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  #1  
Old 02-09-2010, 08:35 AM
L'Avion's Avatar
L'Avion L'Avion is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Memphis
Posts: 159
Default Parachute RV-4 Recommendation?

Any suggestions/recommendations for a chute, front seat RV-4, will be much appreciated.

Barney, in Memphis

Last edited by L'Avion : 02-09-2010 at 12:21 PM. Reason: spelling
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  #2  
Old 02-09-2010, 09:52 AM
Brian Vickers Brian Vickers is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 333
Default Most of the seat pack units will work

I have a Strong Enterprises model 304 that fits well, but all the emergency parachute manufactures make a similar unit. The seat pack measures 11" x 15" x 5" thick (actual measurements), and sits down in the area between the seatback and spar nice and snug. I have manual flaps and therefore the seat pack must be positioned slightly right of center, but this does not change comfort or functionality. The parachute is packed very tight so it is like sitting on a rock. It has a thin integral Comforfoam pad with soft fabric cover on the seat and back but its still quite firm. I purchased it on VAF.NET from a retiring RV owner for $750, including shipping. It is ten years old but looks brand new and came with a case and extensive user manual. One data point for you.
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Bainbridge Island, WA
RV4
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  #3  
Old 02-10-2010, 07:02 PM
L'Avion's Avatar
L'Avion L'Avion is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Memphis
Posts: 159
Default Parachute RV-4

Strong also makes a #314, specifically for the RV-4; but at 10.5" x 16" wide it does get in the way of manual flaps. The Strong 303 mini (backpack) might work, but at 3" thick, I'm concerned that it will move me too far forward for comfort.

Any other suggestions?

Barney, in Memphis

PS: Moderator, please correct my spelling in the original post/thread. Thanks.
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  #4  
Old 02-10-2010, 07:24 PM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by L'Avion View Post
PS: Moderator, please correct my spelling in the original post/thread. Thanks.
Gotcha covered.
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Mel Asberry, DAR since the last century.
EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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  #5  
Old 02-10-2010, 10:30 PM
nauga nauga is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: AOTP
Posts: 192
Default

Stock (not RV-4 specific) Strong 304 was the only thing I could find that kept my head off the canopy. The backpack 'chute I had before the 304 put me too far forward (head into the downsloping part of the canopy), other seat-packs lifted me too high. I have a taller-than-average seated height and abnormally large (but somewhat empty) head , YMMV.
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2004 RV-4
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  #6  
Old 02-10-2010, 10:53 PM
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AX-O AX-O is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,452
Default

All,
how do you get out of the plane? I can't figure that out due to the side opening canopy.
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RV-4 fastback thread and Pics
VAF 2020 paid VAF 704
The information that I post is just that; information and my own personal experiences. You need to weight out the pros and cons and make up your own mind/decisions. The pictures posted may not show the final stage or configuration. Build at your own risk.
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  #7  
Old 02-11-2010, 07:01 AM
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skyfrog skyfrog is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 163
Default Sun-N-Fun

If you plan to buy a new chute, I'd recommend waiting until Sun-N-Fun. They had a considerable show discount.
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jedwards@digital.net
VAF #1089
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  #8  
Old 02-11-2010, 08:19 AM
cguarino cguarino is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 377
Default No problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by AX-O View Post
All,
how do you get out of the plane? I can't figure that out due to the side opening canopy.
All you have to do is unlock the canopy and it will depart the aircraft. The hinge is pop riveted on to facilitate this.
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Charlie "T.Bear" Guarino
Springtown, TX
RV-4 Flying again with a fresh overhaul
Exempt but paid
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  #9  
Old 02-11-2010, 08:20 AM
Sid Lambert Sid Lambert is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: North Atlanta
Posts: 1,120
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AX-O View Post
All,
how do you get out of the plane? I can't figure that out due to the side opening canopy.
You just open the canopy. The rivets on the hinges are soft rivets and will rip right off. It's happened a few times on accident.
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RV-7 Sold
RV-4 - Flying - O-320 Fixed Pitch - Red over Yellow

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  #10  
Old 02-12-2010, 09:41 AM
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L'Avion L'Avion is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Memphis
Posts: 159
Default "National 360"

Has anyone used a "National 360" (good for 177# @ 140kts) in an RV-4 front seat?

Other suggestions?

Barney
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