Groundbound 0 #1 March 24, 2005 I see posts about "cutting away", usually to separate a falling skydiver from a malfunctioning main parachute. Several discussions involve sharp objects such as knives and I did see what looked like severed ends of 'strings' in the video in which the jumper became entangled on the twin otter horizontal stabilizer and then let go of the chute somehow... BUT in the SIM glossary there is no mention of tools, it sounds more like a mechanical device that one activates to release the chute. Could there be a primary cutaway method, and the backup plan is a knife? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cornishe 0 #2 March 24, 2005 Cutting away is done by using a handle that releases the main canopy. A knife is only used if there is a malfunction called a line-over. Trying to cut all the lines one by one, would at one point put you into a spin. Go look at your SIM again. Section 4, Category A. Here's a link.. http://www.uspa.org/publications/SIM/2005SIM/Section4CatA.htm And here's some text (note steps 4 and 6)... partial malfunction Note: On single-operation systems, pulling the reserve ripcord releases the main canopy first before deploying the reserve. Partial malfunction procedures for a single-operation system (SOS) are the same as for a total malfunction. 1. Check altitude. 2. Return to the arch position. 3. Ripcord systems only: Discard the main ripcord. 4. Locate and grasp the cutaway handle. 5. Locate the reserve ripcord handle. 6. Pull the cutaway handle until no lower than 1,000 feet. 7. Pull the reserve ripcord handle immediately after cutting away or by 1,000 feet, regardless of stability, to initiate reserve deployment. 8. Arch and check over the right shoulder for reserve pilot chute deployment. 9. Do not cut away below 1,000 feet. a. If a malfunction procedure has not resolved the problem by then, deploy the reserve (requires a cutaway with an SOS system). b. In the event of any malfunction and regardless of the planned procedure or equipment, the reserve ripcord must be pulled by no lower than 1,000 feet.Abbie Mashaal Skydive Idaho Snake River Skydiving TandemBASE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bandanarama 0 #3 March 24, 2005 You're on track with your thoughts. Read http://www.dropzone.com/safety/emergencies/emergency_canopy_breakaway.shtml and basically the Safety link at the top of dropzone.com. A lot of the terminology such as cutaway and breakaway and using a knife to cut away are mixed all together at times and can be confusing for someone new to the sport. There is also a lot of debate about using a knife to cutaway because in the majority of emergency situations you might not have enough time to unstow your knife and locate the correct suspension lines involved in your malfunction. Many would argue it's better to focus on getting that reserve out period. Anyway, hope that helps and welcome to the sport! ___________________________________________________ One's destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things. ~ Henry Miller Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,563 #4 March 24, 2005 I would also say that you should go to your local DZ and have someone explain this to you with a rig to demonstrate on. Its very difficult to explain in words how things work on a rig if you don't know what one looks like. Even photo's don't really cut it. Short answer though, you pull a handle on the harness that releases the risers, no cutting involved.Do you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brewman 0 #5 March 25, 2005 What, are you writing a book? RTFM - Here's a link for a popular container system, it's got pictures and everything . http://www.relativeworkshop.com/pdf_files/09354.pdf Check out the manufacter's web sites listed here on DZ.com. It's a wealth of information at your fingertips http://www.dropzone.com/gear/ Google is your friend... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crotalus01 0 #6 March 25, 2005 just go to your local DZ and ask these questions, then you will be able to see the equipment involved and thus you will have a much better understanding of how everything operates. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,106 #7 March 25, 2005 Quote Cutting away is done by using a handle that releases the main canopy. A knife is only used if there is a malfunction called a line-over. Trying to cut all the lines one by one, would at one point put you into a spin. Incorrect. Hook knives are used to clear entanglements, cut risers, etc. in a multitude of situations in addition to lineovers.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
