Parachutes

DB,

I am guessing that you are flying a meat wagon at a DZ? If so usually the skydive company will provide one. If you need to buy one for AFF I would not look for the cheapest/used one.

Also, if you are going to purchase a used canister and canopy you should really know the person you are buying it from and the history of the canopy.

I don't jump any more but I have over 100 FF jumps and a bunch of static.

Let me know if you need any more info.

CB
 
If it is for gliders, softie or national are your best bet.

Most packers can do emergency chutes I think. The two I have never are a problem for anyone to do.

Used is "ok" just be careful on the age. Many packers won't pack a chute older than 15 years.
 
drunkenbeagle said:
I'm not planning on ever needing to actually use it :)
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Wait, let me get this straight...you want the protection of a parachute, but you don't *really* want the protection of a parachute? Why bother getting it to begin with?

We all have different tolerance levels for risk, but if it were me, and I had to bail, I'd want to be absolutely certain my equipment was going to work correctly. Finding out I have a problem with the rig after leaving the plane is an exceptionally bad way to realize I shouldn't have gone cheap on that safeguard.

Some might say having a questionable parachute is better than no parachute, but I'm not sure. Having a questionable parachute leaves doubt in an emergency. You think to yourself, "Do I try to fly this machine with engine / control issues to the ground, or do I take my chances with the chute?" It leaves two bad options. With a high quality chute, it becomes a clear cut, "I can't control this plane. I'm getting out. End of story."

Just something to consider.
 
jrh said:
Wait, let me get this straight...you want the protection of a parachute, but you don't *really* want the protection of a parachute? Why bother getting it to begin with?
Click to expand...

Okay, you sold me. I think it will be a new mini softie. I still hope I never need to use it though.
 
I would go down to the nearest dropzone and look for someone trying to get rid of their rig. As for the reserve chute "emergency chute", I think there are certified packers. The jumpers at my club always had the same person in another town packing their reserve chutes and marking it down on a form. I believe there's a requirement to repack them every so often.
 
falconvalley said:
I would go down to the nearest dropzone and look for someone trying to get rid of their rig. As for the reserve chute "emergency chute", I think there are certified packers. The jumpers at my club always had the same person in another town packing their reserve chutes and marking it down on a form. I believe there's a requirement to repack them every so often.
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180 days.
 
TXaviator said:
90 days.
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I think the FAA gives you 180 days now. (It used to be 120.)

Sec. 91.307

Parachutes and parachuting.

[(a) No pilot of a civil aircraft may allow a parachute that is available for emergency use to be carried in that aircraft unless it is an approved type and has been packed by a certificated and appropriately rated parachute rigger--
(1) Within the preceding 180 days, if its canopy, shrouds, and harness are composed exclusively of nylon, rayon, or other similar synthetic fiber or materials that are substantially resistant to damage from mold, mildew, or other fungi and other rotting agents propagated in a moist environment; or
(2) Within the preceding 60 days, if any part of the parachute is composed of silk, pongee, or other natural fiber or materials not
specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
 
lol shows what i know! i never had to pay much attention, just check to see it wasnt expired before strapping it on....
 
drunkenbeagle said:
After doing a bit more research, it turns
out a parachute is not one of those things I want to buy used...
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That makes sense, both of the ones that I have/use were bought new.

The $130 a year comment was directed at the 180 repack intervals. Now, I only have to pay $65 once a year to get each one repacked instead of paying $260 each year, too get two chutes packed two times.
 
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