Parachute requirements?

[Discus2b]

What are parachute requirements while performing aerobatics?
None? Single pilot vs. with a passenger?

Thanks,

R

[Maxrate]

Here?s your FAR definition:

14 CFR ? 91.307 - Parachutes and parachuting.
CFR
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? 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.

(b) Except in an emergency, no pilot in command may allow, and no person may conduct, a parachute operation from an aircraft within the United States except in accordance with part 105 of this chapter.

(c) Unless each occupant of the aircraft is wearing an approved parachute, no pilot of a civil aircraft carrying any person (other than a crewmember) may execute any intentional maneuver that exceeds -

(1) A bank of 60 degrees relative to the horizon; or

(2) A nose-up or nose-down attitude of 30 degrees relative to the horizon.

(d) Paragraph (c) of this section does not apply to -

(1) Flight tests for pilot certification or rating; or

(2) Spins and other flight maneuvers required by the regulations for any certificate or rating when given by -

(i) A certificated flight instructor; or

(ii) An airline transport pilot instructing in accordance with ? 61.67 of this chapter.

(e) For the purposes of this section, approved parachute means -

(1) A parachute manufactured under a type certificate or a technical standard order (C-23 series); or

(2) A personnel-carrying military parachute identified by an NAF, AAF, or AN drawing number, an AAF order number, or any other military designation or specification number.

[MED]

Mark has shown the reg above, but I believe the simple answer for aerobatics is: If you have a passenger, you both must have on approved parachutes. If you are alone, no parachute is required. The FAA does not care if you kill only yourself.

[FinnFlyer]

Originally Posted by MED

... The FAA does not care if you kill only yourself.

Or your crew

[NewbRVator]

A parachute in an RV would be all for show and to fulfill the FAA passenger regs because I don't know how in the world you'd get out in time.

[Discus2b]

Thanks, a lot more lenient than I thought. I skipped by this section thinking it pertained to skydiving.
Cheers
R

[flyinhood]

I watched the Fly Chops episode where they flew upside down in several RVs at the factory with out chutes. In the comments section someone mentioned "crew". Since I instruct, I was curious. AOPA lawyer said no. Chutes need to be worn. I did talk to a DFW FSDO Inspector he told me I could basically do any "unusual attitudes" I wanted to teach in the interest of training. However a full acro routine would be hard to defend. Sooo, sometimes some CFIs may instruct without chutes and that's ok. But, recreational acro with pax...legally you need chutes.

FWIW

[Capt]

Is there any recorded evidence of a person/s exiting any RV whilst airborne?

I think you would need to be Chuck Yeager to confidently exit an RV if a wing snapped off or something that dramatic!

[RV8JD]

Originally Posted by Capt

Is there any recorded evidence of a person/s exiting any RV whilst airborne?

RV-8. Unfortunately, the pilot did not have a chute.

https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38485

"A witness reported observing the aircraft at low altitude over gently rolling terrain trailing black smoke during which the pilot was observed to exit the aircraft.
...
Probable Cause: Fatigue of the number two connecting rod end resulting in a fracture at the rod end and release from the crankshaft, an ensuing in-flight fuel fed fire, followed by the pilot's abandoning the aircraft in flight. A contributing factor was pressure on the pilot induced by the conditions/events (in-flight fire entering the upper cockpit). "

[Capt]

OMG that's just horrible! -