Big Canopy -- Tiny Pilot Chute

[billbooth 10]

Line Stretch Time:

With a properly sized hand deploy pilot chute, the time from release (at arms length) to line stretch should be 0.6 to 0.9 seconds...every time. In other words, you should not be able to complete the phrase "one thousand one" between pilot chute release and line stretch. Any more (or any less) time increases the chance of a malfunction.

[Craig 0]

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Line Stretch Time:

With a properly sized hand deploy pilot chute, the time from release (at arms length) to line stretch should be 0.6 to 0.9 seconds...every time. In other words, you should not be able to complete the phrase "one thousand one" between pilot chute release and line stretch. Any more (or any less) time increases the chance of a malfunction.

Ya, once I see the bag leaving the container when looking over the shoulder it is only about 1 second until I'm standing up.

[Craig 0]

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If that is the case then the PC is doing it's job. You can speed the process up a bit by leaving extra un-stowed line in the container (should be at least 18" anyway).

Sounds like your hesitation is at the canopy inflation stage. Cobalts have a 2 stage opening which takes some getting used to, I understand. Check their website for more info.

No, once the bag leaves the container the deployment is normal.

[Hooknswoop 19]

Just to clarify, the hesitation is after you throw and before the bag comes off your back? As in th PC is having difficulty pulling the pin?

According to RWS, and the Mirage main closing flaps are very close, the grommets should not be stacked. I have found that how the pin is placed through the loop makes a diffrence because the main pin protection flap does not open on deployment, the pin has to come out the side of the flap. I put the pin through the closing loop facing up w/ the curve so that it looks like a "C". I think this gives the pilot chute the easiest pull out from under the flap.

Hook

[Craig 0]

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Just to clarify, the hesitation is after you throw and before the bag comes off your back? As in th PC is having difficulty pulling the pin?

Correct

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According to RWS, and the Mirage main closing flaps are very close, the grommets should not be stacked. I have found that how the pin is placed through the loop makes a diffrence because the main pin protection flap does not open on deployment, the pin has to come out the side of the flap. I put the pin through the closing loop facing up w/ the curve so that it looks like a "C". I think this gives the pilot chute the easiest pull out from under the flap.

Hook

I also close with my pin as you described. Of course I am not positive, but from messing around with the rig on the ground I don't think that the problem is with bridle routing or pin extraction. Just checked to be sure and the closing loop is within Mirage specs for length and I am estimating that it is taking about 2 to 4 pounds to release the bridle, pin, and the velcro piece above the pin. I am still waiting to hear somthing from Mirage but in the meantime I put the 28" collapsible back on that came with the container.