Pilot chute systems for helmets

[Shivon 0]

For a while now I have been looking for an in-helmet chute that is deployed after the helmet is cut away. I have seen a couple which are home-made, and I have seen a commercial one which was made in the UK and bought about 10 years ago - very professional looking. I was told that the company isn't around any more. Does anB Vsa vyone know of any companies that still make them?

[billvon 2,994]

>For a while now I have been looking for an in-helmet chute that
>is deployed after the helmet is cut away.

Good idea in theory, but consider the ramifications of a premature deployment.

[LawnDart21 0]

I was thinking the same thing! Yikes!
Well, if you ever wanted to learn how to "Stand Fly", that's one way to learn......lol.

Seriously though, I think everyone frets about losing their video gear, which is normal, I mean at a quick estimate, my Bonehead FTP with video and stills on it is pretty expensive. When tandem students ask about it, I tell them its my $3000 hat. What I have found is that most serious videographers place their video gear on thier home owners insurance or rental insurance. It adds a few bucks a month in coverage, but they jump knowing they can cut it away and lose it forever, and be able to replace it with ease. Just a thought.

--
My other ride is a RESERVE.

[GravityGirl 0]

Maybe an insurance policy for your helmet is a better option.

After all, it's just a material "thing".

Not worth increasing the risk (even if it is minor) of bodily injury or death.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peace and Blue Skies!
Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear!

[KevinMcGuire 0]

I've seen what he is talking about and if the set up is correct, a premature deployment is not possible while wearing the helmet. The P/C stowes up in the "roof" of the helmet and when the head is in it, it is a very very tight fit. Unless you have a helmet that has lots of extra room in it, then it may not be possible to retro fit your helmet with a P/C

[hookitt 1]

>Good idea in theory, but consider the ramifications of a premature deployment

Actually I've seen several of these helmets. Just like Kevin mentioned, they won't open prematurely. The helmet must be off the head for the parachute to be deployed.

I know 2 people that were jumping them in Hollister.
Jesse Rodriquez from Monterey Bay used to fly one. He used it too. Made for a cool video and he jumped the camera on the next load.

It had a a cutaway setup. You just grab the handle on the side, and poof the helmut was ready to throw. The Parachute was deployed by either holding the handle as you toss the helmut or you could attach a lanyard to the chest strap.

My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

[hookitt 1]

Quote

Unless you have a helmet that has lots of extra room in it, then it may not be possible to retro fit your helmet with a P/C

It doesn't have to be that large. The Parachute becomes the padding for the top of the helmut. It's just like an over grown pilot chute.

My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto

[TOTALCHAOS127 0]

I don't fly video but just curious how often does someone actually have to ditch there helmet. I know the potential is there but how often does it actually happen

[Unisyn 0]

I have flown camera only about a dozen times. My helmet didn't fit the way I would have liked and I quickly gave it up.

He are my $.02. The two VERY experienced cameraflyers that I know that have jetisoned their helmet didn't have a pilot chute. (One the $1000 custom made to fit helmet door opened on opening and he watched as his $1000 helmet with $3000 work of camera get fell away to a spectacular landing. The other guy opened over lake Okachobee, realized that he had no chance in hell of making it to dry land. The helmet was going to get wet. SO.....he took it off and dropped it. Better to not worry about loosing the equipment and just get it over. Dealing with the more important situation survival.)

The other reason that I could think of needing to get you helmet off is a line entanglement. That situation has a deadly consequence if you don't get rid of the helmet and fast. The systems that I know of require a pretty controlled situation to get a proper deployment of the camera pilot chute. I doubt that it could even be accomplished in a line entanglement situation.

Bottom line. Don't worry about putting a pilotchute on you camera helmet.