Drogue-assisted student progression?

[swilson 0]

I'm not sure I understand what I am seeing here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXpnxMH3hds&feature=related

It looks like they are using static line deployed drogues for solo student jumpers.

To me, you wouldn't have much trouble with pitch or roll control right off the bat, but would this teach correct body position?

Not saying it's a good idea, not saying it's a bad idea. I'm simply interested to learn what kind of rigs they are using, if/how they are modified, and what their typical student progression looks like.

Does anyone have more information on this?

[billvon 2,991]

This was a system that Strong offered about a decade ago. The idea was that you could do a more rapid static line or IAD progression with a drouge keeping you stable during freefall. There were some pluses and some minuses with that approach, obviously.

[PhreeZone 20]

Those don't look like drogues, it looks like they are just trailing a PC the entire time. The thought of it is just scary, launching a Pilot chute in tow from a static line hoping it would act as a drogue...

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[swilson 0]

Thanks Bill. I figured it was something like that.

[NickDG 23]

It's sort of a play on something the Russians did some twenty years ago for military jumpers. Only they used real drogues and KAP 3 timers to deploy the main. The idea being you could drop freefall soldiers without them having to be thoroughly trained for freefall. The system in the vid probably uses a BOC pud (instead of a ripcord) to release the pilot chute and deploy the main. And that's probably backed up with a main mounted AAD.

But that's what almost killed ol' Lutz . . .

In any case it looks like another step in getting rid of Instructors altogether. Soon students will be going up with only a "doorman" dressed in tassels and a jaunty cap. "Your turn, sir!"

Look for it soon at a DZ near you . . .

NickD

[riggerrob 643]

Quote

This was a system that Strong offered about a decade ago. The idea was that you could do a more rapid static line or IAD progression with a drouge keeping you stable during freefall. There were some pluses and some minuses with that approach, obviously.

...........................................

Yes!
That is an ancient (1960s?) Russian Army concept.

Strong Enterprises tried to re-introduce the concept circa 1990.
Unfortunately, a student got into a flat spin over Hinckley, Illinois. They never regained stability and spun all the way through AAD-scaring-altitude. The round reserve wrapped around the drogue and they died. A messy lawsuit ensued and I never heard the conclusion.
After that, Hinckley sent their instructors to USPA AFF Certification Courses and offered a modified tandem-to-assisted freefall program.

[phoenixlpr 0]

Check the alitmeter around 1:12. It shows ~1050m. That is not a real freefall altitude.

[divnswoop 0]

There are US Military units jumping static line drogues (not S/L PC's) now. While they got some flak at first, it is now starting to be accepted since it is difficult for soldiers to maintain currency since jumping is about 2% of their "job". There are other applications to S/L or Instructor assisted drogue deployment

[councilman24 37]

Sure it is. That's 3400 plus feet. Static line first freefall is routinely done from that altitude and often lower. And I'd easily do a 15 to 18 second delay from there. And that's in the U.S.

What's the issue?

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[phoenixlpr 0]

1000-1100m is usually used for 3-5 sec freefall jumps for student here.

I could not see any canopy opening before those guy got out of site of the camera. It is a bit disturbing.