Old saying:
You don't need a parachute to skydive.
You need a parachute to skydive TWICE.
Every year since 1986, the Reel Pilots have done both a parachute clinic and repack session and a glider maintenance meet. Both safety sessions have turned up problems that may not have otherwise been seen. It's great to have many eyes looking over your equipment and come up with ways to fix the problems which are found.
We've held the chute clinics at military parachute lofts, in an aircraft hangar and, for the past 13 years (2012), in a conference room at a local library. The maintance meets were in the military hangars (NAS Glenview and O'Hare National Guard... both now gone) and for several years at a high school (prohibited now due to insurance costs). Finding a good site is critical.
Parachute Reference
The following PDF files will help you and your club members learn to understand the need and caring for your emergency chute. In a critical situation, it's your absolute last chance for survival.
Repacking your own chute is not difficult but must be with both care and knowedgeable training. Mistakes can be made that will prevent a chute from opening.
1. Basics by Betty Pfeiffer (2 pages) – PDF
2. Rigger's inspection details (1 page) – PDF
3. Parachute quiz (4 pages) – PDF
4. Equipment care by Rob Kells and Steve Parsons (4 pages) – PDF
5. Misconceptions by BettyP and Bill Gargano (4 pages) – PDF
Glider Inspection Checklist
This is a 2-page form I developed that was printed in HG magazine some years ago. It was recently updated and reformatted in 2006 – PDF
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Last update
February 19, 2012