Percision Aerodynamics Building Escape Parachute

[flyinryan 0]

Hey everyone, check out the Percision Aerodynamics web site. They have an advertisement for a building escape parachute. Did they just rig a BASE system to open via a free bag attached to something in the building that needs escaping? They say it requires no training. Is this somthing they threw together after September 11? This just seems like a weird product. Or is this just there way of advertising BASE rigs in a subtle way?

[wildblue 7]

from wreck-dot-sykdiving (posted by George Galloway)
----------
I created the page on our website to act more like a lightning rod to
measure the public scope of interest in this idea, than as a real sales
tool. I have neither advertised nor publicized the web address, thereby
making it available only to those who seek it out and find it.
The specific equipment referred to at
http://www.aerodynamics.com/escapechute/escapechute.htm
is Precision's B.A.S.E. canopy designed by me, that we sell to Vertigo
under their brand name Dagger. The h/c is Vertigo's Wizard. The price is
based on Vertigo's "Wizard Complete Package"
http://www.vertigobase.com/default.asp?CategoryID=PRICE&PageID=PRICE_PACKAGES&SortBy=INDEX
The small print behind this item ('training required') includes a minimum
of 100 skydives plus B.A.S.E. training provided by Vertigo. The broader
issue is to measure a new perspective on accepting the concept of B.A.S.E.
as a real alternative to traditional escape methods.
I have not yet given detailed thought to how this item would fit into our
dealership structure, or if we will even offer it to the mainstream
whuffos, yet. However, for those who seek an added layer of personal
safety, and who are willing to dedicate their time and money toward the
training required, this may be a very realistic option for preparedness.
In the meantime, we have already begun developing a round canopy
static-lined version which might be more appropriate to the general
high-rise public. We will have round prototypes complete with containers
within 30 days. We begin testing the static-lined round this week.
Thanks for your note.
gg
Then, I saw these two guys swoopin across the pond, and I was like 'weeeeeee!!!!'

[mountainman 0]

damn me....i'm retarded. --------------
Richmond Boogie pics...

[skybytch 273]

We've been getting calls and emails from people who work in tall buildings (and thier parents) since Sept 12th. At first I told them, nuh uh, no way, gotta have skydiving and BASE experience to buy something like that (think bad exit position, funky winds, tight landing areas and square canopy).
Then we talked to someone from Basic Research. They completed the prototype within days of the tragedy and are taking orders for a small round in a damn near dummy proof static line system. No skydiving or BASE experience needed, simply put it on, tie the s/l to anything (even a chair) and get out the window. Legs will likely break on landing, but that's better than the alternative.

Quote

The only bad thing is that this guy is probably just trying to make a buck from this catastrophy

Could it be that these companies are motivated by wanting to offer something that might save some lives instead of by profits? Why shouldn't companies that manufacture BASE equipment design and sell a system that could have helped some of the WTC jumpers survive? Aren't they the most likely people to do a good job designing and producing such a thing? And if they do, why shouldn't they make a profit on their efforts????
You don't whine about Airtec making money on the Cypres - another device who's sole intent is saving lives. People who work in tall building choose to do so, just like we choose to jump out of airplanes. If they choose to purchase an "escape system", they are doing so as insurance - just like we do when we choose to jump with a Cypres.
pull and flare,
lisa
---
Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious

[RemiAndKaren 0]

I agree Lisa... necessity is the mother of all invention, and companies like Precision, or any other for that mather of fact, are not charities.
I am sure that what is driving them is mostly a desire to help people and minimize, if not avoid, any unecessary death is a similar event... but the desire to make a buck is in there somewhere too, as it should be...
Remi
Muff 914

[mountainman 0]

Quote

Could it be that these companies are motivated by wanting to offer something that might save some lives instead of by profits? Why shouldn't companies that manufacture BASE equipment design and sell a system that could have helped some of the WTC jumpers survive? Aren't they the most likely people to do a good job designing and producing such a thing? And if they do, why shouldn't they make a profit on their efforts????

DOH!! Sorry Lisa....I guess that sounded bad. When I first read it soon after it was posted, it just sounded like someone making that up to sell to those people for some quick bucks. BUT, if they are going to train them (minimal) and send them out, than by all means...DO IT!!
I guess what I posted didnt sound right. Sorry. I do that a lot.--------------
Richmond Boogie pics...

