Pilotchute in or out ??

[guest]

Hi,

I would like advice from experienced base-jumpers who are jumping a lot of long delays...
I ordered a 38 inch Pilot chute, now, the guy is asking me if i want the small ball(=the one u are pulling out for the opening;-), inside or outside the PILOT CHUTE?? But if he's inside, is there not a chance for him to get out in freefall ??? is it safer to put it outside ??

sorry for english...

thankx a lot

[imported_mknutson]

The difference is really preference.
I have used a 38" with a handle on the outside and now, use one with the handle inside.

I personally like the handle inside for my 38" as it seams cleaner to me. No handle waving around.

It took me about 3 or 4 jumps to get used to the handle being inside, but now I love it.
--
Thanks

Mick Knutson
BLiNC Magazine

"Everything you ever wanted to know about BASE Jumping, but didn't know who to ask."
--

[guest]

To the best of my knowledge CR was the first manufacturer to make internal handles a standard feature. The reason and history behind this may make your decision easier.

In 1987 there was a fatality at Bridge Day(Steve G.) he experienced a pilot chute in tow and went in @ line stretch on his reserve.

It was speculated that that part of the problem was his bridle looping over the pilot chute and becoming stuck on the handle. I have personally witnessd this several times when there was no handle and the bridle usually slide off.
The problem is most relavant when going hand held. The millions of skydives made annually seems to validate the safety of external handles on pilot chutes that are deployed from the pouch at high speeds.

As a side note, the minimal control over the bridle that the so-called "mushroom pack" has may dilute those statistics some. BASE jumpers are the only ones using this method since skydiving manufacturers stopped reccomending it in the early eighties.

Our 38" pilot chutes come standard with internal handles because we feel this is the the largest size anyone would hand-hold. Smaller 34" and 32" pilot chutes are sold with external handles and larger 42" and 46" are sold with double reinforced crowns that provide a good grip without a handle.

The internal handle pilot chute has a less positive feeling because it is underneath the pilot chute fabric but the handle is attached so it is a secure place to pull the pilot chute from.

I personally prefer the internal handle because I'm comfortable with how it feels. Some people are the opposite simply because it does not feel as positive as an external handle. If you plan on using this pilot chute stowed only, it is simply a matter of preference. If you can wrap your hand around one you will immediatly know which you prefer.



Adam Filippino
Consolidated Rigging, Inc.
http://www.crmojo.com