral. Does anyone know how fast a 180 pound
guy comes down under a 20' canopy? His heels may end up right next to
his balls!

Uli Neumann

[Jack]

GM wrote:

> This chute has only a 20' diameter canopy. My rigger told me that the
> 26' canopy most round rescue chutes have make the difference between an
> open and closed casket funeral.


How about a canopy appropriately sized for no-funeral?

Or is it like the so-called joke about the second engine on a
twin-engine airplane having just enough thrust to get you to the crash site?


Jack

[John O. Graybill]

The inflated diameter came directly from Free Flight Enterprises, Inc.
When questioned about this, their representative indicated that the
latest technology canopy fabric is super non-permeable and therefore
allows the inflated diameter to be what it is without excessive descent
rates. He also, suggested that the 25' to 26' inflated diameter
requirements comes from the days when canopy fabric was much more
permeable than what is used today. He pointed out that the smaller
canopy is what allows the Mini Softie to be as small and as light as it
is. Finally he reminded me that the parachute conforms to the
applicable TSO which includes demonstrating acceptable descent rates.

If there is anyone out there who has first-hand knowledge about the
safety, reliability, and the role diameter plays in descent rates for
this, or any, parachute, please feel encouraged to contribute.

[Mike[_8_]]

I spent some time talking to the reps of two companies about canopy
size, shape and porosity regarding pilot weight and decent rates in
emergencey parachutes at the SSA convention two years ago.

I was told the following:

Para-Phernalia is known for using what they term zero porosity canopy
fabrics. Strong uses low porosity fabrics, don't know about a super
non-permeable fabric. I would not doubt Para-Phernalia's figures. I
would not go over the weight spec on a parachute and would actually
like a bit of a weight margin. In general the fabrics used today offer
lower descent rates with smaller canopies than the old military chutes
generally used 20 or 30 years ago.





John O. Graybill wrote:
> The inflated diameter came directly from Free Flight Enterprises, Inc.
> When questioned about this, their representative indicated that the
> latest technology canopy fabric is super non-permeable and therefore
> allows the inflated diameter to be what it is without excessive descent
> rates. He also, suggested that the 25' to 26' inflated diameter
> requirements comes from the days when canopy fabric was much more
> permeable than what is used today. He pointed out that the smaller
> canopy is what allows the Mini Softie to be as small and as light as it
> is. Finally he reminded me that the parachute conforms to the
> applicable TSO which includes demonstrating acceptable descent rates.
>
> If there is anyone out there who has first-hand knowledge about the
> safety, reliability, and the role diameter plays in descent rates for
> this, or any, parachute, please feel encouraged to contribute.