Problem

[DocCasey 0]

Climbed onto the camera step of the local Porter & noticed my durn reserve handle done come unstowed. Climbed back in after the 2 groups left and secured it...got dropped off at 6k.

Initial consensus was that it was the right thing to do. Pilot had a different opinion and after he explained his reasoning, we agreed with him. Shoulda bailed and covered the handle until pull time. There is nothing in the SIMS about this particular matter. Opinions?

Aloha

[waltappel 1]

Quote

Climbed onto the camera step of the local Porter & noticed my durn reserve handle done come unstowed. Climbed back in after the 2 groups left and secured it...got dropped off at 6k.

Initial consensus was that it was the right thing to do. Pilot had a different opinion and after he explained his reasoning, we agreed with him. Shoulda bailed and covered the handle until pull time. There is nothing in the SIMS about this particular matter. Opinions?

Aloha

Covering and bailing may sound good in theory, but when you are out there and the wind is blowing the handle all over the place, that may not be an easy thing to do.

I can understand the pilot's concern. If, while climbing back in, the handle gets caught on something and the reserve gets deployed, the aircraft and pilot are probably in an extremely bad situation as would be the jumper. From that point of view, it would certainly be better to put only one person at risk by covering the handle and bailing.

From my perspective, only the jumper can make the call. If the jumper is absolutely sure that he can get back in the aircraft without deploying that reserve, then fine. Do it. If the jumper screws up, though, then after the fact it will be really obvious what the jumper "should have done".

Thankfully, everything came out ok in this situation. I don't know that there is really anything to be learned from it other than PREVENTING IT FROM EVER HAPPENING AGAIN BY MAKING GODDAMN SURE THAT YOU GET A GOOD GEAR CHECK BEFORE BOARDING AND CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE CLIMBING OUT. The above applies to everyone.

Walt

[jmpnkramer 0]

I always make sure that the handle is seated and velcroed properly. Both on the ground and in the aircraft.

I have personally seen some nasty incidents around the sport.

Another option since it was already out would be to back fly until you could get the handle stowed.

Best thing is to constantly check your gear. I always check and get checked on the ground and in the aircraft. You never know what could be wrong. better to find out before exit.


Laters,

K

.

The REAL KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!

"HESITATION CAUSES DEATH!!!"
"Be Slow to Fall into Friendship; but when Thou Art in, Continue Firm & Constant." - SOCRATES

[NickD 1]

You did the right thing. Floating ripcord handles kill people. I would have just smiled and told the pilot to shut up and just drive the bus . . .

NickD BASE 194

[waltappel 1]

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You did the right thing. Floating ripcord handles kill people. I would have just smiled and told the pilot to shut up and just drive the bus . . .

NickD BASE 194

Nick, I have a great deal of respect for you and your views. I must ask, what would you be saying if he would have had an accidental deployment while trying to climb back in?

Walt

[sundevil777 102]

From the pilot's perspective, the floating handle can mean that the reserve pin has been partially pulled/may just barely be in, so the more time you spend on the outside, the more likely it is to pop open and take the plane down.

Of course you also have a bad day if it deploys on the step, so I think the pilot was absolutely right, you should get off immediately.

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[JohnRich 4]

In freefall you can usually stuff it under the main lift web to keep it from flopping around and working a closing pin loose.

Just be aware of where you put it, in case you need it.