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

Quote

I guess that it would be a good idea to have if you knew how to fly the canopy. The only bad thing is that this guy is probably just trying to make a buck from this catastrophy.

I totally disagree. The idea of a SL-deployed round BASE rig for emergency egress is right on target. Put a placard on the backpad with pictures showing the proper usage sequence and supply a set of instructions with notes on how to practice PLF's off of your office desk in your spare time; provide a five minute video with demonstrations of proper technique. Provide a snap-set for shattering windows safely. This is an absolute no-brainer and I could give a shit less if somebody is making money off of this "catastrophe" so long as it is of real benefit to the populace and they don't charge more than what "we" would pay as skydivers. I would think that $1000 would be a satisfactory price for such a rig (complete).
Chuck

[mountainman 0]

you are all right....i guess that i just forget that you cant "preplan" these things. we all learn from experience and now that if you can get these things into offices/buildings, there would be more lives saved.
Can you imagine if everyone in the WTC had one? What a site that would have been!! Thousands of people doing BASE jumps from the windows. That would have really said, "Screw you, Bin Laden!" Sorry guys...I dont always look at the big picture. --------------
Richmond Boogie pics...

[flyinryan 0]

First off: Thanks for the information, I think this is interesting. Especially after seeing the horible images of people jumping out of the WTC. Second: I hope Precision makes a lot of money off of this so when the can use that money to make really important things like the more HP canopies and such. Besides, think of all the lives that could be saved from not only terrorist attacks but other events such as high rise fires, earthquakes, and other unforseen events. Imagine if every hotel was required to have two of these in every room above the 20th floor....

[wildblue 7]

I'm not sure how good of an idea it is. I guess you need to look at how often these things could actually be used and how many lives would be saved vs. how often someone would get drunk/bored/whatever and take one for a joy ride (for the hotel scenario... and how do you keep them from being stolen, but still availible in an emergency) and how many people would get hurt or killed because a smoke alarm went off, and they put it on and jumped out the window.
I just don't see it happening. And the idea's not new. Like I said in the last post, someone came up with the idea about a hundred years ago.
Then, I saw these two guys swoopin across the pond, and I was like 'weeeeeee!!!!'

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

Quote

Imagine if every hotel was required to have two of these in every room above the 20th floor....

That is probably asking a bit much, but there are other formerly extreme-sounding that would work pretty well:
First, tube slides or "chutes" like NASA used to, and still might, use for rapid egress from rocket pad fires. jump in feet first and keep your elbows in and feet together for the ride of your life. They curve out at the bottom and you slide to a stop. This would probably end up underground in a skyscraper scenario. That is, until we start webbing buildings together for rigidity, like in sci-fi books and movies, then it could run-off horizontally, but above ground and possibly into another building. This option might get very crowded or possibly disrupted structurally if hit "just right" and you obviously wouldn't have chute entrances at every floor, less you jump in only to have someone who entered 20 floors above you smash into you at 80 mph.
Second: a slide for life cable running from the roof of your building down to the roof of another building (or a room in it). Rooms would have harness/zip-line trolleys for each occupant that one would strap on, hook onto the cable, then cruise over to the other building and safety. This cable would obviously have a maximum line capacity, but could easilly be regulated by trained volunteers. Multiple cables means your egress capacity is multiplied exponentially. There would be a zig-zag spiderweb of cables from building to building, but safety supercedes aesthetics in my book.

Both of these options would be very "doable", but I seriously doubt we will ever see either in our lifetime. That being said, if I worked in an office building high enough to BASE from, then I would definitely have a rig in my office, secured out of sight. Also, I would highly recommend the SL emergency rigs being built to every one of my coworkers. In my opinion, that is very cheap life insurance.
Lastly, none of us is in any hurry to die and none of us want to see people die horribly. Let me tell you this though: If there were NO other options and it ever came down to being burned alive or jumping, I am jumping....period. I will make my peace prior to exit.
Chuck

[wingnut 0]

Quote

I will make my peace prior to exit.

i like this....like the skydiver that's in a severly crippled plane and has no rig....gets out and makes that one last dive....... think i would probly do the same.. plus people HAVE bounced and HAVE LIVED before........

"up my noooossseee"- wingnut, at first euro dz.com boogie