PCA Methods

[blair700 0]

I am looking for information on how folks are holding the PC whilst giving another jumper a PCA?? I was personally trained one way, then after awhile, started doing it a different way. I've seen methods that include holding it at the bridle attachment point, holding it by the apex, folding the PC like a mushroom pack and holding around the ZP over the mesh, etc. I've also seen one broken finger and heard of other smashed arms and elbows as a result of giving another a PCA improperly. So what's everyone else doing out there and why...and if you would like, expand on what you do with the excess bridle. Thanks in advance!!
Blair

[pringles 0]

When I do a PCA I like to take the bridal and "S" fold it about three or four times in my left hand about 3.5' from the shrivel flap. When I am holding the "S" folds the bridal enters and exits from the bottom of my fist. Doing it this way keeps you from getting it wrapped around fingers and such. Then I hold the pilot chute in my right hand at the apex. As the jumper is doing his/her count down I hold both of my hands out in front of me around shoulder level. Then as the jumper exits, the bridal that I have "S" folded in my left hand actually opens the container and gets the canopy to line streach. Once I feel the canopy get to line streach I simply let go. If you don't let go at that point with your left hand you will get your fore arm or hand slammed into the rail or anything else in its way. Once I let go of the bridal with my left hand I let the pilot chute get jerked out of my other hand. Using this method I have never had any of the problems you mentioned in your post.
Also a reminder... You should always do a good inspection of your gear especially bridal attachment points and pilot chute when doing static lines and pca's. There can be some extra stress being put on your gear during these types of jumps.

But as usual Base jumping can cause serious injury or death. Your results may vary.

matt

Matt Davies