Icon134 0 #1 November 1, 2004 So I had my 1st reserve ride today and figured I should post about it. My profile has my container and canopy information so I won't repeat it here. I deployed about 4k decent snivel on my main then opened briskly with some closed end cells (not unusual I can usually open them up with a few pumps of the rear risers or brakes. in this instance the left end cell persisted in staying deflated which caused a turn (that was beginning to accelerate) and brought me down to 2500k where I made the decision to cut it away (it was not a landable canopy) Everything was recovered (the main and free bag were at the end of the runway) I didn't throw my handles but stuffed them in my jumpsuit (its ok to throw them but I didn't...) Observations: 1. When I was telling people about the cutaway a lot of people felt the need to tell me that end cell closer is "common" and that "all you need to do is pump your brakes and/or risers to clear it" I know this. I've dealt with it before... but if a canopy can't be landed when I'm at decision altitude I'm going to get rid of it. 2. Have a decision altitude and stick to it. (Mine is currently set @ 2500ft) don't fight it just a little bit longer cut it away. 3. Some of my friends that haven't had cutaways yet asked me if I was scared. I wasn't mostly I was annoyed that my two week old reserve pack was being used and that I'd have to pay for the repack. (I do understand that the alternative is much worse... and my rigger will be rewarded for saving my life.) I think that's it. Questions, Comments, etc, are welcome. Scott Moved to Safety and Training since this is not a serious or unusual incident. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertmicp 0 #2 November 1, 2004 Sounds like a textbook event that you delt with. As I was taught, know your hard deck and get rid of it if you feel that you can not land it. Congrats I say!!! Glad you hear to talk about it. "Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying who shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I, send me." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverjerry 0 #3 November 1, 2004 good drills, as the pilot only you can make the choice if you make the right one, well the proof will be when your in the bar talking about it. as any instructor would tell you when in doubt get it out blue skieslife is a journey not to arrive at the grave in a pristine condition but to skid in sideways kicking and screaming, shouting "fuck me what a ride!. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dorbie 0 #4 November 2, 2004 I've been instructed (and verified in practice on several openings) that you open end cell closure by reducing the speed of the canopy by applying the brakes and holding the brakes until the canopy slows sufficiently. This reduces the pressure on the closed cells caused by the flow of air over/against them and allows them to inflate (and changes the angle of attack). It works like a charm. I'm not saying that would have fixed your problem but an experienced canopy instructor / test pilot has pointed out to me that your method of pumping brakes for end cell closure is a common misconception although the slowing it causes will get you there in the end, holding brakes gets you there faster and more consistently. Pump to bring the slider down but hold to open end cells. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #5 November 2, 2004 I'm not doubting the effectiveness of this method to open the end cells. Using the brakes to try and inflate them typically works in this instance however the left side was not inflating and I had dropped to my decision altitude on a canopy that was unlandable. Scott btw: thanks for the input... it is appreciated... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #6 November 2, 2004 Quote I'm not saying that would have fixed your problem but an experienced canopy instructor / test pilot has pointed out to me that your method of pumping brakes for end cell closure is a common misconception although the slowing it causes will get you there in the end, holding brakes gets you there faster and more consistently. Pump to bring the slider down but hold to open end cells. Anyone else comment - slow wing vs pump for closed end cells??? I was told to pump, but at the same time they recommended a flare first in the controllability check because it would kill two birds with one stone. (I just realized that saying is not the best for skydiving.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dorbie 0 #7 November 2, 2004 FWIW I realize I'm a 100 jump wonder, but this hold brakes to inflate endcells instead of pumping advice is straight from a canopy control course by a well respected touring instructor/test pilot who was coaching some very experience and highly qualified jumpers (and meThe USPA SIM also gives the same advice (without the technical explanation of why it works). The alternate is to hold (not pump) the back risers to slow the canopy. You can find it in the Emergency Procedure Review on page 40 of the 2005 SIM. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertmicp 0 #8 November 2, 2004 QuoteI had dropped to my decision altitude on a canopy that was unlandable. And isnt that the bottom line here? I have limited jumps, but I know when Im at my hard deck and I cannot land it, the choice is made for me....get rid of it, period !! Once again, Great heads up !! jmho "Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying who shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I, send me." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
