Softie: C-9 Questions

[psychoswooper 2]

A pilot friend of mine is considering purchasing this pilot rig: It is an Original Softie. (old but good shape) The canopy is a Pioneer C-9 DOM 1989.

A master rigger (seller) removed the originally installed canopy (DOM 1960) & installed the newer canopy but left it unpacked for buyer's inspection. My questions:

The enclosed packing manual specifically states that the installed canopy must be TSO'd . Yes, it does have military drawing stamp & contract info. (But as is typical with most military stuff. no actual TSO stamp) Is this sufficient to be legal?

Also the manual specifically recommends a long spring type pilot chute such as a Magnum 357 & this one has a 30 year old MA1 attached. (I could just change this out if everything else is good to go)

My gut instinct says "No go" But I want to be sure that I'm not being overly critical of "old" gear that I'm not extremely familiar with.

Any help from some you "older-than'me-timers"
would be greatly appreciated

[marinho 0]

Hi,
Just contact the manufacturer! Here is the info:
Para-Phernalia, Inc.
Toll Free: 800-877-9584 or
www.softieparachutes.com/

Gus Marinho

[JustChuteMeNow 0]

The C-9 is an approved parachute according to the FAA and so is legal. ParaPhernalia actually sells the C9 in some of their seats. Regarding the pilot chute they would be the ones to answer that question.

FAR Section 105.43(d).
1. Parachutes manufactured under a type certificate (an early method of approval).
2. Parachutes manufactured under TSO-C23. This TSO, the most recent version of which is TSO-C23c, prescribes the minimum performance and quality assurance standards for a parachute which is carried aboard civil aircraft or by skydivers for emergency use. The manufacturer must meet these standards before labeling its parachute or components as complying with the TSO.
3. Military parachutes (other than high altitude, high speed, or ejection kinds) are identified by a Naval Air Facility (NAF), Army Air Field (AAF), or Air Force-Navy (AFN) drawing number, an AAF order number, or any other military designation or specification number. These parachutes are often referred to as demilitarized or military surplus parachutes.

I have on many occasions put them into Strong Squadron seats as well as the ParaPhernalia (Softie) warbird seats.

Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that statistically half of them are stupider than that.

[riggerrob 643]

Yes it is legal, but I would replace the pilot chute.

Since modern TSOs are based on much older MIL-SPECS, it is perfectly legal to install a military-surplus canopy in a TSOed container ... as long as it passes a few compatibility questions.
For example: it should have a modern diaper (i.e. Butler) and four-line release (i.e. Waters' 4-line release also available from Butler) sewn on before you pack it into a Softie.

IOW, as long as the canopy confirms to military drawings, an FAA Rigger can legally pack it into a Softie. When Softie packing instructions start t diverge from the military manual, follow the container manual.

While MA-1 pilot chutes may have been installed in early Softies, they are passe'. You would be far wiser to install a modern pilot (i.e. Magnum). If it is a heavy canopy (i.e. C-9) you would be better off installing a 44 Magnum pilot chute.

[psychoswooper 2]

Thanks to all who responded to my questions. I was aware that military surplus parachutes were usually legal...my question had more to do with the fact that the manual mentions that it is permitted to mix & match components approved under TSO C23B &c23C, but makes no reference to (other approved parachutes) being compatible. I may have taken this way too literally.

The canopy does not have a diaper or 4-line release which are other things which concerned me, but I didn't mention in my earlier post.

I will call the manufacturer as well. Thanks again.