Parachute recommendations

On Mar 15, 8:24 pm, Jim Meade wrote:
I'm looking at a parachute for a glider. Would like to use it for
other flying, as well, if it is suitable. INo clue of the advantages/
disadvantages of any of them.

Suggestions?

Find a good parachute rigger knowledgeable about emergency (glider,
aerobatic etc.) parachutes and ask them. One place to start is whoever
packs parachutes for local glider pilots. Where are you located? Maybe
people here can recommend somebody if they know where you are. There
are lots of variables with brand and models and harness options and
how well it fits you and the glider, and canopy size, and maybe
tailoring the harness to fit you well, and ... lots of reasons to deal
with a professional (ideally the person can also do some basic ground
training for you and will be repacking your chute).


Darryl

Darryl Ramm wrote:
On Mar 15, 8:24 pm, Jim Meade wrote:
I'm looking at a parachute for a glider. Would like to use it for
other flying, as well, if it is suitable. INo clue of the advantages/
disadvantages of any of them.

Suggestions?

Find a good parachute rigger knowledgeable about emergency (glider,
aerobatic etc.) parachutes and ask them. One place to start is whoever
packs parachutes for local glider pilots. Where are you located? Maybe
people here can recommend somebody if they know where you are. There
are lots of variables with brand and models and harness options and
how well it fits you and the glider, and canopy size, and maybe
tailoring the harness to fit you well, and ... lots of reasons to deal
with a professional (ideally the person can also do some basic ground
training for you and will be repacking your chute).

Good idea in general, though the vast majority of parachute riggers have
absolutely no clue what parachute style is most suitable for particular
types of gliders. Much as I like and respect our friendly local rigger,
for instance, one may get better advice on that subject here.

My experience: I initially purchased a Long Softie (chair style) on the
advice of our local rigger, which worked OK in several older
semi-reclined gliders, but was rather uncomfortable in newer gliders. I
sold it and bought a Mini Softie (backpack style), which is more
comfortable for me in just about any glider, as well as in Citabrias, etc.

Marc

On Mar 15, 11:47 pm, Marc Ramsey wrote:
Darryl Ramm wrote:
On Mar 15, 8:24 pm, Jim Meade wrote:
I'm looking at a parachute for a glider. Would like to use it for
other flying, as well, if it is suitable. INo clue of the advantages/
disadvantages of any of them.

Suggestions?

Find a good parachute rigger knowledgeable about emergency (glider,
aerobatic etc.) parachutes and ask them. One place to start is whoever
packs parachutes for local glider pilots. Where are you located? Maybe
people here can recommend somebody if they know where you are. There
are lots of variables with brand and models and harness options and
how well it fits you and the glider, and canopy size, and maybe
tailoring the harness to fit you well, and ... lots of reasons to deal
with a professional (ideally the person can also do some basic ground
training for you and will be repacking your chute).

Good idea in general, though the vast majority of parachute riggers have
absolutely no clue what parachute style is most suitable for particular
types of gliders. Much as I like and respect our friendly local rigger,
for instance, one may get better advice on that subject here.

My experience: I initially purchased a Long Softie (chair style) on the
advice of our local rigger, which worked OK in several older
semi-reclined gliders, but was rather uncomfortable in newer gliders. I
sold it and bought a Mini Softie (backpack style), which is more
comfortable for me in just about any glider, as well as in Citabrias, etc.

Marc

And I brought the same long-softie for possibly the same glider a
DG-300/303, on recommendation from possibly the same rigger. If you
buy a long-softie that is designed for a more reclined seating
position, I think it comes implicitly with the idea that it won't
necessarily be comfortable in all gliders - but maybe that's not
obvious. It was incredibly comfortable in the DG-303 and front seat of
a DG-1000, but when I brought my ASH-26E I purchased a mini-softie
after measuring the seat back cutout and talking to my rigger to
confirm what chute should work best. If somebody was buying a
parachute for a DG-30x or DG-80x today I'd still recommend they look
at a long-softie unless they also wanted to fly gliders here it did
not work (e.g. Schleichers with small seat back cutouts). The long-
softie also has lots of space to stow some basic survival gear in the
lower foam padded seat cushion extension (spare hat, charts, pocket
knife, etc.).

A rigger not familiar with emergency chutes will probably have no
idea, for those who are you at least have a chance. The best thing for
fit to the glider is to try out parachutes from other pilots in your
actual glider.

