Informative thread.

There seems to be an argument that the 120 day pack rule will not be
increased because the riggers will fight it. That may be true, but the math
may not support the theory that a longer packing interval would decrease
business. I would expect that a longer pack period would significantly
increase the number of pilots that purchase and fly with parachutes -
because they do not have to be bothered with repacking every 120 days.

The problem with the repacking is not the money, it is the inconvenience of
finding a rigger and transporting the chute to and from him (or her).

In my case, I would rather spend twice as much money for someting that I do
not have to repack every 120 days, and since I do not compete I am debating
about not purchasing a parachute at all. I have flown airplanes and more
recently helicopters, with no chute.

I have been considering the BRS at 4 to 5 times the price because it has a 5
year pack cycle, but the weight penalty is unacceptable. And, I have read
about the European sealed chute, but that apparently is not available in the
US.

I am confident that a longer pack cycle would increase use of parachutes and
that would mean more lives would be saved.

Colin N12HS