Unfortunately, the re-pack class was called off due to weather last night.
I agree with Andy and Eric, practicing cockpit egress is worthwhile. IMHO,
actually making a tandem or static line jump is not. A real jump puts you
at risk of a broken bone or two and the experience is not the same as a real
emergency jump anyway.
I've practiced egress with every glider I have flown while wearing a
parachute. I have found it usually takes a somewhat unorthodox exit
procedure. In my Nimbus, what works for me is to pull my legs out from
under the panel and swing the left leg over the side before trying to lift
myself up. That way by pulling with my left leg and pushing with my right,
my leg muscles can help pull me out. What works for your physique and your
cockpit will almost certainly be different.
I wish I could fit the CG NOAH inflatable seat cushion. That looks like a
real advance. Maybe, we need a "shorty" version of the air bag that would
raise the pilot into a seated position with his legs pulled out from under
the panel. Anything that would help the pilot get up out of that "bath tub"
would help.
Bill Daniels
"Andy Durbin" wrote in message
om...
Eric Greenwell wrote in message
...
Part of my thinking was practicing, really physically practicing exiting
the glider (meaning were you can actually jettision the canopy and roll
out, not just sit there and visualize it), and the thinking that goes
with it, might make a person more mentally ready to do it in a real
situation.
Some people like to exit the glider by releasing the seat belts,
releasing the parachute harness, and stepping out without the chute.
I hope that primacy takes a back seat for an emergency exit.
Please always exit the glider *then* remove the parachute.
Andy
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