Emergency Rescue Reserve Parachute Deployment Sequence for PPG
paramotor Pilots
Once you have decided to deploy your parachute you must follow the
following sequence of operations as calmly, yet as quickly as possible:
- look at the rescue parachute deployment handle
- pass your thumb through the rescue parachute handle and close your fist around it
- open the rescue parachute outer container by pushing the handle aggressively
forward to extract
the rescue parachute inner container - the inner container will be
attached to the release handle by 5 inch strap and will dangle under
your hand
- aggressively swing and throw the rescue parachute inner container towards clear air
- pull in the D risers of your paraglider to disable it
- prepare yourself for the landing impact - do not use legs, stay
seated and let the machine take the impact.
1. Looking at the deployment handle is vital so that you will be certain
to get hold of it on your first attempt. A second try will cost precious
time.
2. Hooking the thumb through the handle is the only way that guarantees
you will get hold of it, especially when flying with gloves. Practice
the first two steps in the deployment procedure frequently during
regular flight so that it becomes second nature. Be careful not to cause
an accidental deployment.
3. Pushing the deployment handle forward allows the container to be opened
progressively and completely, and to extract the rescue parachute inner
container using the least
possible effort.
4. An aggressive throw brings the parachute to full line extension in
minimum time. The parachute must be thrown into clear air to reduce the
chance of entanglement with the paraglider. If the paraglider still has
forward speed in a more or less uniform direction, it is desirable to
throw the parachute down and back. In the probable case that your
paraglider is spinning with an asymmetric closure, throw the pod in the
direction you are spinning and outwards from the center of rotation:
centrifugal force will assist in getting the parachute away from you and
your wing. If you are wrapped in your glider, all effort must be made to
find open air before throwing. Remember that your decision to pull and
throw your rescue parachute will also very much depend on your height
above ground. If you are very high above ground you have time to try to
regain control of your paraglider, or let it sort itself out with your
pod in hand, waiting for the most favorable moment. If you are close to
the ground, every millisecond is precious: act immediately. Remember
that a very fast rotation can ultimately lead to your unconsciousness.
5. Pulling in the D risers, if you have enough height, will disable
forward movement of your paraglider, otherwise it may have the
opportunity to interfere with your parachute reducing its stability and
increasing your sink rate. If you hold the Ds in one hand - always above
the quick-links to be sure to do it symmetrically. If your lines are twisted - impossible
to pull in the D - you can pull in as much brake lines as possible to
collapse your wing; be careful to pull in both brakes symmetrically to
avoid inducing your glider to spin which could be highly dangerous once your
parachute has been deployed.
6. Prepare for landing by maintaining your composure and focus. Stay
seated with legs as high as possible. Allow the paramotor stand, cage
take the hit.
Good luck and let's hope that you will never need this advice. Andre
Emergency Rescue Reserve Parachute Deployment
Video
This video (8 MB) is worth the wait - spiral on performance glider
gets out of control and pilot is forced to toss his rescue parachute...
To download this video right click on this link
and choose save target as. This file is DivX movie file. If you can not
open this file, download (700 kb) and install the Playa viewer by
right clicking on this link.