Darryl

Darryl Ramm wrote:
And I brought the same long-softie for possibly the same glider a
DG-300/303, on recommendation from possibly the same rigger. If you
buy a long-softie that is designed for a more reclined seating
position, I think it comes implicitly with the idea that it won't
necessarily be comfortable in all gliders - but maybe that's not
obvious.

Actually, no, I bought the Mini Softie after I figured out I wasn't very
comfortable in the 303 or the Duo. I think he just considers Long
Softies to be the parachute that glider pilots buy...

Marc

On Mar 16, 1:31*pm, Marc Ramsey wrote:
Darryl Ramm wrote:
And I brought the same long-softie for possibly the same glider a
DG-300/303, on recommendation from possibly the same rigger. If you
buy a long-softie that is designed for a more reclined seating
position, I think it comes implicitly with the idea that it won't
necessarily be comfortable in all gliders - but maybe that's not
obvious.

Actually, no, I bought the Mini Softie after I figured out I wasn't very
comfortable in the 303 or the Duo. *I think he just considers Long
Softies to be the parachute that glider pilots buy...

Marc

As I am in the market for a parachute in the near future as well, does
anyone have a suggestion what type of pack would be best in a Ka-6CR?

Pete

P.S. if you have a good condition used one I'd be interested as well

I sold nearly 200 new and used parachutes in the last year, mostly to glider
pilots but a large number to airplane pilots and many used for both airplane
and glider and a very large number were exported out of the USA. There are
important considerations depending on pilot size, weight and the type of
airplane/glider you'll be using it for most...in general, back pack
parachutes will most normally fit a larger variety of planes best. I offer
Strong, National and Paraphernalia parachutes, all are excellent quality but
all have different styles and fit. I also have helped National modify some
designs and introduce new versions to suite other pilot needs, some National
designs have been copied by both Strong and Paraphernalia....the GRF for
instance was one of my designs now offered by both Strong and Paraphernalia
and the National "teardrop" is offered by Strong and Paraphernalia as a
Wedge model.
Best to know the seller who really knows the subtle differences in models
and airplane/glider types you might fly, and get a chute based on what is
best for you. Please see my website page
http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page39.htm with links to the major
manufacturers and call me if you have questions....I'm always here (M-F
9-4), ready to help you make the best choice.
Best regards
Tim
Please visit the Wings & Wheels website at www.wingsandwheels.com

"Jim Meade" wrote in message
...
I'm looking at a parachute for a glider. Would like to use it for
other flying, as well, if it is suitable. INo clue of the advantages/
disadvantages of any of them.

Suggestions?

Jim Meade wrote:
I'm looking at a parachute for a glider. Would like to use it for
other flying, as well, if it is suitable. INo clue of the advantages/
disadvantages of any of them.

A friend of mine is also looking for a new parachute. He is considering
a new type of emergency parachute that is rectangular ram air design,
like a sport parachute, but does not require the training that a sport
parachute does. I believe this is the one:

http://www.parachuteshop.com/aviator..._parachute.htm

Scroll down about one page to the section labeled "The canopy".

The main advantage seems to be a lower descent rate of 12 feet/second,
vs the standard round emergency parachutes that have 18 feet/second. My
high school physics says it's about the difference between jumping off a
2.5 foot high ladder vs a 5 foot high ladder.

Any comments on the desirability of this new design compared to the
round parachutes we use now? Is the lower descent rate ever a liability;
e.g., in updrafts near a cloud? Does the lower descent rate also mean
you might dragged more after landing in windy conditions?

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

* Updated! "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* New Jan '08 - sections on Mode S, TPAS, ADS-B, Flarm, more

* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org

some emergency parachutes "can be" fitted with square (ram air) parachutes,
these are only for certified jumpers who have experience in this type of
parachute. However, it also should be noted that square parachutes do not
function like round or conical parachutes, they don't open reliably unless
you are in a stable position, something you likely will not be in
immediately after a bail out and may never be in if you're not an
experienced jumper, more likely you will exit and emergency bail out
tumbling and even with experience you may be disabled and unable to enter
into a proper PLF position for deployment. The standard round canopies used
in most emergency parachutes are extensively tested to open for all
positions, in all imaginable conditions, even soaked wet, mispacked or
other... the landing with a ram air parachute is also much like
flying....they can be flown very fast, slowed, even stalled (though for
emergency use they would be less controllable to limit these) you need to
learn to flare at the correct time to make that soft airshow like stand up
landing, otherwise your landing can be pretty eventful.....(ever notice how
many at the local jump site are wearing casts or walking with crutches? )
So IMHO and in the opinion of most manufacturers the ram air canopies have a
place, but not typically in emergency pilot rigs.
Tim
Please visit the Wings & Wheels website at www.wingsandwheels.com

"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
news:jQwDj.8843$2Y4.6839@trndny01...
Jim Meade wrote:
I'm looking at a parachute for a glider. Would like to use it for
other flying, as well, if it is suitable. INo clue of the advantages/
disadvantages of any of them.

