Topic: Chipmunk parachutes

[Dean Cross]

At the moment I am using an old original Irvin chute, has anybody come across a more modern chute which fits the Chippy's bucket seat  

[Duncan]

I am only aware of Irvin-GQ in the UK that still manufacture civilian bucket type 'chutes, however a quick search on google reveals these guys in the States http://www.butlerparachutes.com/seatpack.htm

Has anybody had any dealings with these guys?

I have worn an Irvin-GQ SILHOUETTE 'chute when flying Bulldogs at Old Sarum.  It was definitely much lighter and more comfortable than the military issue 'dog chute, especially with the inflatable lumbar support (luxury!).  I wonder if they do a "Rolls Royce" version of the S Mk 2?

[Duncan]

Just found these!!!



Click [http://www.afeonline.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=36_132&products_id=170]HERE[/url] for details and price.

[Dave]

Nice one Dunc,

Could be looking at a serious contender there-wonder would they do us a deal for 3 of them? The stain remover foam comes free I hope!

[Duncan]

Just what I was thinking....I hear butter is hell to shift too!  

[Dave]

I couldn't possibly comment....not with my reputation!

[Dean Cross]

Seriously, we are putting in an order for chutes and there is a possibility of a good discount if we have a multiple order.

 I am having one regardless, anybody else???

[Duncan]

Yep.  Might be worth finding out if they are available with a Martin Baker clip mod to the chest strap.  This mod was fitted to the GQ Irvin parachutes used by the VGS's as there were issues with the chest straps of the same design slipping.

I will find out if it was an RAF mod, and whether it would be available to us.  

[Dean Cross]

Good idea , have used the chest clip and I prefer it.

[Martin]

Have they got back to you re the mod yet Duncan?

[Duncan]

I haven't had a chance to check yet, but I suspect that GQ won't supply them with the mod done.  When I get a hold of the "right person"   I will see what can be done, and whether any GQ Irvin warranty etc would be affected by the mod.

I shall let you know as soon as I know.

[Brent]

I live in Pennsylvania, home of Butler chutes.  My feeling is that all of the major manufacturer parachutes are good....Actually come to think of it they only have to be good 'enough' one time if they are mine, and then they are the best ever made.  I have a couple of light weight thin pack Strong parachutes that I had for a different aircraft.  I am old, so have forgotten if it was the Nord 3202 or something else, maybe a Yak, but they are back packs and I am not sure how comfortable they would be in the Chipmunk.  I am finding that I am as close to the instrument panel as I really want to be at the moment.  I may get more used to it later and try the back pack which would put me closer to the stick.  I think I would like that, but my favourite passenger thinks I should be kept as far away from the stick as possible.

I have some very knowledgeable parachute nuts to give me advice.  Their unanimous recommendation was to keep to a round parachute as opposed to the sexier square model that you can fly around to somewhere softer.  The feeling was that you could hurt yourself very badly if you got it wrong with a square chute, whereas with a round one you would survive quite nicely even if disabled from the bail out.

If anyone needs any information on any of the American manufactureers I will gladly research them for you, and perhaps arrange purchase and shipping.

Let us all keep our fingers crossed, and pay our respects to the weather gods for September 23rd at Sywell.  I am planning to be there with my dark blue G-DCWF !  Lets get aquainted over a beer, (or so,) somewhere that evening.
Brent

[Brent]

Here is a further comment concerning parachutes, which may be of interest.

I have a pair of backpack STRONG parachutes.  Strong Enterprises is based in Florida.  I have used these chutes for some years in various aircraft that I have owned or displayed..........Never use someone Else's parachute if it can be avoided.  I digress (my age you know)  I have recently changed my IAR 823 for a great Lakes biplane.  The Great Lakes is just begging to be flown inverted, rolled around, pulled and pushed a bit.  Well you get the idea.

Now one of the more uncomfortable things about this new toy is that the instrument panel glare shield is very close to ones teeth  I tried my backpack and found that I really didn't care for the flavour of that glare shield.  I need seatpack chutes.

Now to try the wonders of BARNSTORMERS.COM.

I advertised them and was overwhelmed by the response.  I have now sold/exchanged them.  A fellow from Greece wants one, and the other fellow needs to exchange his seatpack for backpack in order to get his head into his new RV4.  A match made in ..........well Barnstormers.   

Everyone is now happy..............the point of this burble (again my age you know) is that I now know more about Strong parachutes than I ever expected to know.  This company is absolutely superb.  One of my difficulties was the age of the units. (1990)  Strong will completely inspect and repack and re certify a parachute for $65.  where necessary they will replace the odd riser...........for nothing in my case.  Yes complimentary! They will ship your parachute anywhere.  I imagine that I will have to pay for it, but the service is superb.  Consider this, I shipped the chutes to them just before Christmas and they called me today to ask where to return it.  I said Greece, they said "no problem."

I now have one newly re certified seatpack chute that I can use in both the Great Lakes and the Chipmunk.
.................I am now trying to explain to my favourite copilot, for reasons of economy, why we only need one chute.....in the front cockpit........Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

If anyone needs a parachute from over this side of the pond let me know.

Fingers crossed now for good weather for May 17 - 20th.

Happy New Year to all,  Brent

[Duncan]

AFE in the UK now stock STRONG Parachutes.  The Chipmunk seat type chute can be seen here:



http://www.afeonline.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=1686