FAA Definition

[SkydiveLBI 0]

Does anyone know where the FAA definition of a parachute can be located? A couple of years ago parachutists magazine published an article stating that according to the FAA a parachute is defined as an un-powered aircraft and I am trying to find this in writing.

[Jib 0]

Parachute means a device used or intended to be used to retard the fall of a body or object through the air. http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/0/593909299A5AD0B686256D26006BB5CF?OpenDocument&Highlight=parachute

--------------------------------------------------
the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[quade 4]

I think you may have the story confused with what attorney Fred M. Morelli was trying to use as a defense in a BASE related case rather than an actual FAA definition.

You can read the argument HERE, HERE and HERE on the BASE Logic web site.

The story you're referring to probably would not have been in Parachutist, the USPA magazine, but rather Skydiving Magazine, an independant publication. Parachutist rarely covers BASE issues and Skydiving Magazine picks up the slack.

The court did not agree with his argument and essentially ruled that a parachute is a parachute.

As for official FAA definitions regarding parachutes, those are covered in FAR 105.3.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[poohbeer 0]

Quote

I think you may have the story confused with what attorney Fred M. Morelli was trying to use as a defense in a BASE related case rather than an actual FAA definition.

You can read the argument HERE,

In that article it sais "The Plaintiff, United States, admits that the parachute device used for BASE jumping is more subject to directional control than ordinary parachutes ". Is a BASE parachute more controlable than a normal parachute?!

------- SIGNATURE BELOW -------
Complete newbie at skydiving, so be critical about what I say!!
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

[andy2 0]

from what I gather he was talking about his sport but by saying "BASE parachutes" he was referring to RAM air parachutes. If anything I would say BASE parachutes are more sluggish (i.e. bigger) than the average pocket rocket crazy skydivers are flying these days.

---------------------------------------------
let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...