A friend of mine is also looking for a new parachute. He is considering a
new type of emergency parachute that is rectangular ram air design, like a
sport parachute, but does not require the training that a sport parachute
does. I believe this is the one:

http://www.parachuteshop.com/aviator..._parachute.htm

Scroll down about one page to the section labeled "The canopy".

The main advantage seems to be a lower descent rate of 12 feet/second, vs
the standard round emergency parachutes that have 18 feet/second. My high
school physics says it's about the difference between jumping off a 2.5
foot high ladder vs a 5 foot high ladder.

Any comments on the desirability of this new design compared to the round
parachutes we use now? Is the lower descent rate ever a liability; e.g.,
in updrafts near a cloud? Does the lower descent rate also mean you might
dragged more after landing in windy conditions?

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

* Updated! "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* New Jan '08 - sections on Mode S, TPAS, ADS-B, Flarm, more

* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org

On Mar 17, 1:39 pm, "Tim Mara" wrote:
some emergency parachutes "can be" fitted with square (ram air) parachutes,
these are only for certified jumpers who have experience in this type of
parachute. However, it also should be noted that square parachutes do not
function like round or conical parachutes, they don't open reliably unless
you are in a stable position, something you likely will not be in
immediately after a bail out and may never be in if you're not an
experienced jumper, more likely you will exit and emergency bail out
tumbling and even with experience you may be disabled and unable to enter
into a proper PLF position for deployment. The standard round canopies used
in most emergency parachutes are extensively tested to open for all
positions, in all imaginable conditions, even soaked wet, mispacked or
other... the landing with a ram air parachute is also much like
flying....they can be flown very fast, slowed, even stalled (though for
emergency use they would be less controllable to limit these) you need to
learn to flare at the correct time to make that soft airshow like stand up
landing, otherwise your landing can be pretty eventful.....(ever notice how
many at the local jump site are wearing casts or walking with crutches? )
So IMHO and in the opinion of most manufacturers the ram air canopies have a
place, but not typically in emergency pilot rigs.
Tim
Please visit the Wings & Wheels website atwww.wingsandwheels.com


The manufacture of the linked parachute claims that the P-124 was
specifically designed as an emergency parachute for untrained airmen.
I'm also curious if anyone has used one.

Todd

On Mar 17, 1:00*pm, toad wrote:
On Mar 17, 1:39 pm, "Tim Mara" wrote:





some emergency parachutes "can be" fitted with square (ram air) parachutes,
these are only for certified jumpers who have experience in this type of
parachute. However, it also should be noted that square parachutes do not
function like round or conical parachutes, they don't open reliably unless
you are in a stable position, something you likely will not be in
immediately after a bail out and may never be in if you're not an
experienced jumper, more likely you will exit and emergency bail out
tumbling and even with experience you may be disabled and unable to enter
into a proper PLF position for deployment. The standard round canopies used
in most emergency parachutes are extensively tested to open for all
positions, in all imaginable conditions, even soaked wet, mispacked or
other... the landing with a ram air parachute is also much like
flying....they can be flown very fast, slowed, even stalled (though for
emergency use they would be less controllable to limit these) you need to
learn to flare at the correct time to make that soft airshow like stand up
landing, otherwise your landing can be pretty eventful.....(ever notice how
many at the local jump site are wearing casts or walking with crutches? )
So IMHO and in the opinion of most manufacturers the ram air canopies have a
place, but not typically in emergency pilot rigs.
Tim
Please visit the Wings & Wheels website atwww.wingsandwheels.com

The manufacture of the linked parachute claims that the P-124 was
specifically designed as an emergency parachute for untrained airmen.
I'm also curious if anyone has used one.

Todd- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Am I missing something? Here is some text from the linked website.
Their own information seems to contradict.

"Because of the advanced characteristics of these canopy designs, the
Sport Aviator model may only be used by individuals who either have
ram-air jumping experience such as skydiving, or have received special
training in the use and performance of these canopies."

and....

"The heart of the system is the P-124 ram-air canopy which is designed
for use by airmen who may have no prior jump experience or who may
even be incapacitated to some degree."


Which is it? Both are referring to the P-124 canopy design.