FLYER Forums

Continuing Ghengis' theme..
(Edit - It was in fact gfry that started the original thread.)

I am in the market for an emergency parachute. Given my size 6ft 2 and (relatively) small room in the RV8 I'm keen to try various configurations to see what provides the best fit / comfort before shelling out the best part of £2.5k.

Ideally, I'd find a supplier based at an airfield who would be willing to let me bring the aircraft along and assist in trying various options prior to purchasing to see what fits.

I'm leaning towards a Softie/Strong given that they seem to be very well known/tested.

So far I have contacted..

Transair
AFE
Essex Aviation (As advertised on British Aerobatics for sale and wanted)
Aerobatic Displays (Also advertised on British Aerobatics for sale and wanted)

None of whom have replied to their supplied email addresses/contact forms.

Are any forumites able to point me towards a suitable softie/strong distributor who can assist me?

LX Avionics?

Didn't reply to a Flarm query I had a year or so ago, but at least they're based at an airfield.

Thanks @low&slow
Not too far away either. Have pinged them a message - fingers crossed!

IIRC the Softie seatpack is the one to go for. That way you keep the seatback cusion but lose the seat squab and should more or less be able to achieve the same seating position you had without the chute by using different thickness pads in the bum side of the container.

Given the removable cushion, I suspect that will be the best option. My only concern is that it may be less flexible than the wedge/micro types should I find myself flying other aircraft, although not an issue in the short term.

So far I have contacted..

Transair
AFE
Essex Aviation (As advertised on British Aerobatics for sale and wanted)
Aerobatic Displays (Also advertised on British Aerobatics for sale and wanted)

None of whom have replied to their supplied email addresses/contact forms.

More ammunition for the recent thread on indifferent product and service suppliers

Call Thomas Sport Equipment at Bridlington - I have bought several parachutes from them over the years and always received great service.

Should only take you an hour to get up there in the RV.

How many did you use?

RV's are fast but not that fast @Charles Hunt - 1hr 6 mins

CloudHound wrote:How many did you use?

All of them, for several thousands hours... as cushions

chipmeisterc wrote:RV's are fast but not that fast @Charles Hunt - 1hr 6 mins

git.

Caution...

Twenty years ago, I bought a wedge from Paraphenalia and had it delivered to Oshkosh where it was fitted when I collected it and I was instructed how to care for it and use it.

I loved it - it was very comfortable. I've had it repacked every couple of years and it has never been as comfy as when it was factory packed.

No word as of yet from LX Avionics...

@Charliesixtysix pm incoming..

@Wildcat One Wildcat One - I hadn't considered that, thanks for the heads up.

Reply now received from LX Avionics