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-   -   helmets and parachutes (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=176973)

BenPoff 11-17-2019 07:49 AM

helmets and parachutes
 
I've recently purchased an RV-4. My mission is to do aerobatics. Two of the safety items on my list as I prepare for this mission is a helmet and parachute. Any recommendations on what to look into or what to stay away from?
Thank you.

sailvi767 11-17-2019 07:53 AM

The tipover canopy gives you a better chance to get out than some of the other RV?s. I would argue however that if your mission is aerobatics there are better choices in aircraft out there. What I love about the RV?s is their ability to do a little bit of everything!

RV8iator 11-17-2019 08:24 AM

IAC Standings
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by sailvi767 (Post 1386794)
The tipover canopy gives you a better chance to get out than some of the other RV?s. I would argue however that if your mission is aerobatics there are better choices in aircraft out there. What I love about the RV?s is their ability to do a little bit of everything!

Don?t tell Ron, Jerry and Bill that.

gmcjetpilot 11-17-2019 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailvi767 (Post 1386794)
The tipover canopy gives you a better chance to get out than some of the other RV’s. I would argue however that if your mission is aerobatics there are better choices in aircraft out there. What I love about the RV’s is their ability to do a little bit of everything!

What? I have 600 hours in an RV4 and guessing 100 hours doing loops, rolls ailerons/barrel, stalls, Cuban8, hammerhead, emmelman, split-s (with care). It is a fun excellant aerobatic plane. Is it a Pitts or extra 300? Of course not, but the RV as you say can do it all. RV will do short field, fast cross country with good range and decent payload and aerobatics.

There are many folks who do sportsman aerobatic competition in RV's and place well. The two things RV's don't excell in my opinion, snap roll (with out stall strips) and are fast. It requires proper entry and energy management to stay in box. I don't care for snap rolls and not going to put stall strips on. Energy managment is easy but you must be competent (trained). Lack of ability and or judgment will get you in trouble.

For fun pos G aerobatics the RV can do it all. It is easy to fly, gives you feedback in the stick and seat of pants, lityke adverse yaw, BUT you must know what you are doing and respect the limits.

If you get so good at aerobatics in the RV, and want to grow, then you can upgrade to a special purpose Aerobatic plane.

gmcjetpilot 11-17-2019 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenPoff (Post 1386792)
I've recently purchased an RV-4. My mission is to do aerobatics. Two of the safety items on my list as I prepare for this mission is a helmet and parachute. Any recommendations on what to look into or what to stay away from?
Thank you.

There are many threads on parachutes. The slim or wedge backpacks work best in RV's. Go to their websites, lots of info. There are 3 or 4 major bands (softie, national, strong, butler, aviator). I have a softie wedge. Google parachute dealers. Many jump centers are dealers. Forget a real sky diving rectangular chute. Emergency chute are round and can never used for intentional skydiving. They run sales at airshows.

New chutes are not cheap. You can buy used for significant savings. Of course it will need repack and certification. The idea of helmet is great. No suggestion. If you want something that works with full cup headset that limits your choice. You don't want big in size due to limited canopy clearance or heavy. Google is your friend. I don't wear a helmet but great idea.

Chute makers are primary making the outer shell of pack, straps, and the canopy is similar across brands. Some do offer surplus 28' mil canopies which cost less. They are cheaper but a little thicker and heavier than a dedicated GA sport pilot "emergancy" chute. The plus side of surplus mil canopies is they have higher open speeds (think jet) and greater weight capacity. Some sport chutes are not for big folks.

Look at it as insurance. It is something you pay big money for and hope you never use. Hint get in and out plane with chute on (to practice egress). Never leave chute in plane or laying around in hanger. Get old hard suitcase to store it, and keep in temp controlled dry environment. . Think about what is on your person when you bail, phone, PLB, Spot. If you end up hanging from tree you can call for help and a pizza. :-) (ps know how to get out of chute harness fast so you don't get dragged. There is a way to loop straps to get out quick w/o expensive ejector hardware).

http://www.paragear.com/parachutes/1...NCY-PARACHUTES

https://www.parachuteshop.com/pilot%20parachutes.htm

http://www.softieparachutes.com/

cguarino 11-17-2019 10:52 AM

Small Helmet only
 
There is not a lot of room in a RV-4 for a helmet. You will need to shop around for the smallest helmet available. Use moleskin on all the hardware and protrusions to protect your canopy.

WillyEyeBall 11-18-2019 06:23 AM

chute
 
There is not a lot of room for a chute either. I can only use a seat pack, and remove the standard seat. I use a head cover with chin strap that secures the headset. The RV-4 will do everything I want to do up through the Intermediate category including inverted spins. Have fun and looking for your report in the first contest for 2020.
Bill McLean
RV-4 slider (tip over would be better for egress)
lower AL

rmarshall234 11-18-2019 07:38 AM

Since you are in Florida, suggest you call John Hawke at Strong Enterprises and work directly with them for a parachute: 407 859-9317

If you buy used, only do so with expert guidance from a qualified parachute rigger and have it inspected prior to purchase.

Bonehead Composites makes the nicest / lightest helmet IMHO www.boneheadcomposites.com The owner - Chris Frisella - is an RV owner and a good guy.

mike newall 11-18-2019 04:13 PM

In Old Blighty, we need neither and generally don?t.

200 hours in our RV7. Stunting on just about every flight. Still here !

Just saying ;-)

moosepileit 11-18-2019 04:21 PM

A five if not seven point harness is equal to a chute and helmet and backup goggles.

Five points really makes every manuever better. Extra lap belt with separate attach points may keep you in the seat and was needed for competition.

Backup goggles will help if you lose the canopy but keep the plane.

Helmet and chute- make sure they fit you, the seating and plane well.


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