Parachute choices

rv8ch · #1 06-27-2005, 05:26 AM

What kind of chute works best in the RV8? I guess it kind of depends on the seats, so any advice there would be welcome as well. Thanks!

n250jg · #2 06-27-2005, 06:49 AM

Hi again Mickey,
We ordered a custom LoPo 450 backpack unit from Butler. It's rated at 285lb @ 150kts and weighs about 16-20lbs. I used it throughout Phase I without the seat back cushion and didn't notice it after getting in. It's only about 2in thick so ingress/egress wasn't much different either. I don't have an intermediate stop on the canopy and I can reach it easily without the chute, but with it I had to stretch a little. Happy to tell you I can't report on how well it works, but reading through all their testing reports on their website made me very comfortable with my decision. Give Tom Fowler a call at 540-818-1350 and he'll get you set up. Let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck.

P.S. Still working on getting the website updated. I'll keep you posted.

gmcjetpilot · #3 06-27-2005, 01:18 PM

Call or write this guy:

http://www.pia.com/silver/ShopInfo.htm
http://www.pia.com/silver/articles.htm
http://www.pia.com/silver/hints.htm

He knows chutes and knows sport planes.

Your choices are:

http://www.strongparachutes.com/
http://www.softieparachutes.com/ (I have a mini which I like)
http://www.nationalparachute.com/page2.html

Backpack is the preferred style and you have to fly with and take the place of the back seat cushion. There is the style of harness and hardware (recommended the conventional harness. Quick ejector hardware is nice but not a must have. There is a trick in threading the chest strap to make it a quick releases.)

Read Silvers web site for how to use an emergency chute. There is a lot more to it than strapping it on. I went to his seminar at Oshkosh after doing aerobatics with a chute for a few years and realized how unprepared I was to bail out and what can happen. It was an eye opener. He has some good info on his web site regarding the dos and don?ts.

Cheers George.

rv8ch · #4 06-27-2005, 02:50 PM

Great info, guys. Thanks!

Lt Dan · #5 05-02-2021, 08:43 AM

Great info, indeed!

I recently had the same question as Mickey. Glad I found this thread. I just wanted to update the article/information links above which seem to have stopped working. I believe this is where the same information can now be found:

http://silverparachutes.com/

rmarshall234 · #6 05-02-2021, 09:39 AM

Allen Silver is extremely knowledgeable but he is a dealer for Softie parachutes only. Softie makes a _great_ parachute it may not be the best choice for you and your application. Just keep that in mind..

smithflys23 · #7 05-02-2021, 11:32 AM

I have Classic Aero seats. I remove the bottom seat cushion and use a Strong Seat pack. I think it’s a 304. This set up works fine for me.

jbDC9 · #8 05-02-2021, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smithflys23

I have Classic Aero seats. I remove the bottom seat cushion and use a Strong Seat pack. I think it’s a 304. This set up works fine for me.

Same setup here with a Strong 304. Happy with it.

Daida · #9 05-02-2021, 03:03 PM

Hi Mickey,

you have to come up with your demands and situation, define what you want, search the market and make your choice.

All the recommendations given might not work for you at all!

Your choice depends on:
-your weight. Some are limited.
-your mission. Will u Use it every time you fly, just for phase 1 or just when doing aerobatics?
-your wallet. Used ones are cheaper. Import taxes from the U.S.
-your leg length (backpack normal/slim or seatpack)
-your upper body height when sitting. (Seatpack or backpack)
-your seat cushions (removable??)
-packing intervals (if you care)
-access to packing facility
-factory support
-color choices
-width, height and length of the packed chute
-....add more points if you have...

I choose the czech made MARS ATL 98 with quick release.
My answers to the questions above led to it.
I am more than happy.

Send me a PM and i will go into detail on the phone with you.
As residing in switzerland, you are not that far away from me.
Therefore some of your answers might be similar to mine, leading to the same result. Maybe not.....

Mit Fliegergruß

sailvi767 · #10 05-02-2021, 03:20 PM

The advice on getting training is really important. Most have no idea how difficult getting out of a aircraft can be especially if it is not in controlled flight. The other consideration is if you’re going to wear a chute in a RV you probably should also wear a helmet. Avoiding the tail might be difficult. My understanding is that to date there has never been a successful bailout from a Vans RV.
G