RV-6/7 acro pilots... what type is your parachute?

[Saville]

Originally Posted by donaziza

Could you guys who already have chutes tell me how thick they are? I had one, but it was 3 1/2 inches thick. Pushed me so far forward in my RV 8, that it just wasn't practical. Had to sell it.

Thanks guys.

I have a Mini Softie 15" wide chute. It is 2.5" thick. I removed the seat back cushion so it only moves me forward an inch and a half. Noticeable but not debilitating.

I got the 15" wide because one poster in the forum suggested that while the 16" is a bit thinner, it's edges rub against the seat back edges.

There are a couple screw heads on the seat back so I might cover then with duct tape or something else to be sure there's no wear on the chute.

[acroflyrgirl]

I have a wedge softie.
From the website....
The container is 2 1/2" thick at bottom, 1/2" thick at top x 15" wide x 23" long. Canopy Type: Steerable Conical*. Total weight: 15

[fl-mike]

I looked at and tried on the Softie Mini at SnF. When I got home, I made a parachute "simulator" out of dense packing foam based on the published Softie Mini container dimensions. Replaced my Classic Aero seatback cushion with it and it seems to be about the same thickness at the lumbar. A little thicker at the shoulder area, but not much difference that I could feel. So, seating-wise it looks fine for my plane and normal seating position. Now, I still have to figure out an exit strategy...

[Pittsartist]

Softie wedge. RV-6 / Slider.

I remove the seatback cushion and fit a 1/2" thick "Gym Mat" in its place to create some friction (the nylon chute container slides around otherwise).

From what I've read it's doubtful the slider could be opened in flight in order to vacate. I have therefore replaced the AN3 bolts in the front bow roller feet with Pip Pins the idea being to 1 - Remove pins, 2 - Undo centre latch, 3 - Undo harness.

Personally, I don't think the canopy would hang around long if the roller feet are no longer secured. I've timed the pin / latch removal process at 12 seconds - about the same time it takes to free fall the 1st 1000' of a skydive for what that's worth.

Roughly ?2000 cost and 19lb of extra weight - "better to have and not need than need and not have" or so the saying goes .............

[ssmdive]

Originally Posted by flyr747

5?9 / 170 lbs and interested in getting involved in some of the IAC events and instead of re-inventing the wheel would like to know what parachutes you guys are using?
The search function is fairly sparse for RV-6 and 7s.

Thanks,
Curt

Come to the IAC comp at Sebring from April 30th to May 5th and we will have a Softie dealer there with several designs that you can TRY IN YOUR PLANE.

He is bringing a Softie Mini, Softie Wedge, and Softie Seat.

All of these rigs are new demos and will be for sale. Also let everyone know that anyone who purchases one of the demos or orders a new parachute at the contest will receive a free carry bag ($45 value), free shipping ($50 value) and 15% off. Currently Softie is running 4 to 6 weeks for new parachutes so just keep that in mind.

I am trying to make it so these contests are events where companies can bring out their products for people to try.

Bonehead Composites is also sending us helmets.
The Pilot X
Gunner
And a new pilot helmet just introduced.

You will be able to try these out as well.

[racaldwell]

The Strong webpage says the AcroPro is 3.5" thick. With the seatback all the way back I feel forward enough that it felt awkward. I am small at 145 lb so, past the uncomfortable feeling, I can still move the stick full range. How Strong advertises the chute fits the RV-6 is beyond me. It would be impossible for anyone registering on the bubba scale.