Terminal PC Pack?

[guest]

I am wondering what the preferred method of packing a 38" PC for a delay of 20+ seconds. I have been told 3 different ways by 3 different people.

If anyone can help me with this i would appreciate it.

FlyLikeIDo@msn.com

Thanks
John

[imported_Tom Aiello]

I use a mushroom pack for every BASE jump, regardless of delay.

I'd recommend using the same mushroom you use at 2 seconds at 20. I don't see any downside to it.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com

[feral]

How about take the 38 off and put a 36F111 on ,mushroom is the only way to go for any stowed jump..

bsbd feral:-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-(

[guest]

Why would you use a smaller PC with F1-11?

Thanks for your help Tom and feral.

[460]

what's the mushroom pack?

[squirrel]

My $.02

I use a 36" handled zp pilot chute for terminal jumps. Mushroom packjob. The handle makes the mushroom stay in the pouch and be much neater for terminal jumps. My 42" mushroom packjob leaves a lot of PC exposed.

--
Joe C.
BASE 729
www.erols.com/squirrel
BASE729@yahoo.com

[guest]

I personally feel anything over 7 seconds and I'm using a 34"ZP with an external handle (Vertigo made mine and its great) I use a 38" ZP with internal handle (thanks Adam) for delays from 4 to 7 seconds, however I have taken it off the Perrine several times with only 2 second delays and no noticible problems. I feel your 38"ZP at terminal will cause siginificant center-cell strippage....question is...does center-cell strippage cause off-headings, and does it really matter after a 20+ second delay..it shouldn't ....my .02 :)

[imported_Tom Aiello]

I tend to use a vented 32" ZP PC for terminal (no wingsuit) jumps, and a vented 38" ZP PC for wingsuit flights. I'd say that your 38" is a bit too large for terminal (larger PC's can cause excessive center cell strip, leading to other possible complications).

The idea of F111 or vented PC's is to dampen oscillation by minimizing air spill over the skirt of the PC. So long as you are not smoking it into the basement, I'd be comfortable with either F111 or vented ZP.

Like Squirrel, I prefer a handled PC for terminal jumps, so that no PC material has to be exposed to terminal airflow.

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com

[guest]

Did anyone ever figure out what the "super mushroom" was all about?

[imported_Tom Aiello]

Yes, I did learn that technique. I tentatively like it, but I'm unwilling to recommend that others use it without further evidence.

I can show you how to do it, if you like.

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com

[Faber]

I need that info too...or were do i find the info?

Thanks!!!

[guest]

Mushrooms are a favorite among fine food specialist. You should be able to find Mushrooms at your local food market.
While standing in line at the checkout pay special attention as how your Packer Packs your Mushrooms. Hope this helps!

[imported_Tom Aiello]

See:

http://www.basicresearch.com/

Click on Reference: BR Owner's Manual

See Section 15.3, which I have reproduced below:

15.3 Packing

15.3-1 Stowed

-1a Grasp the pilot chute at the bridle attachment and hang pilot chute so that the center line becomes completely elongated. With the other hand grasp all the mesh and slide hand toward ripstop fabric stopping at the seam created between the mesh and the ripstop. Flip the pilot chute so it is now in a mushroom shape with the cap (handle) resting on top. Drawing 15.6-1

-1b Release the first hand and grab the ripstop fabric and the bulk created by the seam of the mesh and ripstop. The cap (handle) should remain exposed. Lay on solid surface.

-1c Lift one side of ripstop back towards handle. Make a fold in the mesh so the pilot chute bridle attachment faces towards the cap. The length of the fold should be such that the pilot chute, from cap to bottom of fold, is the same length as the BOC pilot chute pocket. Drawing 15.6-2

-1d S-fold the bridle on top of the mesh in 6 - 8 inch folds until within approximately 10 inches of the end of the bridle. Drawing 15.6-2

-1e Long fold mesh around bridle, keep it narrow and tight. Drawing 15.6-3

-1f Fold ripstop back over mesh (Drawing 15.6-4) and tri fold ripstop (Drawing 15.6-5) and continue a rolling fold until pilot chute is tightly contained and ready to insert into spandex pocket. Drawing 15.6-6

-1g Insert into BOC pocket leaving cap (handle) exposed and Velcro mated. Drawing 15.6-13. – For stowed jumps make sure bridle is secure and will not interfere with jumpers hand during deployment. Tuck all excess bridle under flap and / or into BOC pocket. Drawing 15.6-12



It's kind of hard to see it from the explanation. Any experienced jumper ought to be able to show you the mushroom pack in person in just a few minutes, though.

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com

[Faber]

Thanks Tom
I do have the manual but didnt know that you call it mushroom pack.

Have Fun!!!

[guest]

Ok. The following information is based on my observation of literally thousands of terminal openings and probably thousands of sub terminal openings - mostly in daylight. I am here in Kjerag Norway in my second season orgainzing nearly every load, inspecting almost every jumpers gear. I have had contact with many people who have been in the BASE industry for years, and over the last year have conducted studies with PCs - vented and non-vented. Following are my latest personal beliefs based on this observation and over 550 BASE jumps - 65 wingsuit.

1.) 38 inch ZP is definately too big for terminal - harder openings and greater potential for line over. 38 inch ZP is accdeptable for wingsuit BASE, but 36 inch F111 is more comfortable and consistently on heading.

2.) Vented PCs are essentially a sales gimmick. There is only a slight - maybe 10% - improvement in the reduction of oscilitation of the PC - especially in regards to subterminal BASE 1 to 8 seconds.

3.) ZP PCs should not be used for slider up BASE. F111 is really the only PC to use given todays technology of PCs if your goal is to limit oscilation. Until a new design of PC is developed, use F111 for slider up. That's my unbiased opinion.

4.) Every effort should be taken to pitch the PC in an upwards direction for slider off/down BASE, instead of outwards - hand held or stowed - to limit the oscilation factor. I have seen many PCs pulling at an angle if not oscilitating - causing off heading openings - try to limit the angle of pull by the PC as much as possible.

5.) I believe the pilot chute is the greatest problem - off headings, cliff strikes, injuries, deaths, etc. in BASE today. All efforts by manufacturers and inventive jumpers should be directed at eliminating this problem.

The piloit chute has at the least contributed to, or been the sole reason of 2 death's, 2 injuries, and countless off heading openings that I have seen or been aware of this summer...

Jim J
:-)